Chapter 49: Hot Chocolate and Fireplaces

Soaking wet, freezing, and shivering despite their heavy winter coats, they quickly retreated inside James's cozy living room, where a crackling wood fire was already roaring inside the massive stone fireplace. Wrapped securely together in thick plaid blankets while holding matching ceramic mugs filled with steaming hot chocolate loaded with miniature marshmallows, they sat side by side on the worn leather sofa, watching the great snowflakes tap against the windowpane outside.