By nightfall, the sky was hidden behind low-slung clouds. Stillness blanketed the basin, making every sound inside the log house seem an intrusion upon nature. Emily pulled the warm quilt up from the foot of the bed. “Snuggle close,” she told the girls. “It’s going to be cold tonight.” She leaned down to kiss their foreheads, their hair hidden beneath white nightcaps. How had they claimed her heart so completely in such a short time? “Miss Harris?” “What is it, Pet?” “I’m glad you wasn’t scared about the bear. You’re lots of fun.” She swallowed the lump in her throat. “Thanks, Pet. Good night, Brina.” “Night, Miss Harris.” Holding her skirt out of the way, she climbed down the ladder from the loft. Her fear of heights always caused her to breathe a sigh of relief when her feet touched the floor again. As she turned around, the front door swung open before Gavin. His hat and shoulders were dusted with snow. He frowned when he saw her, and even from across the room, she could see concern in his eyes.
