William and I had offered to clean the kitchen while my grandmother went to bed. After putting away all the pots and pans, I noticed there were a couple of apple pastries left over from the other morning. I wrapped them up in cloth and stuck them in my basket.

“What are those?” William asked. He finished sweeping the floor and put the broom away.

I opened the basket and showed him. “Apple pastries. Helen and I made them the other morning. I think I’m addicted to them.” Leaning up on my toes, I kissed him. “They’ll be perfect for a midnight snack.”

He pulled me into his arms. “Will they now? Are you sure you’re okay with visiting this evening? You’ll have to be up early tomorrow.”

I winked and let him go. “I won’t stay all hours of the night.” Grabbing the basket, I walked over to the kitchen door. “I’m ready when you are.”

We took one last look at the kitchen, and then hurried outside to his horse. It was a clear, cold night, and the snow glistened in the moonlight. It was magical. Climbing up onto William’s horse, I held on as he hopped up behind me. His strong arms wrapped around my waist and I leaned into him as we headed to his cabin. We took it slow through the woods. It was peaceful and quiet.

“I’m so happy for Helen and Jonathan. They’ve been trying to have a baby for a while now.”

William held me tighter. “Do you want to have a family one day?”

I sighed. “More than anything. But the older I get, the less it seems possible. What about you?”

His warm breath hit my ear as he blew it out. “I’m finally at a point in my life where I think I’m ready. There’s more to life than just work. It’s too bad it took me this long to see it.”

We made it to his cabin and he helped me off the horse, keeping me close to his body. “Me too,” I agreed. “I never allowed myself to get close to anyone. Teaching and history were all I had, at least that is, until I met you. I just wish this all could last forever.”

He slid his hands up to my face and kissed me. “It can. Why don’t you go inside, while I put Bella in the stables? I’ll be right there.”

I nodded. “Okay.”

Taking Bentley’s reins, he led the black and white spotted horse to the back of the cabin, and I walked to the door, snow crunching under my feet. It was the perfect consistency to make a snowman . . . or a snowball. Setting my basket inside, I snuck back out and hid behind one of the large oak trees. Scooping up a handful of snow, I packed it together and waited for William to appear. As soon as he was about to enter the cabin, I threw the snowball right at his back, then hid behind the tree, trying my best not to laugh.

“You do know you just started a war, don’t you?” William called out. I slapped a hand to my mouth and picked up more snow with the other. “It may be dark out here, but I know I can find you.”

I peeked around the corner and watched him make his own snowball. His gaze darting back and forth. Once I packed my other snowball, I threw it at him and it exploded against his chest. I burst out laughing and it gave up my hiding spot.

His focus landed on me and he smiled devilishly. “There you are.” He chased after me and I squealed, trying my best to outrun him, but it was a daunting task in my dress. He threw his snowball and it hit me in the middle of my back. The snow seeped down into my dress and I shivered. Taking off at a sprint, I headed around his house, thinking he was still behind me. But when I looked over my shoulder, he was gone. Scooping up another handful of snow, I packed it tight.

“I didn’t think you were one to hide,” I teased loudly.

Holding my breath, I listened and there was no sound. The moon gave me enough light, but there was no movement. Where was he? That was the question, until I saw the snowball flying through the air. Before I could react, it hit me square in the forehead and I lost my balance, falling straight down onto my back.

William cursed under his breath and rushed over to me as I broke out in laughter. “Are you okay? I didn’t mean to hit you on the head.” He bent down to pick me up.

Grabbing a handful of snow, I smacked it on the side of his head, and he collapsed on top of me, brushing the snow off his face. “No worries. I just got you back,” I taunted, giggling as he tried to wipe off the snow.

He burst out laughing and gazed down at me. “So you did. I guess we’re even now, even though you’re the one who started it.”

I shrugged. “It was fun. Besides, I kind of like where we ended up. Although, the snow is very cold on my back.”

“Let’s get you inside, you little instigator. But before we go, there’s something I need to tell you,” he murmured, sliding his hand down my face. Cupping my cheek, he leaned down and pressed his lips to mine.

I closed my eyes and opened to him. When he pulled back, I looked into his eyes. “What is it?”

“I’m in love with you, Adeline Hamilton. I know you might think it’s too soon, but—”

I stopped him with a finger to his lips. “I love you too, William Blair.”

Breathing a sigh of relief, he kissed me again. “You have no idea how much I wanted to hear you say that.”