Chapter 22: The Laugh in the Night

"It seriously took you long enough to figure that out, Captain," she murmured affectionately, her light laughter melting effortlessly into the cool night air as James pulled her close against his chest, wrapping his arms around her with a fierce, protective relief. The bitter chill of the October wind vanished entirely, replaced completely by the comforting warmth of his jacket and the steady, reassuring rhythm of his heartbeat beneath her cheek.