RASMUS
We barely make it inside the cabin before I’m tugging off my gloves and heading for the firewood stack. I toss a few logs into the fireplace and strike a match. Flames catch quickly, filling the room with warmth, the sound of the crackling comforting after a long session on ice.
Haisley kicks off her boots at the door and pulls off her beanie, her cheeks flushed pink from the cold, nose red.
Still in her outerwear, she plops onto the couch with a groan, curling her legs beneath her. I follow, dropping beside her. Our thighs brush, and even through the layers, I swear I can feel her heat.
“This is the best part,” she murmurs, her voice relaxed as she sinks deeper into the cushions and closes her eyes. “Thawing out in front of the fire, feeling that tingling sensation when your cold skin starts to warm.”
Her voice is so soft, so content. I want to stay in this moment, bask in the ease of her presence.
“I didn’t realize I’d be competing with the fireplace for your attention,” I tease.
She smiles faintly, and for a moment, everything feels light again. But that peaceful bubble bursts when her phone buzzes from the pocket of her winter jacket, cutting through the silence.
She doesn’t move at first, her eyes still closed as if hoping it’ll stop on its own. But when the device buzzes again, she sighs and pulls it out of her pocket.
“It’s Hunter,” she says, pressing the phone to her ear. “Hey.”
Her voice shifts to a gentler, more alert tone. “I’m okay. Just got back from skating outside…Yeah, he’s here…No, you can’t talk to him.”
She shoots me a quick glance, listening. Whatever her brother is saying, it’s long-winded as always. But I can’t hear the exact words he says.
“No, I haven’t told them yet. I know, I said soon.” Her voice lowers. “I need to do it the right way, Hunt. Not over the phone.”
A pause, then a small laugh that doesn’t reach her eyes. “Yeah, I figured you noticed at the party. You always do. I’ll call you tomorrow when we’re back. Tell Mom and Dad I love them.”
She ends the call and sets the phone face down on the coffee table, her expression tight.
“Everything okay?” I ask, sensing the shift in the air.
She nods slowly. “Hunter figured it out the night of the party. He’s always been freakishly observant.”
“Then I wasn’t imagining his side eye when we played against Seattle before the break.”
That makes her crack a smile. “That’s such a Hunter move! I told him to keep it quiet about the pregnancy, but of course, he had to show his true feelings. I still love how he keeps checking up on me with texts and calls.”
“And what did he want now?”
“He called because he’s with our parents and apparently they’ve noticed I’ve been avoiding their calls.”
“Have you?”
She nods, sheepish. “Dad’s been calling a lot since the party. I think he suspects something’s going on with my life.”
“He’s not wrong.” I hesitate before asking, “So when are you planning to tell them?”
“Soon. That night wasn’t right, even if Hunter found out. And I want everyone there when I do. It’s rare we’re all together during the season, and I don’t want to repeat the news or miss anyone.”
I’m trying to tread carefully, but it’s hard not to feel the pressure in my chest, the need for her to trust me. To trustus.
“I get that. But you’ve been putting it off, Haisley. I want you to feel good sharing this.”
“Don’t,” she warns gently, though there’s an edge to her voice. “They deserve to hear it right. Not during chaos or stress. I need them toreallyhear me. To understand.”
That’s when I see her vulnerability and how much she needs their approval and compassion. I reach for her hand, giving herfingers a gentle squeeze. “I can be there,” I offer. “If you want me to be.”
Her surprised eyes flick to mine. “That means a lot. Really. But I think I need to do it alone. At least the first part.”
