Page 48 of Snowed in with the Grump

Sarah lets out a watery laugh and hugs me tighter. “You're already family.”

Over her shoulder, Carter is hovering in the doorway. “My two favorite girls. It's like a dream come true.”

When I wave him over, he comes immediately, looking between us, his smile impossibly tender, before wrapping us in his embrace.

When we break the group hug, Carter says, “I think it's time we tell the others.”

Sarah smiles knowingly. “You have my blessing.”

I let out a nervous laugh, my cheeks growing hot. “It means so much to hear you say that.”

Sarah offers a warm smile. “If you'll excuse me. I'll give you lovebirds some privacy.”

Carter captures my lips, drawing me into a fierce, loving kiss. I’m vaguely aware when Sarah leaves the room, the rustle of fabric the only sign.

I melt into him, my worries vanishing like snowflakes on a warm day. He hugs me tightly, his chest rising and falling beneath my cheek.

We break apart, but our smiles remain, widening as we walk hand-in-hand to the living room. Carter clears his throat and pulls me close.

“Guys,” Carter announces, his grip on my hand reassuring. “Ava and I have exciting news.”

Carter gives everyone a brief rundown of events. When he finishes, Sarah jumps from her seat and wraps us in a bear hug. “Congratulations!”

The rest of the group joins in, offering their well-wishes with warm embraces. Ivy brings out a bottle of champagne and sets it on the table with glasses.

“Here's to new beginnings!” Matt exclaims, raising his glass high. We all follow suit, clinking our glasses together in a celebratory toast.

With a mischievous grin, I tug Carter's hand.

“Look up,” I say, my voice bubbly with anticipation.

His eyes follow mine, and he chuckles when he spots the sprig of mistletoe hanging from a red ribbon above us.

“Well, would you look at that,” he murmurs, a playful smile tugging at his lips.

“Come on,” I urge playfully, pulling him along as I crane my neck to keep the mistletoe, with its tiny white berries sparkling in my sight. “It's tradition.”

Carter shakes his head with a laugh. “Would be a shame to break it.”

He snakes an arm around my waist, his warm palm pressing against my lower back.

We inch closer, drawn like magnets. I loop my arms around his neck, lifting myself onto my toes.

Carter and I share a soft, lingering kiss—marking our new beginning as the snow falls silently outside.

CHAPTER16

EPILOGUE - AVA

Five years have passed since Carter and I first reunited here. Now husband and wife, with an energetic three-year-old daughter, this cabin is our forever home.

We host the extended family every Christmas for noisy, chaotic holiday celebrations. It's raucous and fun but tiring. The strain of hosting so many people is building as the days wear on, but I wouldn't trade our traditions for anything.

The aroma of gingerbread fills the kitchen as I pull a tray of cookies from the oven. Taking a deep breath, I try to relax my tense shoulders.

The spicy scent soothes my frazzled nerves. I slide the hot and gooey treats onto the cooling rack, resisting the urge to sneak one.

Sarah breezes in, ponytail swinging. Since Carter and I reunited, she and I have only grown closer. She's the sister I never had. Now, we share this wonderful extended family.

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