IsabelleAfter Katherine's arrival, the days passed quickly. Gwen and Zachary hired a helper for the guesthouse, and enjoyed more time in our company. Unfortunately, this meant that I had very little time with Gustaf, who avoided Zack's aunt at all costs, and as the Christmas party approached, I found myself busy buying ingredients for the party menu, often speaking to him only by text.I stretched out on the bed, rolling around in the soft blankets, observing the cozy room. I had gone to bed late the night before, making a complete list of everything Zachary would need to pick up in Fairbanks today. Some ingredients were very hard to come by in Alaska, and I found them in only one place in town. I picked up my cell phone from the bedside table, grimacing a little when I noticed that it was already past seven. For the past few days, Gustaf had been arriving very early, preparing breakfast for the guests and leaving at exactly seven, when everything was served.I doubted he was even e

IsabelleI kept my eyes closed in silence. I didn't want to move, feeling a little comforted by everything that had happened.It took a while before the noise of my friends' car sounded, announcing their return. I knew I wouldn't have an explanation for that scene if Gwen saw us, but I wasn't willing to move, so I did the only thing I could to keep Gustaf away. I pretended to be asleep."Izzy, are you there? I saw some... "Zachary's voice interrupted as he opened the door and was faced with that scene.Gustaf moved before asking for silence. Soon after, he turned me over in bed, removing the arm that was under my head.I didn't want him to leave, but I decided to continue with my sleeping beauty performance."I'm sorry, she didn't have an easy morning "I heard Gustaf tell my friend "I think you'll know better how to help.I curled up in bed again, sighing as I remembered everything Logan had told me. I was trying to understand what I had done so wrong for them both to hate me like t

Gustaf"Unfortunately I couldn't get dessert "Izzy watched me with a smile on her face. I leaned in, kissing her mouth, pulling away when she started to increase the intensity."I can take care of this part "I stood up, picking up the plates from the floor and taking them to the counter. Izzy lay on the cushions scattered on the floor, watching me as I grabbed a piece of pie from the fridge. I watched her in that position, the black silk of her dress contrasting with her skin. Izzy Dempsey was a natural, and I've been lucky to have her at my disposal for the last few weeks!"What are you up to, Gustaf? "she mentioned getting up when she saw me approaching."Stay as you are," I ordered, bending down beside her.She alternated her gaze between the piece of pie in my hand and my own gaze, seeming not to know what to do. Finally, she propped herself up on her elbows, raising her torso a little to get a better look at me."Here, open your mouth "I leaned down next to her, taking a piece

Isabelle"Low blow, Gustaf."Anything goes in war, Zazie "he winked at me.I crossed my arms, looking away with a frown, making him laugh.""Zazie, you come up with the funniest nicknames, Gustaf," Gwen teased, attracting our attention.Is it possible that she doesn't know yet? No, she must have realized. She probably went to my room yesterday to check on me and noticed I wasn't there."Danny, shall we play with your new ship? "Kate changed the subject.We watched as the woman sat down in a corner with the boy."So Gustaf is giving Danny a car for his sixteenth birthday? "Gwen commented, handing me a package.I opened it and found a beautiful wool scarf."I got my first car from my mother's brother. It was very old and kept breaking down, and I had to wait a few months until I was old enough to drive, but I loved the present "Gustaf said, handing out his packages to my friends."I got mine from my father when I was sixteen. It was a beautiful mini cooper and an incredible party "Gwen

Gustaf"Are you warm enough? "I asked as I parked the car at the husky farm where I had booked the tour."Yes, I've learned how not to freeze to death, and today I wore a few extra layers "Izzy smiled at me.Her smile had caught my eye from the first moment I saw her at the airport, but now, after the days we'd spent side by side and getting to know her more deeply, her smiles had taken on a new meaning for me, and I loved it when her smile was one of pure happiness and excitement, like at that moment.Izzy straightened her gloves, reaching for the cap in her lap, and I leaned over, taking it from her hand."I think you need help with this," I teased her, arranging the cap on her head so that my face was inches from hers.Izzy kept her gaze fixed on mine as I tidied up the thick scarf Gwen had given her as a present the day before, checking that she was ready to go out, then stole a brief kiss."Are you ready? "I asked with my lips still pressed to hers."No, but I'm looking forward t