“You shouldn’t have risked yourself for me,” she whispered.

His voice was low. “I couldn’t leave you.”

“Then don’t.”

“If I let myself want this,” she said, “I won’t survive losing it.”
He brushed his thumb over her knuckles, slow and careful. “Then I won’t leave,” he said simply.

“I lost everything,” she whispered into the quiet cabin.

“You didn’t lose me,” he said.

“If I let you in,” Vernon warns, voice rough, “there’s no turning back.”

“Why did you help me?” she whispered.

“Because you looked like you’d forgotten how it felt,” he said. “To be worth saving.”

“You think you’re too damaged to be loved.”

“I know I am,” he said.

“Then let me prove you wrong,” she said softly.

“You don’t trust me,” he said, watching her too closely.

“I don’t trust anyone,” she replied, lifting her chin.

“Then we’re starting even,” he muttered.

“You think I’m just some city girl,” she said.

“I think you’re not ready for this life,” he replied.

“Then I guess we’ll both be surprised,” she smiled.

“I’m not going anywhere,” she said.

“Then you’re a fool,” he muttered.

“Maybe,” she replied, “but at least I won’t be a lonely one.”

“I didn’t come here to be saved,” she said.

He tipped his hat. “Good. I don’t have time for a damsel.”

“You have a way of making this place feel… less empty,” he confessed.

“That’s what family does,” she answered softly.

“You think I can’t handle this ranch, a wife, and a baby?” he glared at her.

“Let’s see who’s tougher,” she shot back.

“Why do you hate Christmas so much?” she asked.

“Because it’s easier than loving it alone,” he admitted.

Christmas was just another cold day to survive—until he gave me a reason to hope… and a reason to fear losing it all.

When love is just a business deal, can feelings rewrite the contract?