Page 110 of Ice Cold Christmas

“Ah, Victor, I’m not sure the docs said we could do that yet.” He was clear to go home but not clear to engage in “vigorous activity.” As per his release paperwork.

He just stared at her.

“I don’t want you to wind up in the emergency room,” she mumbled.

“It would be a small price to pay.” He unlocked the front door. Swung it open. “Ladies first.”

Yes, about that price… “You winding up in the ER is not a price I want to pay…” But her words trailed off as she crossed the threshold.

She’d just become aware of the music playing. Instrumental Christmas music. And when she paused…Melody was pretty sure that she knew that song. Correction. Not pretty sure. One hundred percent. She even found herself whispering, “I’ll be home for Christmas…if only in my dreams…”

The foyer was decorated. Green, gorgeous garland. Red bows. She could smell freshly baked cookies. Her feet rushed forward, she almost stumbled, and then she was speeding down the hallway. Bursting into the den.

A decorated tree. So many ornaments. Presents stacked beneath the tree. Stockings were carefully hung near the fireplace. A red stocking with an embroidered M. A green stocking with an embroidered V. The whole place smelled of pine. Well, pine and chocolate chip cookies.

It was beautiful and warm and happy and…home.

“I cheated,” Victor announced.

She spun around.

He stood just inside the den. He’d pulled off his ski cap. His dark hair was tousled. His dark eyes so very intense.

“Last year, you did all of this yourself. This year, I was stuck in the hospital, so I had to get a little help.”

“Help?” She felt oddly numb. At least on the outside. But deep inside, a spark of joy was growing. Getting bigger. Warmer. Stronger.

“Hatterson.” His lips twisted into a half-smile. “I know, I know. You probably wouldn’t think he is a decorating expert, but, seriously, the man can do just about anything. Guard, butler, cook, decorator. He is truly a jack of all trades. Though, full disclosure, I’m pretty sure he hired a staff to help out here.”

She whirled back around, looking at the tree. The mantel. The presents. “When…” Melody stopped and exhaled. “When did you have a chance to buy presents?” Or had Hatterson done that, too?

“Bought them last year. Saved them for you. Just like I saved all the decorations. I mean, the tree is new. The garland, too. Can’t have a dead tree and garland in the house. Kinda doesn’t fit the mood. But, ah, the tree and garland are just like the ones you had last year.” The floor squeaked as he advanced into the den. “I just wanted everything perfect for you.”

She shook her head. “I don’t need perfect.” Slowly, she faced him once more.

He stared at her with such absolute love on his face. “You are not my secret,” he told her. “You’re my world.”

The last of the numbness—the ice—that had seemed to surround her for so long vanished. She didn’t have all of her memories. Maybe she never would. But she had her life back. She had her future. She had this man. A man she loved with all of her being. A man she’d cherish for the rest of her life.

Melody ran to him.

His arms opened for her.

And Melody knew that she was truly home.

Epilogue

“Did you buy me a Christmas present? Seriously?” Hunter stared at Victor as if he had two heads. “Dude, you did not have to do that.”

It was Christmas Eve, and Victor was the happiest that he’d been in…

Ever.

Melody was in the kitchen. Baking more cookies. He could hear her singing, slightly off-key. He freaking loved her off-key singing.

Hunter opened the bright red box. “Sonofabitch.” He glared at Victor. “Did you give me a taser?” Then he laughed, the sound booming from him. “A taser and chocolate chip cookies.” More laughter. “Thanks, man.” He offered one hand to Victor.

Forget the handshake. Victor pulled him in for a hug. “You didn’t fire your gun at me.”