Page 46 of Snowed in with the Grump

Ava’s eyes glisten. “The cabin, the snow—this is all temporary. But you and me?”

Her hand comes to rest over my hammering heart. “We’re forever,” she whispers.

I crush Ava to me in a fierce embrace, blinking back tears. She clings to me just as tightly, face buried against my chest.

“Forever,” I echo hoarsely, the single word both a solemn oath.

We stand wrapped in each other for long moments until slowly I notice Ava’s shoulders are shaking.

Alarmed, I tilt her chin up, thinking she’s crying. Her radiant smile takes my breath away.

“What’s so funny?” I ask, unable to keep from smiling too.

Ava’s laugh is crystalline and bright. “I never imagined you’d be a romantic sap.”

“Don’t tell anyone. I have to maintain my manly reputation.”

She answers with an impish smile. “Your secret’s safe with me, Mr. Not-So-Grumpy-Pants.”

Ava’s love wraps around me like a healing balm. She doesn’t try to fix me. She simply accepts me, flaws and all. And I know at that moment, without a doubt—my heart is safe in her hands.

Ava rises on tiptoe to press a sweet kiss to my lips. “I love you,” she murmurs.

I cup her face with exquisite tenderness. My lips find hers in a kiss as raw and honest as our conversation.

When we finally break apart, I rest my forehead against hers, our racing hearts aligned. “I love you too,” I whisper. “Forever and always.”

This moment will go down in history as my favorite moment because this is when I stop running and start living.

Ava

I have never felt as connected to anyone as I do to Carter. He has generously opened his heart and home, inviting me to stay. It’s what I want too—like a dream come true.

He takes my hand, his calloused fingers intertwining with mine. His thumb caresses my skin, sending tingles down my arm.

“So soft. So delicate.” He gives a wry smile while looking at his hands. “Unlike mine.”

Carter's quiet acceptance of his injury reveals a strength that draws me in. Without thinking, I lift his hand to my lips, pressing a feather-light kiss to his warm, rough knuckles.

“I love your hands,” I murmur. “I love their strength and their gentleness.”

I love this incredible man who bravely confronts his demons. It’s time to face mine.

“What about Sarah? I need to make peace with her,” I say, the joyful reunion with Carter now tempered by the rift with my best friend.

Carter's expression darkens. “You're a brave woman, Ava. I'm still furious at the way my sister treated you.”

I shake my head, playing absently with a loose thread on his shirt. “She's your family. And I love your family. I always have.”

Carter looks down at me curiously. “Yeah?”

I peek up at him through my lashes. “I was an only child with older parents who were set in their ways. I was pretty lonely a lot of the time.”

Carter's arms tighten around me protectively. “They can be your family, too. I'm happy to share.”

Hope blooms in my chest. “Really? You don't mind?”

He pulls me tighter against him, enveloping me in his strong embrace, and presses a kiss to the top of my head.

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