Chapter Eight
Sean
As soon as I’d stepped out on the porch looking for Winter, I’d heard her yelp.
Her mom told me she was outside getting more firewood, so I came to see if she’d like me to take over for her or to at least help.
I don’t mind being out here; I’m used to the cold.
I like it, even, I’d have to, or being a hockey player would be a hard pill to swallow since I’m always out on the ice.
Fire blazes in Winter’s eyes, the only warning I get that she’s about to argue with me.
I can’t help being concerned. When I heard her voice in pain, my entire body felt like it was ready to burst if I didn’t get to her, and it wasn’t in a good way.
I leapt off the porch, ready to launch into a full sprint to find her, but luckily, she was right on the side of the house.
I panicked at the thought of her being hurt, and it may not have been my finest moment to overreact, but I can’t help it.
With everything going on in her life right now, I’m feeling overly protective and worried about her.
Or, at least that’s what I silently tell myself to make my actions all seem rational.
“It’s not a big deal, it’s a scratch.” She mutters again, while bending down and turning the log over a few times before standing back up.
“See? No metal. Just a piece of wood that managed to cut me when I tripped.” She shoots the wood a scowl, her irritation making me want to grin, but I hold it back.
I know it’d only piss her off further, and I’m trying to keep the stress off her, not add more.
She’s like a little bear, cute and cuddly, but if you test her, she’ll let you know in a heartbeat.
“You should have your mom look at it. I can finish getting the wood for inside.”
“I’ll help, I said I’m okay.”
My brow furrows at her continuing to be stubborn.
When she stares me down in protest, I decide I’ve finally had enough of her spice over this.
I won’t let her hurt herself anymore when I’m perfectly capable of handling the wood myself.
She’s apparently forgotten I’ve got a good foot on her and can take this in another direction, which I obviously am going to have to do with her fighting me on getting her beautiful butt back inside.
“Woman,” it leaves me on a growl. Her mouth drops in surprise as red licks up her neck, and I know it’s not from the chilly air.
She’s got a rosy nose already from that.
“If you don’t get that gorgeous behind back in the house and wash that cut to keep it from getting infected, I’m going to toss you over my shoulder and take you there myself. ”
A shocked squeak sound leaves her, then she’s stomping off toward the front porch.
It’s the first time today I feel my lips pull into a wide smile.
It’s not every day I get to knock Winter off kilter, and I intend to enjoy every moment of it.
It’s only fair since each time I’m around her, I feel like I’m in a daze with butterflies swarming around inside my stomach.
The next time we’re in the same room together is when we’ve all sat down for turkey dinner.
The house smells absolutely heavenly, with all the food that’s been prepared, along with a few small candles burning.
I’d bet they’re the same candles Winter made from last year’s festival that Mom gushed over repeatedly.
I had back-to-back games, so I was too busy traveling with the team and couldn’t make it home.
Mom was quick to fill me in on everything I missed, and I ended up flying her to my place for a couple of days.
She stayed with me for Christmas Eve, Christmas, and the day after, but then it was back to work for me.
The team got lucky this year with a lighter schedule right around the holidays, though I doubt it’ll be the case next year as well.
Winter fidgets beside me once we’re finished saying grace, drawing my attention to her once more.
It took everything in me earlier not to lean in and kiss her when she was against the wall.
She’s never looked more enticing than in that moment, but I somehow managed to refrain.
Then there was the incident outside with her huffing and puffing over me, telling her to come back inside, and Lord help me, but I wanted to toss her over my shoulder and show her just how strong and capable I truly am.
One of these days, I’m not going to have enough willpower to stop myself from leaning in and tasting the gloss she has on her lips.
I have a feeling that’ll be the same day my life changes for good, because there’s no way I’d ever be able to give her up again.
“How’s the cut?” I ask right off the bat, hoping she had the sense to show it to her mom.
She grabs the mashed potatoes, plopping down a large dollop with more force than necessary while shooting me a half-glower.
I’m guessing she hasn’t mentioned it, and now that she’s been called out, she’s silently telling me to keep my mouth shut.
Too bad for her, because there’s no such luck.
Nope, I fully intend on taking advantage of this dinner with her parents and grandparents present.
For starters, I don’t want the old man thinking he can scare me away from Winter like he did the last time.
I was determined not to take anything from her future, but that time’s over now.
She’s had her chance at going to college and doing whatever else she may’ve wanted to experience young.
Now, however, she’s fair game as far as I’m concerned.
“Fine, thanks for asking. It was nothing serious, like I said.” She grumbles, passing me the bowl of potatoes. I add some to my plate as her mother zeroes in on her.
“What cut?”
Winter holds her palm up, and I notice two neat little butterfly bandages helping hold the now clean cut together. “I took care of it.”
Her mom beams, “You did a good job.”
I use it as an in to my original plan from the coffee shop.
“I guess this means you’ll need my help even more, now.
I’m so glad I have more time off this season to help out.
We’ll figure out all the festival stuff we need to do together, Winter.
Don’t worry, I’ll keep my word and help.
” I say, offering her a tender glance, then flash a happy smile around the table.
Her parents and my mother instantly seem intrigued.
Her grandmother smirks, a twinkle shining in her gaze.
Her grandfather, however, furrows his brow as his lips turn down.
I don’t know why this guy doesn’t seem to be my biggest fan, but something has to give.
I literally did what he asked me to; should I have done the opposite?
Been stubborn and selfish and demanded he stay out of mine and Winter’s business so she’d follow me to college like I’d originally hoped she would?
We’ve passed all of that now. We’re adults with careers and homes, so there shouldn’t be an issue with me courting his granddaughter.
“What are you talking about?” She practically hisses, her hand in front of her mouth as if the entire table can’t hear her.
Just an FYI, we can all clearly hear her.
My gaze finds hers, and it takes all the strength I can muster not to get lost in her eyes and let her have her way with this.
She’s stressed enough, so I’m going to help her as much as I can.
Even if I have to resort to using her family for help.
“You know. Our discussion we had yesterday at the coffee shop.”
Her eyes flare in panic, and I don’t miss her hands clenching under the table.
She probably wants to pile drive me to the ground right about now, but this is a family holiday, so I’m safe.
Rotten of me to use it to my advantage? Probably, but who can blame a guy for finding an ‘in’ with the one who got away?
“You were saying how you’re getting a late start on the Noel Falls Christmas festival, and I promised I’d help with everything when I’m in town. Remember?”
She releases a tense breath, her shoulders dropping a bit. Did she think I was going to mention the money issues with her account? I promised her I wouldn’t, and despite what she may be thinking right now, I keep my promises.
“Oh, right. Uh, I’m sure you're busy. It’s fine, I’ve got it.” She responds with a glance around the table and a fake smile, covering up her brief moment of panic from before.
“I don’t mind, truly. I’ll help with whatever you need me to here on the farm, and also with the festival.
Even putting the lights up on the porch or wherever, just like we already discussed during our coffee date.
” I’m stretching the truth by a lot, but it is what it is at this point.
Surely fibbing a little doesn’t count against me when it’s for a good cause to help someone who needs it, right?
Her father, David, perks up. “Honey, you didn’t tell us you’d had a coffee date and found someone to help.” He trains his attention on me next, “Thanks, Sean. We all appreciate your help around here, seriously. I was worried Winter would have her hands full with everything, so this is a relief.”
Brenda nods along, “Yep, just the farm animals alone can be overwhelming. It’s a good thing you’re going to be helping her out.” She beams, and I don’t miss the grumbling from the feisty woman beside me.
Gram Verna claps with delight. “And, now she’ll have someone to help her prepare all the special homemade farm creations we’ve been making in our family for years. We’ve been long overdue to add a new person to the bunch.”
Pop Frank sputters a bit at his wife’s words, “Now, hold on a minute. You want to share our family recipes? But then they won’t be the family’s.”
Gram Verna slugs him in the arm, “Hush up, you old fool. Sean Spruce is a pillar of the community. If there’s any young man we can trust around here, it’s certainly him.”