Stranded with the Mountain Man (Log Cabin Christmas)

Epilogue

Two years later

Ryder

“Merry Christmas, love,” I tell my wife.

“Merry Christmas,” she whispers with a big smile.

Spending the holidays at my emergency log cabin has become a tradition for the last couple of years, except there’s a major difference this year.

I glance over at the small bundle wrapped in Charlotte’s arms. Our baby girl. I still can’t believe my luck sometimes.

“Cozy enough?” I ask, stepping over to the fire and adding another log to keep the place warm.

Charlotte smiles up at me, her eyes filled with the same warmth I fell for when she first stumbled into my life, stranded in that blizzard.

“She’s perfect,” she whispers, glancing down at our daughter.

I walk over to them, crouching down beside the couch. “Just like her mom.”

Charlotte laughs softly. “You say that every time.”

“And I mean it every time.”

I take a moment, watching them. The cabin is decorated with a gorgeous pine tree I selected and chopped down, and all the wooden ornaments we carved together two years ago are placed around the cabin.

Snow falls outside like the first time we were here together. But now, instead of being two strangers stuck together by accident, we’re married with a baby.

“This place is even more special now,” I say, brushing my hand over our daughter’s tiny head. “Can’t believe we’ve got another Christmas here—with her.”

Charlotte leans against me, her head resting on my shoulder. “I think she likes it here. First of many holidays in this cabin.”

I nod, a deep sense of peace settling over me. “Yeah, first of many. And I wouldn’t want it any other way. I love my girls.”

“And we love you, Ryder.”

“Forever.”

She smiles. “And then some.”