I wasn’t certain when it occurred to me that we hadn’t used protection. As soon as it did, I justified that I was on birth control—after all, I was to be on my honeymoon in two weeks. While I hoped Van was clean, I couldn’t ignore the way he felt inside me, his skin against mine, and our bodies united.

Finally, sleep won.

When I awoke, light seeped through the windows and the bed at my side was cool. Moving, I felt tenderness where I never before had been tender. As memories came back of everything we’d done the night before, a smile came to my lips.

Sitting up, I saw Van near the fireplace, teasing the embers. He was fully dressed as he’d been before coming to bed.

“Good morning,” I said sheepishly.

“I let the fire go out. I should have it going soon.” He turned my way. “Stay under the covers. It’s probably forty degrees or less out here.”

I wiggled my nose, realizing it was cold. “After you get the fire going, you could join me.”

Van remained quiet, his concentration on his job as fire master.

I saw the glow radiate against his skin at the same time the logs began to snap.

Van stood tall and walked toward me. “Julia, if things were different... If I were different, I would want a woman like you in my life. I’m not different. I told you that you’d regret last night, and I am sure you do.”

My head shook. “I don’t.” Keeping the blankets up to my shoulders, I sat against the headboard. “Van, I’m not some damsel in distress.” I giggled, thinking that was exactly who I was. “Not usually. I’m not looking for a man to save me. I don’t regret last night. I’ll carry it with me forever. You made me feel desired and...” I searched for the words. “Good.” That simple word was the perfect description. “I felt good and real, the way it feels to not pretend. It felt amazing. I don’t need to know your last name or you mine. I’m on the pill. We don’t owe one another anything. This was two people stranded along the white ribbon.”

Van took a deep breath. “The snow has stopped. I was going to walk out to the road. If it’s plowed, I think we can get you into town. As for your car—”

I waved him off. “Town is good. Ashland, right?”

“Yes, that’s the closest town with resources you’ll need.” He came closer.

“Good. I have reservations at a hotel there. I’ll deal with my car later. You, Van no-last-name, have done your part in rescuing this damsel.” I reached for his hand. “I regret nothing. I hope you don’t.”