White Deer's Winter Romance

Aaliyah

The storm finally seemed to sputter out, leaving behind a world painted white. Sheriff Brown, a kind soul with eyes that held the worry of the night, led me to a room. It wasn't grand; a single bed with a simple dresser and a nightstand took up most of the space. But the bed, covered in a patchwork quilt, looked like the most inviting haven I'd ever seen.

Teddy, shivering despite the warmth of the blanket Sheriff Brown had wrapped him in, whined softly. I gently laid him down on the bed, watching as he burrowed into the soft fabric.

"This is your room," Sheriff Brown said, setting another blanket on the bed. "Make yourselves comfortable."

"Thank you," I croaked, my voice barely above a whisper. The warmth of the room, the kindness in his eyes, it all threatened to unleash the dam of tears I'd been holding back.

The sight of my car, crushed under a fallen tree, had ripped the breath from my lungs. Everything I had, everything I could have used to start over, was gone. What was I going to do? Could the day get worse?

"I'll bring you some food and water," Sheriff Brown said, giving me a gentle smile. "Try to get some rest."

I nodded, sinking onto the edge of the bed. As I watched Teddy drift off to sleep, a wave of exhaustion washed over me. I tried to allow myself to relax. I didn't know what tomorrow held, but for now, I had a roof over my head and a kind soul offering a helping hand. And that, in the aftermath of the storm, both outside and in my life, was enough.

The morning sun streamed through the window, casting a warm glow on the room. Teddy was licking my face, his tail wagging excitedly. I smiled and scratched behind his ears.

"Good morning, buddy," I said, sitting up in bed.

I got out of bed and went to the window. The snow had stopped, and the sky was a clear blue. The sun was shining brightly, casting a beautiful light on the snow covered landscape.

I opened the window and took a deep breath of fresh air. The cold air stung my lungs, but it was invigorating. I could hear the birds chirping, and the distant sound of traffic.

Walking out of the room barefoot, I followed the smell of coffee to the kitchen with Teddy behind me.

As I entered the kitchen, I was greeted by the mouthwatering aroma of pancakes. Sheriff Brown was standing at the stove, his back to me. He was shirtless, his well-defined muscles rippling beneath his tanned skin. I couldn't help but ogle at him. A couple of tattoos peeked out from his back, adding to his rugged charm. My heart raced as I took in the sight of him, I believe any red blooded female would.

“Good morning," he said, without turning towards me. "I made some coffee.”

I thanked him and poured myself a cup, blushing to myself for being caught staring. As I sipped my coffee, I watched him cook breakfast. He was a skilled cook, and the food smelled delicious.

"Hungry?" he asked, his voice soft and gentle.

My stomach rumbled in agreement. I stood up and padded over to the table, picking up the plate of pancakes he offered me.

"Syrup's in the cabinet," he directed, pointing towards the cupboard above the sink.

I thanked him and retrieved a bottle of syrup, drizzling it liberally over my pancakes.

As I ate, Xavier turned back to the stove turning it off. He placed a small amount of canned chicken onto a plate, setting it down in front of Teddy, who was sitting patiently by my feet.

"Breakfast for my new furry friend," he said to Teddy who couldn't wait to eat. We had both missed dinner last night.

"The storm caused a lot of damage," Xavier said, turning towards me, his voice filled with concern. "I'm so sorry again about your car."

I nodded, still a little dazed from the events of the night.

"The phones are also down because of the storm," he explained. "And the bridge that connects my farm to the road was damaged too. Unfortunately we were stuck here for a while until I make the necessary repairs. It should only take a couple of days.”

“I'm just glad that we are all okay," I said, my heart still pounding from the events of the night.

“So am I," Xavier replied, a smile spreading across his face.

“I apologize for Teddy and I intruding into your home. I hope we are not a burden.” I said to him.

Xavier's eyes softened. "You're not a burden, Aaliyah. And besides,  I could really use your help with some of the repairs around the farm, and the company won't hurt.”

I brightened up. "Of course, I'll help! Anything I can do.”