Chapter 13

CHAPTER 13

G emma drifted into consciousness, enveloped in a cocoon of warmth. Her eyes opened to find Yede’s massive arm wrapped around both her and Liam, his white fur tickling her skin. The weight and heat of his body pressed against her back sent tingles down her spine. She hadn’t really expected him to stay the night but it was a good sign that he had remained with them all night.

Unwilling to disturb Liam, she hadn’t given him the opportunity to do more than murmur an apology the night before. Today they would have to talk—talk and perhaps more, she thought with a smile.

She tilted her head to peek down at Liam. Her son’s face glowed with contentment, his hair tousled against the pillow. No trace remained of the haunted look he’d worn at the mining camp. Here, wrapped in Yede’s protective embrace, he finally looked like the carefree child he deserved to be.

The wind dropped long enough to let sunlight catch the crystalline patterns of frost on the glass, scattering tiny rainbows across the room. Outside, fresh snow blanketed the mountain in pristine white.

Just a short time ago, she’d been desperate and terrified, fleeing through a blizzard with only her son and her determination. Now she felt truly safe for the first time in years.

A smile curved her lips as she nestled deeper into Yede’s embrace, savoring the moment. His arm tightened instinctively around her and Liam, drawing them closer. The simple gesture filled her with happiness—even though she wasn’t sure he’d completely managed to overcome his fears.

The peace didn’t last long. Liam stirred next to her, stretching, and she winced as an elbow caught her in the stomach. His eyes blinked open, unfocused at first, then widening as he spotted Yede’s massive form behind her.

“Yede!”

His excited squeal pierced the quiet before she could stop him. She tried to hush him but his enthusiasm couldn’t be contained, and Yede laughed from behind her.

“Good morning, little one.”

His voice vibrated through her body where they touched, unexpectedly intimate, and she felt the heat flooding her cheeks. His arm still rested heavily across her waist, showing no signs of retreating despite Liam’s boisterous awakening. The thought pleased her immensely.

“Good morning,” she murmured, twisting her head to meet his gaze.

“Good morning to you, too.”

His breath was warm on her ear and a delicious shiver ran through her body. Liam, thankfully, was too focused on his plans to notice the sudden heat between them.

“Are we going to make more ornaments today?” he asked, bouncing in excitement. “Can I make a snowflake? Or a tree?”

“We’ll see,” she said. “But first, breakfast.”

Liam bounced out of bed, already chattering about his plans for the day. She smiled at Yede and slipped out of bed. He followed her. He didn’t say anything but he brushed his hand across her face and the warmth in his eyes took her breath away.

“I’ll start breakfast,” he said, his voice low and intimate.

By the time she had Liam washed and dressed, Yede was already measuring ingredients into a mixing bowl. His fur brushed against her arm when she went to join him, sending tingles through her skin.

“Can I help?” Liam bounced on his toes next to the table, practically vibrating with excitement.

She lifted him onto the bench. “You can stir. Gently. No more flour explosions.”

He nodded solemnly as he bent over the mixing bowl, his tongue stuck out in concentration and they shared an amused look over his head. The kitchen filled with warmth and the sweet scent of cooking batter.

As she handed him the plates to put on the table, their fingers lingered together longer than necessary. His touch sent sparks through her that had nothing to do with the hot griddle.

When they finally sat down, Liam immediately drowned his stack in syrup and took a huge bite, smearing syrup over most of his face.

“These are the best pancakes ever!”

“You’re supposed to eat them, not wear them,” she teased, ruffling his hair.

“I suspect another bath may be in order,” Yede said solemnly and Liam grinned cheerfully.

“It’ll be worth it.”

It all felt so right that it was easy to imagine this was their new life. Breakfast together, laughter and love filling the house. She glanced at Yede, wondering if he felt the same. He was looking at her, the same warmth in his eyes.

But when they finished, he rose from his chair as he always did, his big body casting a shadow across their breakfast dishes. She wanted to pull him back down beside them, but she curled her fingers into her palms instead.

He collected their plates slowly, as if he too wanted to draw out their time together.

Liam’s face fell. “Do you have to go?”

“I do.” His expression softened as he looked at her son. “But I’ll see you both later, okay? Time for some lessons!”

She nodded, trying not to worry as he walked away. He isn’t running away , she told herself. He still has work to do. She pushed back from the table and went to get Liam’s workbooks rather than watching him disappear down the corridor as he had so many times before. The morning felt incomplete somehow, like a song cut short before its final note.

“Can’t we make ornaments with Yede?” Liam asked, his lower lip jutting out.

“He has work to do, baby.” She ruffled his hair, trying to ignore how empty the kitchen felt without Yede’s presence. Their cozy breakfast might be over, but its sweetness lingered like honey on her tongue. “Let’s practice your letters this morning and then we can make ornaments this afternoon.”

Liam sighed but bent over his workbook. They worked together for an hour and then she left him coloring and padded quietly down the hall towards the workshop. Just to make sure he’s okay.

As she passed his office she heard a muffled thump from inside and peered through the open doorway. Her breath caught in her throat. The room was in the process of being transformed. His desk had been pushed beneath the shelves on one wall, leaving room for a sturdy wooden bed frame on the other side. His equipment had been removed from the shelves, leaving room for some of Liam’s favorite drawings and toys.

He looked up from where he was adjusting one of the bed legs. His eyes met hers, a hint of uncertainty in their depths.

“I thought…” He cleared his throat. “The boy should have his own space. Something that’s his.”

She went to join him, running her fingers along the smooth wooden frame. “You made this?”

“Yes” He stood, brushing dust from his knees. “It’s big enough for two, if you want to stay with him, but…” His voice dropped lower, rougher. “I hoped you might share my bed instead.”