Page 49 of The Bear's Christmas Wish
They reached the gathering of sleighs where families had stopped to admire the spectacular view of Bear Creek below. Michael guided their reindeer to a gentle stop, the animal’s sides heaving slightly from exertion.
“That was AMAZING!” Emmy declared, scrambling to stand up in the sleigh. “Did you see how fast we were going? And that tunnel of trees? And when we went whoosh down that hill?”
“I saw,” Sarah laughed, her cheeks flushed and her eyes bright. “I don’t think I’ll ever forget it.”
Michael helped them both down from the sleigh, his hand lingering perhaps a moment too long in Sarah’s. Her mittenedfingers squeezed his gently before releasing, the gesture small but significant.
Oh so significant,his bear said happily.
“Michael! Sarah!” A familiar voice called out. “Emmy!”
Daniel approached with Maisie and Teddy in tow, all three carrying steaming cups. The baker’s face broke into a wide grin as he spotted them. “We wondered where Emmy was when we set off!” Thankfully, no one made any mention of Emmy’s dad not being there.
“We were running late. But Michael knew a shortcut,” Emmy announced proudly. “Michael knowsallthe secret paths!”
“Does he now?” Daniel’s eyes twinkled with amusement as they flicked between Michael and Sarah.
Michael shrugged, feeling suddenly self-conscious. “Just thought we’d take the scenic route.”
“Well, you’re just in time for hot chocolate,” Daniel said, gesturing toward a small stand where a man was ladling steaming liquid from a large pot. “Best in Bear Creek, if I do say so myself. I provided the recipe.”
“And Dad made cinnamon rolls,” Maisie said proudly. “They are delish. Want to come get some?”
Emmy immediately perked up, looking to Sarah for permission. At her nod, Emmy grabbed Maisie’s hand, and the two girls raced toward the hot chocolate stand, Teddy trailing behind them.
“I’ll keep an eye on them,” Daniel promised with a wink, following the children.
Left alone, Michael turned to face Sarah. The valley spread out behind her, a patchwork of white fields and dark forest, with Bear Creek nestled in the center like a jewel. But the viewcouldn’t compare to the woman standing before him, snowflakes catching in the curls of hair that had escaped her hat.
“Thank you,” Sarah said, stepping closer until he could see the individual snowflakes melting on her eyelashes. “For saving the day.”
“It was nothing,” Michael replied, though they both knew it wasn’t nothing at all.
Sarah shook her head, her eyes never leaving his. “It was everything. To Emmy.” She paused, then added more softly, “To me.”
Without warning, she leaned forward and rested her head on his shoulder. The gesture was so natural, so perfect, that Michael’s breath caught. He carefully brought his arm up to circle her shoulders, giving her the opportunity to pull away if she wanted.
She didn’t. Instead, she leaned more fully against him, and they stood that way for a long moment, watching the children at the hot chocolate stand, with the valley spread out below them, and the snow falling gently around them.
His bear rumbled contentedly.This... This is what we’ve been waiting for.
For their whole lives.
Chapter Twenty – Sarah
The sleigh ride had left Sarah’s face tingling with cold, but the blood pumping through her veins was hot. All thanks to Michael. The expert sleigh driver who had saved the day!
As Michael helped Emmy down from the sleigh, his strong hands steady and sure, Sarah was eternally thankful to him for transforming Emmy’s afternoon from potential heartbreak into something magical.
“That was the best sleigh ride ever!” Emmy announced, her cheeks flushed pink from the cold and excitement. “You are an expert sleigh driver. Way better than my dad would have been.”
Sarah’s throat tightened at Emmy’s words. The fact that her daughter was trying to make herself feel better about Liam’s no-show only made the ache deeper. She kneeled down and adjusted Emmy’s scarf, using the moment to compose herself.
“I’m glad you had fun, sweet pea,” she said, tugging her daughter’s hat down onto her head.
Michael busied himself, thanking Nolan for helping them out when they had arrived so late. Sarah watched him, unable to stop the flutter in her stomach. He’d saved the day without making a fuss, without expecting anything in return. Just because he cared.
When was the last time someone had done something like that for her?
