Chapter 8
Ryder
Nikki said yes.
She actually said yes.
I’m still trying to process the fact that she’s here, in my cabin, looking at me like I hung the damn stars.
And then she went and agreed to marry me—with a tinsel ring on her finger—like I’m not half-feral and terrible at emotions.
Like this is normal. Like we’re normal.
She’s curled up in one of the recliners, legs tucked under her, hair spilling over her shoulder as she watches the firelight flicker across the ornaments we hung.
There’s this softness in her eyes I can’t stop looking at.
Hell.
I’m smiling.
Me.
Grumpy, quiet, keep-the-world-at-arm’s-length Ryder.
And all it took was one woman to walk into my life and turn it upside down.
I almost forget Sandra showed up. Almost.
But Nikki’s still here. She didn’t run. Didn’t flinch when my past knocked on the door.
She stood there, took every cruel word, and still chose to say yes.
My chest tightens. I won’t forget that. Not ever.
A low grumble breaks the silence.
Nikki presses a hand to her stomach, cheeks flushing.
"Sorry. That was me."
I chuckle and push out of the other recliner.
"I promised you steak, didn’t I?"
She nods, grinning. "You did. And after that emotional ambush, I’m starving."
In the kitchen, I pull out the steaks I’d started prepping before Sandra knocked and tried to wreck Christmas all over again.
I toss two potatoes into the oven and fire up the pan.
Nikki pads over, leaning across the counter, chin in hand.
"Need help?"
I glance at her. "Sit. You’ve done enough."
She huffs but pulls out a chair at the small kitchen table, tucking her legs under her like she’s already home.
She watches me with that soft, content little smile that does dangerous things to my chest.
When the steaks are ready, I plate them with the baked potatoes and set the dishes down. She digs in without hesitation.
The second she takes a bite, she moans.
Low, soft, and way too sinful for a damn steak.
Something tightens low in my gut.
I raise an eyebrow. "That good?"
She closes her eyes like she’s savoring it.
"You have no idea. I might actually marry you for the steak alone."
I snort. "Not the worst proposal I’ve had today."
She grins and takes another bite. "Seriously, it’s unfair. You chop wood, build furniture, and cook like this?"
"Don’t forget grumpy," I mutter.
"Grumpy and armed with a cast-iron skillet? Deadliest combo out there."
We fall into an easy rhythm. Passing butter, trading bites, stealing looks like we haven’t already spent the last twenty-four hours breaking down every wall between us.
It’s quiet. Warm.
Feels like home.
Like this was always supposed to be it.
My phone buzzes on the counter.
I frown. No one calls me on Christmas. Not anymore.
Nikki quirks a brow. "You gonna get that?"
I wipe my hands and grab the phone.
Evan. Of course.
I answer with a grunt.
"Merry Christmas to you too, sunshine," my brother’s voice comes through, too loud, too cheerful.
"It’s quiet. Don’t ruin it."
"What are you doing?" he asks, annoyingly chipper.
"Eating steak."
He laughs. "Oh really? So… is she still there? The woman who rented your cabin?"
My jaw tightens. I lean back in my chair.
"You set that up."
"Guilty," he says, no shame at all. "You needed a little push."
"You listed my cabin on a rental site?"
"Technically, I added it a few days ago. Set it to one guest only. And yeah… women only. Just in case."
I let out a low growl. "You manipulative bastard."
"And yet… here you are. Not alone. You’re welcome."
Nikki glances over, clearly eavesdropping.
I mouth later.
"You should be arrested for matchmaking without consent."
Evan snorts. "You cooked steak for someone who isn’t me. That’s how I know it worked. Besides, if you hadn’t liked her, you’d have been a gentleman and just put her on the next bus. No harm done."
Damn, he’s right.
I pause, then say it.
"We’re getting married."
Silence. Then, "Wait. Hold up—married?"
"You heard me."
He laughs again, full volume. "Holy crap. She’s something else. Didn’t think you’d move that fast, but damn, I’m proud of you."
"You’re best man," I add. "And transfer her rental payment back. All of it."
"Seriously? No tip for your genius brother?"
"Evan."
"Alright, alright. Money’s going back. But you owe me. Big time. I better get to meet this future sister-in-law soon."
"You will."
He softens. "I’m happy for you, man. Honestly. You deserve this. And if she said yes knowing how grumpy you are before coffee, then yeah… she’s a keeper."
I hang up before he can get more sentimental.
When I look up, Nikki’s already standing there, arms crossed, giving me the squint.
"Don’t tell me your brother set this up."
I sigh. "Didn’t know until now. I swear."
She leans closer, one brow raised. "So I was part of some mountain matchmaking experiment?"
"Apparently."
"And you didn’t even screen me first?"
"Wouldn’t have mattered."
She plants both hands on my chest. "You really mean that, don’t you?"
"Every damn word."
She steps in and kisses me. Slow, sure, like we’ve got all the time in the world.
And maybe we do.
Because this? This is the start of forever.