Chapter 10

TEN

Huxley

Five Years Later…

Snow blankets the rolling hills of Wolf Valley, turning the town into a cozy postcard scene, and our house glows with warm light against the night. The party is in full swing, our house bustling with voices and laughter as we celebrate the coming New Year with our closest friends and family. Somewhere in the chaos, Kip is telling a story so dramatically I can hear the kids shrieking with laughter from here. Ginger shoots me a knowing smile, and I stifle a laugh as Kip continues his wild tale. It's good to see him and Ginger so happy and to know that all of us, the “found family” we built, are together to welcome another year.

“Alright, everyone!” Olive Baker’s voice calls out as she swoops into the room, her hands full of drinks she’s trying not to spill. “Who’s ready for a toast?”

Everyone cheers, the excitement contagious as we start to gather in the main room. I feel Huxley’s hand at the small of my back, pulling me close. He’s wearing the sweater I bought him last Christmas—a dark, forest green that matches his eyes—and even after all this time, I still get butterflies just looking at him.

“Happy New Year,” he murmurs into my ear, his voice warm as he squeezes me a little closer.

“Almost,” I whisper back, smiling up at him. “But I’m not complaining about the early start.”

I feel a rush of love and gratitude for this man who’s been my partner through all of it—the laughter, the challenges, the quiet moments when it’s just us, side by side, sharing a look or a touch that says everything we don’t need words for.

As everyone gathers around, Huxley lifts his glass, and the room falls quiet. I glance up at him, surprised he’s the one taking the lead, but he just smiles down at me, giving me a gentle wink.

“Alright, everyone,” he begins, his voice deep and warm. “It’s been another good year, and having all of you here with us means more than you know. Let’s raise a glass to family, to friends, and to all the memories we’ve made and have yet to make.” He pauses, and I can see the hint of emotion in his eyes. “Here’s to many more years of laughter, love, and unforgettable moments.”

Everyone cheers and clinks glasses, and I feel myself tearing up a little as Huxley pulls me in for a quick kiss. I glance around the room, taking in the faces of all the people who mean so much to us, feeling that familiar warmth of Wolf Valley.

As the festivities continue, people start to spread out. Kip and Ginger join us, drinks in hand, and Kip grins at Huxley.

“Nice speech, man,” Kip says, clapping Huxley on the shoulder. “Never thought I’d see the day you’d take the lead at a party.”

“New year, new me,” Huxley deadpans, and we all laugh. He may have loosened up over the years, but there’s still that dry humor I love so much.

“Speaking of new,” Ginger chimes in, looking a little too innocent, “have you two made any New Year’s resolutions yet?”

I raise an eyebrow, glancing at Huxley, and he shrugs. “Cora usually makes the resolutions,” he says with a teasing smile, “but I think mine is just to keep doing exactly what I’m doing.”

“Oh, smooth,” I tease, nudging him. “But that was your resolution last year.”

He grins and pulls me closer, wrapping an arm around me. “Well, it worked out well last year.”

“Hey!” calls Olive from across the room, interrupting us. “Who’s up for a game of Wolf Valley trivia?”

At the mention of trivia, everyone cheers. Olive and Ryder always come up with the best questions, and it’s become a yearly tradition, one that brings out everyone’s competitive side. I can see Huxley rolling his eyes a little, but he’s smiling too.

“Alright,” I say, tugging Huxley toward the living room where the trivia is set up. “Think we’re ready to win this year?”

“Only because I have you on my team,” he replies, and I can’t help but smile.

We settle in, Huxley leaning back against the couch with me by his side, and Ginger sits beside me with Kip on her other side. Olive and Ryder are hosting, and they start the questions with a round of “Wolf Valley history.”

“Alright, first question!” Ryder announces. “What year was the town’s first general store built?”

Huxley raises an eyebrow at me, his mouth twitching into a grin. “This one’s all you, trivia queen.”

“1894,” I answer confidently, and Ryder gives me a proud nod as he marks our team down for a point.

The trivia goes on, and even Huxley gets into it, throwing out a few answers and muttering jokes under his breath. It’s one of those moments that feels timeless, like I could stay here forever, surrounded by people I love, the warmth of the fire crackling, the gentle hum of voices filling the air. When the trivia finally wraps up, Olive announces that our team has won, and Huxley leans over to kiss me on the cheek.

“Nice job, trivia queen,” he says, his eyes shining with admiration.

Later, as the clock inches closer to midnight, Huxley and I slip away from the crowd for a few minutes. We find a quiet corner on the back porch, watching the snow fall outside. The night is quiet, with only the soft murmur of music and laughter from the party inside.

Huxley pulls me into his arms, his embrace warm against the chill of the night. “I can’t believe it’s already another year,” he murmurs, his breath warm against my cheek. “Feels like yesterday we were just starting this whole adventure.”

I smile up at him, feeling a familiar flutter of affection. “Time flies when you’re having fun,” I tease, and he laughs, his deep, rich chuckle filling the silence.

He looks down at me, his expression softening. “Cora,” he says quietly, his eyes full of emotion, “I know I don’t say it enough, but I love you. Every day, more than the day before. Even on the days when I don’t say it, or when I’m too busy to show it, just know that I do.”

Tears prick at my eyes, and I reach up to touch his cheek, my thumb brushing over the familiar lines that have deepened over the years. “I love you too, Huxley. Every single day.”

He leans down, pressing a gentle kiss to my forehead, and I close my eyes, savoring the warmth of his touch. It’s moments like this that make everything worthwhile—the quiet, tender moments when it’s just us, wrapped in each other’s arms, sharing a love that’s only grown stronger over the years.

“Do you think they’re going to come looking for us?” he asks, his voice soft with a hint of amusement.

I laugh, glancing over my shoulder at the party inside. “Probably. But let’s stay out here a little longer.”

He nods, pulling me closer, and we stand there together, watching the snowfall in the quiet of the night. The town of Wolf Valley stretches out before us, the lights twinkling in the distance, and I feel a sense of peace settle over me.

After a few more minutes, we hear the sounds of cheering from inside as the countdown to midnight begins, and Huxley and I smile at each other, caught up in the excitement of the moment. We slip back inside just as the countdown hits ten, joining our friends and family in the chorus of voices counting down the last seconds of the year.

“Three… two… one… Happy New Year!”

The room erupts in cheers, and I turn to Huxley, wrapping my arms around his neck as he pulls me in for a kiss. It’s a kiss full of promises, of love, and of all the things we’ve shared and have yet to share. Around us, our friends and family cheer and laugh, the sound filling the room as we celebrate the start of a new year.

As we pull back, I catch Huxley’s gaze, his eyes soft and full of love. “Happy New Year, Cora,” he murmurs, his voice warm and filled with affection.

“Happy New Year, Huxley,” I reply, feeling a swell of happiness.

We spend the rest of the night dancing, laughing, and celebrating with the people we love. And as the first light of dawn begins to peek over the horizon, Huxley and I find ourselves alone once more, standing on the porch as the party winds down inside.

“Another year,” he murmurs, his arm around my shoulders as we watch the sunrise.

“Another year,” I agree, leaning into him. “And I wouldn’t want to spend it with anyone else.”

He smiles down at me, his eyes shining with love. “Neither would I, Cora.”

And as the sun rises over Wolf Valley, casting a warm, golden light over the town, I know that whatever the future holds, we’ll face it together, just as we always have. Because with Huxley by my side, every year feels like the best year yet.

* * *

Want more of Cora and Huxley? Then be sure to check out this bonus scene set twenty-five years in the future!

Looking for Noelle and Ansel’s story? Then check out Keeping Noelle today!

Love Wolf Valley? Check out the Wolf Valley: Grumps series!