This is my entry for the
Winter Holidays Story Contest 2022
. Please vote if you enjoy it.
**Unpleasant content warning for sensitive individuals
(skip this if you don't like spoilers)
: The main characters share past trauma that could upset people who have lived through similar situations. There are also short instances of violence and blood, but they are not the main focus of the story.**
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The mountain was tranquil as the snow fell in big fluffy flakes outside the cabin windows. The fire was crackling in the hearth, keeping everything cozy. It really felt like Christmas Eve for a change. I was relaxing on the sofa with a creamy cup of coffee, thinking about my year. I was content despite everything that had happened. I would be alone on Christmas for the first time in my life, and I was happy about it. It was a revelation to be so carefree. I had always wanted that sense of peace so I could do what I wanted instead of scrambling to please everybody else. I smiled at the little fir tree in the corner. I dug it out of the front yard and put it in a big pot, then decorated it with red ribbons and shiny golden beads. I was done with fake trees but didn't want to chop a real one down, so I decided a living Christmas tree would be my new tradition. After the holidays, I would plant it again. If it stayed small, I could use it next year, assuming I would be able to return to the cabin. My stomach rumbled, reminding me to make supper before it got too late. I stood with my coffee and turned toward the kitchen. I glanced out the window to discover the snow shower had turned into a proper blizzard.
"Wow, it's almost a whiteout," I smiled and stepped over to the window.
It was nice not having anywhere to go for a few days. I sipped my coffee as I watched snow swirling about in the fading light. I gasped when a truck I had never seen before suddenly pulled up into the yard. I wasn't expecting anyone, and I didn't know what kind of crazy person would be driving in deep snow. I figured the locals knew how to navigate it some. The truck looked official. It had lights on top like it belonged to an officer of some kind. The lights weren't on, but I could tell what they were by how the snow collected on them. I watched a man step out of the truck into a three-foot snowbank. He was a big dude, maybe Paul Bunyan's next of kin. Being a small woman alone, I had a sudden urge to close the curtains and hide, but I didn't want to leave a well-meaning officer out in the cold. I gulped as he started trudging towards the front door. I set my coffee down and went to the door to look through the peephole. The power had blinked off two hours ago, so I didn't have a porch light to help in the effort. The power would probably be off for a few days, thanks to the storm.
I watched as the man stepped onto the small porch and attempted to knock some of the snow off his boots. His head was awfully close to the rafters. He stepped forward and knocked on the door, allowing me to see his face. He was surprisingly handsome, with big blue eyes and thick black eyebrows under his fleece-lined hood. He looked a few years younger than me. His coat had a golden badge that declared
Morgan County Deputy Sheriff.
I sighed in relief at the sight and quickly unlocked the door. He gave me a bright smile when our eyes met.
"Good evening, mam. Sorry to bother you so late," he announced in a charming southern accent. "You were the last cabin on my map. There was a weather-related accident at the power station on South Ridge Road. Half the county will be dark for more than a week, and the storm is supposed to drop a few more feet of snow tonight. If you don't have adequate supplies, I suggest leaving before the roads become impassable."
"Oh, thanks for warning me, but I have plenty of supplies. I'll be fine for a few weeks without power. I'm sorry you came up here in the middle of a storm to tell me that."
"It's not a problem. I sleep better knowing everyone on the mountain is safe."
"That's very sweet of you. The county needs to install that underground landline they keep talking about or build a cell tower that can reach everybody."
"I hear you. They say it's in the budget for next year. I'll let you get back to your coffee. It smells heavenly. Have a good night."
"Thank you. Would you like a cup to go?"
"No, but thanks for offering... maybe some other time. Merry Christmas," he grinned before he turned and trudged back toward his truck.
"Merry Christmas! Be careful!" I called.
I quickly closed the door and shivered. I looked down to see my frozen nipples trying to stab through my red sweater. No wonder Deputy Blue Eyes was grinning, and I was suddenly rueful to see him go. The feeling surprised me, considering how content I was to be alone for the past two days. I shook my head at myself and went to the window to watch him leave. I could barely see him in the growing darkness. He climbed into his truck and put it in reverse. It surged backward, then the tires lost traction. The truck slid forward a little and stopped. Then he put it in drive and tried to free himself from the rut, but the truck didn't want to move. The snow was too high and too heavy. He climbed out of the truck and observed the deteriorating situation. That's when I realized he had likely parked in the muddy hole I created when I dug up my little Christmas tree. The puddle had turned to ice before the snow covered it.
"Shit, I'm going to have company for Christmas after all. He can't stay in his truck all night," I said in alarm as I watched him turn back toward the cabin.
I hurried back to the door and pulled it open as he stepped onto the porch. He smiled in embarrassment that time.
"I'm stuck," he said guiltily.
"I saw. Come in and warm up. Leave your boots by the door. I'll get you some coffee."
"Thank you," he breathed.
I pulled another mug from the cupboard as he extracted himself from his large boots and jacket. He also removed his gun belt and hung it on the peg next to his coat.
"What's your name?" I asked as I walked over to the fireplace to retrieve the coffee pot.
"Deputy Cody Morgan. What's yours?"
I looked at him in surprise for a moment.
"Deputy Cody Morgan of the
Morgan
County Sheriff's Office. Is that a coincidence?"
He gave me a charming smile and shook his head. He had shaggy, dark brown hair that fell in careless locks over his forehead. He was a handsome giant in a perfectly starched uniform that accentuated everything underneath.
"Being a deputy sheriff runs in my family. So does being the sheriff. It's almost a hundred-year tradition."
"Wow, that must be why you're making rounds in a snowstorm. Are you buttering up residents for future votes?" I grinned as he walked over and took the coffee from me.
When he was close, I had to look up to see his pretty eyes.
"Maybe. Is it working?"
The way he looked at me at that point made my stomach flutter. His eyes were full of curiosity and anticipation. The attraction was mutual, and it suddenly made me very nervous.
"Uh, it is. Sadly, I'm not a resident yet. I'm just staying here for a few weeks to see if I want to lease the cabin next winter."
I sipped my coffee and stepped around him, so I could sit on the sofa.
"Ah, that's a good plan," he nodded and sat in the armchair closer to the fire.
I appreciated him giving me some space.
"Thank you for the coffee. It tastes as good as it smells."
"You're welcome," I smiled as I watched him drain his cup.
He let out a tired sigh and set his cup on the hearth. Then he leaned back in the chair with his eyes closed.
"Long day?" I asked.
"Yep. I've been up since four doing storm prep with the county."
"Damn, and I was your last house call too. I'm sorry you got stuck here."
"I'm not. You have a fire and delicious coffee. If I got stuck on the pass in my truck, I would be in for a miserable night."
"Oh, I didn't think of that."
"Thank you for letting me in," he smiled and met my eyes again.
"You're welcome... did you think I wouldn't?" I blushed.
"I was afraid you wouldn't. You're alone up here, aren't you?"
It was obvious that I was, but hearing him say it made me want to feel sorry for myself.
"I am," I nodded and looked at the fire to avoid his gaze, knowing he was judging me already.
"I don't mean to pry, but are you alright?"
"I'm fine, really. I know it's weird to be alone on Christmas, but I seriously needed some time to myself. I'm enjoying it," I insisted and looked at him again.
He was wearing a soft smile as he studied my face.
"It's not that weird. I just wanted to make sure you're alright, and I can finally feel my toes again," he grinned and laid his head back on the chair.
I smiled at his comment as I watched his body relax. Less than a minute later, he was snoring. I wished I could fall asleep that fast. I went to the bedroom and collected some blankets and a pillow. I planned to sleep on the couch close to the fire while the power was out. I draped the extra blanket over Cody before curling up on the couch under mine.
A clanging sound startled me awake the next morning. My eyes flew open to see Cody kneeling in front of the fire. He was sweeping up ashes after adding new logs.
"Thank you for doing that," I yawned.
"You're welcome. Good morning and merry Christmas," he smiled as he glanced at me.
"Merry Christmas, Cody."
"Thank you. By the way, you never told me your name."
"Oh, sorry. I'm Gwen."
"It's nice to meet you, Gwen. Could I pester you for more coffee?"
