Snow in the Outer Banks felt impossible, like something from a dream. The beaches, usually golden, were blanketed in white. You stood in the yard of the Château, watching snowflakes drift down as JJ stood beside you, a grin lighting up his face.

“Snow on the freakin’ beach,” he said in awe, running a hand through his messy blond hair.

You smiled, unable to help yourself. JJ Maybank—your brother’s best friend and the love of your life—looked like a kid seeing snow for the first time. And maybe he was, in a way.

John B and Sarah were laughing near the dock, caught in a snowball fight. Pope and Kie were in the dunes, trying to build what they insisted was a snowman. But your attention stayed on JJ, the boy who’d been in your life forever but only truly yours for the past few months.

“You just gonna stare at me all day, Maybank?” you teased, nudging him.

His smirk spread instantly. “Depends. You gonna throw the first punch, Routledge?”

Without hesitation, you scooped up a handful of snow and launched it at his chest. His eyes widened as he staggered back, then his grin turned wicked. “Oh, it’s on.”

Laughter filled the air as JJ chased you across the yard. Snow flew as you ducked and dodged, your heart racing, your cheeks burning from the cold and his laughter. He caught you by the wrist and spun you into his chest, holding you as you tried to squirm away.

“Truce?” he asked, breathless, his blue eyes meeting yours.

You gave in, smiling. “Truce.”

But JJ, being JJ, smirked and smeared snow across your cheek. “You’re the worst,” you muttered, grinning.

“Yeah, but you love me,” he said, his voice softer now.

You nodded, snowflakes clinging to your hair. “Yeah, I do.”

And in that moment, with the world coated in white, it felt like magic—just you and JJ in your own little snow globe.