“We should probably wait a week or two, but the ice here gets thick enough to drive from the mainland to Madeline Island up near the Apostle Islands.”

She shook her head and smiled. “What if I told you I’ve never ridden on a snowmobile?”

A smile curled my lips. “Maybe we should construct a list of all these firsts…first time to have sex, first time to have an off-the-chart orgasm, first time cutting down of a Christmas tree—”

Her small finger came to my lips. “Hearing you say all of those firsts makes me think I’ve never really lived.”

“Oh, you’ve lived, beautiful. Now you’re alive.”

As she curled against me and my arms surrounded her, I questioned my presence.

Is Julia McGrath truly a gift I don’t deserve?

Was she lost on a snow-covered road on the outskirts of my property to save me from myself and my lonely exile?

Will she save me?

Is it fair to ask her to do that?

I ran my hand over her loose long hair, smoothing it away from her beautiful face.

Has my penitence been paid?

Do I deserve to move forward, or will I bring Julia down and ruin her like I do anyone else who makes the mistake of trusting me?

Wade Pharmaceutical came to mind.

I’d told the truth; the perceived value of Wade Pharmaceutical had stabilized. It would take a good-faith measure on my part to not only stop the bleeding that Julia’s broken engagement had started and my purchase of stock had exacerbated but increase the value. If I didn’t make that move this next week, it could be too late.

Later in the morning, I stood in my boots, jeans, and coat, waiting in the cold morning air. With her nude body wrapped in a blanket and wearing her snow boots, Julia stepped out of the outhouse and grinned. She had her long hair piled on top of her head in a large bun as she’d done last night after our hike.

“That warm shower might not be a bad idea,” she said with a grin.

The sky above us was beginning to fill with light. Unlike the clear day we’d had yesterday, growing gray clouds shone pink on the eastern horizon.

“What are you thinking?” she asked as I stared out at the pink morning.

“More snow is coming. We have enough food to stay here. After all, there’s no decoration at the house.”

“There’s a wreath.” She leaned toward me. “I’ll be snowed in with you wherever you want.” Her eyes opened wider. “Mrs. Mayhand prepared us a holiday dinner with a turkey breast and delicious sides.”

The food I’d brought paled in comparison. “Once we’re home, if you want to go for a hike or ride, I volunteer to be your tour guide.”