Chapter 28 Annie
Annie
The town square glowed with strings of white lights, the air sharp with winter chill and the faint scent of hot cocoa drifting from the vendor tents that lined the street.
Music played softly over the speakers, the kind that felt festive and hopeful all at once.
It had been years since I’d let myself enjoy New Year’s Eve like this—surrounded by people, lost in celebration.
Ruby was perched high in Ollie’s arms, her sparkly silver headband slipping slightly as she rested her head on his shoulder.
My brother—forever the protective sheriff, uniform crisp even when he didn’t have to wear it—looked entirely at peace holding her, his arm wrapped around her securely as she giggled at something he whispered.
I stood just a few steps away, my hand wrapped warmly in Brooks’.
My gaze slipped up to the glowing clock mounted over the courthouse. Five minutes to midnight.
The crowd buzzed with anticipation, laughter spilling into the cold night air. I should have been exhausted—the holiday season had stretched me thin with catering orders, planning events, and keeping up with Ruby’s boundless energy. But tonight, I felt alive.
Because Brooks was here. Still here.
When he’d first come into our lives, I never imagined he’d stay past Christmas. He’d told me as much—that he was looking for work to get him by, a place to land for the season. Yet weeks later, he was still in Snowberry Peak, living upstairs in my house.
Separate rooms. Separate beds. Taking it slow.
And God, was I grateful for it. Every kiss, every brush of his hand, every late-night conversation over cocoa or wine, it all felt more meaningful this way.
He wasn’t rushing me. Wasn’t asking for more than I could give.
He was just… here. Present. And in his presence, I’d found a freedom I hadn’t realized I’d been missing.
Being lost in Brooks wasn’t like being lost in myself at all—it was like finding the pieces I’d forgotten I had.
I turned my face toward him, catching the grin he gave Ruby and Ollie, the easy way he folded into this picture of family as though he’d always been meant to stand beside us.
Something warm expanded in my chest, tugging at me until I leaned closer. “You fit here, you know,” I murmured so only he could hear.
He gave me that look, a half-smile, half-challenge that made me want to melt and roll my eyes at the same time. “Guess I’m glad I stuck around then.”
My heart skipped, and before I could think too hard about it, I pointed over to Ollie’s hip where his cuffs hung at his belt.
Brooks’s brow lifted, curiosity sparking.
“We should take those,” I teased, lips curving mischievously.
His grin was immediate, wicked and warm. “Red, you’re already dangerous enough.”
Heat curled through me, laughter catching in my throat.
He grabbed me then, spinning us around as he muttered into my ear. “Add handcuffs to the equation, you’re really never going to leave my bed.”
The countdown began around us, and shouts of Ten!
Nine! Eight! echoing through the square.
Ruby lifted her head from Ollie’s shoulder, her little voice joining the chant, her headband slipping sideways as she pointed up at the clock with wild excitement.
Ollie just chuckled, adjusting her easily in his arms, eyes soft despite the gruffness he always wore like a shield.
I turned back to Brooks, and in that moment, everything else blurred away.
“Three! Two! One!”
The crowd erupted as the clock struck midnight. Fireworks burst overhead in a shower of gold and silver light, reflecting in Brooks’ eyes as he cupped my face with both hands and kissed me.
It wasn’t rushed, wasn’t hungry, but it was grounding, reverent, a kiss that promised there would be more years like this one.
I smiled against his mouth, holding him closer as cheers rang out, Ruby squealed with delight, and Ollie muttered something about needing earplugs.
For the first time in a long time, I felt steady. Happy. Whole.
And as fireworks painted the night sky, I knew deep in my bones—this was only the beginning.