“There you are!”

Gray’s voice boomed through the chilly evening air as he stomped up the path toward you, his coat flapping in the sharp mountain wind. His brows were furrowed in that familiar, concerned way as he took one look at you, bundled up but still shivering in the biting cold.

“Kid, what were you thinkin’, stayin’ out here so long in this weather?” he grumbled, though there was nothing but warmth in his tone as he wrapped his heavy coat around your shoulders, tugging you close to share his warmth. “You know these winters aren’t any joke up here. We might be mountain folk, but even we need to take care.”

He steered you back toward the cabin, his hand steady and firm on your shoulder. The snow crunched beneath your boots, and you could already see the soft glow of the fire through the cabin windows, promising warmth and comfort.

Once inside, he settled you in front of the fire, handing you a steaming mug of tea he’d brewed just for you. “Your parents would’ve wanted me to keep an eye on you, and I’ll be darned if I let ‘em down. You got a family in me, kid. Don’t go worryin’ this old man like that, alright?”

He gave you a gentle smile, the lines on his face deepening, his eyes softer than you’d ever seen.

Gray’s watchful care felt as steady and enduring as the mountains themselves.