Page 24 of The Miner's Miracle
“We don’t need it,” he says, swaying gently as he pulls me closer.
The world fades away as we move together, the only sound the soft crackle of the fire and the steady rhythm of our breathing. His hands slide down to rest on my hips, his thumbs brushing against my skin in a way that sends shivers down my spine.
“You make me feel alive,” he murmurs, his lips brushing against my temple.
I tilt my head up to look at him, my heart swelling at the raw emotion in his eyes. “You make me feel like I’m finally home,” I whisper back.
“Damn, right. Because I’m never letting you leave. Me and Shep are claiming you.” His lips find mine, soft and slow at first, but quickly building into something more urgent. He lifts me effortlessly, carrying me to the couch and laying me down with a tenderness that takes my breath away.
As he hovers over me, his eyes searching mine, I realize that this—he—is what I’ve been searching for all along. A love that’s real and messy and beautiful in its imperfection. A love that feels like coming home.
And for the first time in years, I let myself believe that I deserve it.
Chapter Sixteen
Finn
Living with Tessa the last few weeks is a paradox. It’s both chaos and calm, like a sudden spring storm followed by clear skies. Her laughter echoes through the cabin like sunlight breaking through clouds, warming corners of my life I didn’t even realize were cold. I should be annoyed—scratch that, Iamannoyed—but not at her. At myself. For how easily she’s tangled herself into my life, rearranging everything I thought I wanted.
She’s in the kitchen now, humming some pop tune under her breath as she fusses over a plant she’s placed on the windowsill. She has a knack for it—making things grow. The stubborn green shoots in her hands seem to bend toward her touch like she’s some kind of plant whisperer.
I lean against the doorway, my arms crossed. “If I’d known my cabin was going to turn into a greenhouse, I might’ve reconsidered this mail-order bride arrangement.”
She doesn’t look up, but her lips twitch into a smirk. “You’re welcome, by the way. Without me, this place would still look like a rugged miner’s bachelor cave.”
“Itisa miner’s bachelor cave.”
“Correction,” she says, her voice teasing. “Itwas.Now it’s a home.”
A home. The word lands heavier than I expect, settling somewhere in my chest. I glance around the cabin, taking in the small changes she’s made—her sweater draped over the back of a chair, a vase of wildflowers on the counter, Shep’s new habit of curling up near her feet instead of mine. It’s different, sure, but... better. Warmer.
I grunt, walking into the room. “You’re lucky Shep likes you. Otherwise, I might’ve kicked you out by now.”
She finally looks up, arching a brow. “Shep knows a good thing when he sees it. You could take notes.”
I can’t help but laugh, low and rough. “You’re starting to sound like you enjoy being here.”
Her cheeks flush, but she doesn’t back down. “Maybe I do.”
The admission hangs between us, charged and electric. I clear my throat, turning toward the back door. “C’mon,” I say gruffly. “I’ve got something for you.”
“For me?” She follows, curiosity sparking in her eyes. “What is it?”
“You’ll see.” I push open the door, leading her outside to where I’ve been working for the past few evenings. The handcrafted birch planter sits near the porch, its wood smooth and polished, ready for whatever flowers or herbs she decides to grow.
Tessa gasps, her hand flying to her mouth. “Finn... did you make this?”
I shrug, suddenly feeling self-conscious. “Don’t make a big deal out of it.”
She kneels beside it, running her fingers along the edges like it’s some kind of treasure. “It’s beautiful.”
“It’s just a planter.”
“It’s notjustanything.” She stands, her eyes glistening. “You made this for me.”
I shift on my feet, uncomfortable under the weight of her gratitude. “Don’t start thinking I’m some kind of romantic,” I grumble, but the heat crawling up my neck betrays me.
She grins, stepping closer. “Too late.”
