Chapter 21

CHAPTER 21

G emma’s heart fluttered as she reached for the small package she’d hidden behind her back. The wrapping paper sparkled in the warm light, each fold meticulously creased just so.

“I have something for you too,” she said, offering the box to Yede when he and Liam returned.

His eyes widened as he took the gift, his massive hands dwarfing the delicate package. He carefully removed the paper, revealing a plain wooden box beneath. The lid opened with a slight creak, revealing the contents nestled within.

She watched his face, anxious for his reaction. The wooden figurine she’d crafted seemed small and crude compared to his exquisite workmanship. But when he lifted the carved figure from the box, he looked thunderstruck.

“It’s us,” he said softly, carefully turning the figurine over in his hands.

“Yes.”

She’d based it on the picture Liam had drawn of the moment when they met—of Yede bending over and protecting them from the storm. She’d spent hours on each detail—the shape of their bodies, the expressions on their faces, even the tiny hands of the figures, each one clasping the others.

“I’m not nearly as skilled as you are,” she added nervously. “But I wanted to make something special to show where our family began.”

“It’s perfect,” he whispered. He pulled her into his arms, the figurine still cradled carefully in his palm. “Thank you.”

She leaned against him, letting his warmth and strength envelop her. His hand stroked her back in slow circles, each touch soothing and comforting. Liam curled up beside them, momentarily at rest, the mechanical dog clutched in his arms.

All three of them worked on the midday feast, the sturdy table almost groaning under the weight of the food, and afterwards they lingered around the table laughing and talking.

Once they’d recovered from the meal, Liam invented an elaborate game involving hopping between “safe zones” he’d created from cushions scattered across the floor.

“No, no—you have to spin three times first!” he insisted, demonstrating with dizzying enthusiasm.

“Like this?”

Yede attempted to follow the ever-changing rules, his big body turning carefully between the cushions while Liam giggled uncontrollably.

She joined in as well, letting Liam’s infectious energy sweep her along. Her sides ached from laughing as she watched Yede try to squeeze himself onto a tiny cushion, his expression of mock concentration setting Liam off into fresh peals of laughter.

Outside the snow began to fall again in thick, lazy flakes, coating the mountain in pristine white. The setting sun painted the clouds in soft pinks and purples, creating a dreamlike backdrop to their celebration. Inside their warm haven, the rest of the world felt distant and unimportant—all that mattered was the joy they shared together.

Late that night—after they’d finally managed to get Liam to sleep—they cuddled in front of the fire, idly watching the flames. Contentment filled her, but as she stared into the fire other faces appeared in her mind—Curtis with his chronic cough, Sarah with her mangled leg. She’d been running her fingers lightly through Yede’s fur and her hand stilled on his arm as the memories swept over her.

“What’s wrong?” he asked softly.

“I keep thinking about the others at the mine.” She shifted to look up at him. “Even without Garth I bet they’re still trapped there.”

He nodded slowly. “I’ve been thinking about that as well.”

“You have?”

“Yes. I think we should report the mine’s conditions to the authorities.” The firelight reflected in his eyes as he gazed down at her. “I suspect that’s why Garth came after you. He knew you could expose everything.”

She sat up straighter, her pulse quickening. “You’d help me do that?”

“Of course.” He brushed a strand of hair from her face. “Those people deserve justice, and you’re brave enough to make it happen.”

His support thrilled her, but it suddenly occurred to her that reporting the mine might not be the best option.

She frowned, absently tracing her fingers along his arm again as she considered the matter. While exposing Garth’s cruelty felt right, her stomach twisted at the thought of the aftermath.

“But what about the workers?” The faces of the other workers flashed through her mind again—their hollow cheeks and tired eyes. “Most of them are like I was—desperate for any work they could find. Trying to support themselves and their families.”

She remembered those endless days of struggle, the gnawing fear each time she opened their dwindling pantry. The shame of having to choose between buying food or medicine when Liam caught that winter cough. That desperation had driven her straight into Garth’s trap.

“If the mine shuts down completely…” She shook her head, unable to finish the thought.

He hummed thoughtfully, then smiled at her.

“The mine is technically part of my mountain,” he said, his eyes gleaming. “What if I took over operating the mine? I could ensure fair wages and proper safety measures.”

She sat up straighter, studying his face.

“You’d do that? It would mean revealing yourself to people.”

He shrugged.

“As you said, the guard that escaped has probably already told everyone—although I’m sure the tale grew in the telling. Better to let them know the reality than have them listen to rumors and horror stories. Most importantly, those people deserve honest work, not exploitation.”

Running the mine fairly would give those desperate workers a real chance—the kind of opportunity she’d originally hoped for when she arrived.

“That would change everything,” she said, squeezing his hand. “We could help so many families.”

“Then as soon as this storm passes, we’ll go back.”

“If the guards Garth left behind are still there, they might resist the change. They’re used to having power over everyone.”

His answering grin held a predatory edge that sent a shiver down her spine—not of fear, but of appreciation for his strength. She remembered how easily he’d handled Garth and his armed men, how swift and decisive his movements had been.

“I’m not concerned about them,” he said, and she believed him completely.

The firelight caught the silver of his eyes, turning them molten. This remarkable male had not only saved her and Liam, he was now willing to help an entire community. She leaned in and kissed him, pouring all her gratitude and passion into the contact.

When they broke apart, she stood and tugged his hand.

“Come to bed,” she whispered.

There was no desperate urgency this time. Their bodies came together slowly, perfectly, like two pieces of a whole finally united. Every movement spoke of trust and connection, building a rhythm that left them both breathless. Wrapped in his arms, surrounded by his warmth, she’d never felt more complete. This wasn’t just physical pleasure—it was a celebration of everything they’d become to each other.

Who would have believed that her desperate flight through the storm would lead her to this incredible new life and this unexpected love? But as he held her close, she knew this was exactly where she was meant to be.