Chapter 103

"Sweetheart, why are your hands so cold?"

Without waiting for a reply, Michael Stone enveloped Emily Johnson's slender fingers in his large, rough hands, his calloused thumbs gently stroking the back of her hand. A tingling warmth spread from her fingertips straight to her heart.

Memories of last night surfaced in her mind. Though half-asleep, she had clearly felt the press of a warm kiss on her forehead. And those strong arms—reaching past their sleeping children to pull her close.

Let go, she thought silently. But the man seemed oblivious, tightening his grip instead.

"Once Robert’s house is finished, we’ll go into town," Michael said, his eyes crinkling with a smile. "We’ll get you, David, and Tommy new winter coats."

Emily suppressed a scoff. What can’t I find online? Why bother with town?

She tried to tug her hand free—no luck.

"Are we taking the kids?" she asked pointedly.

"No," Michael said firmly. "The ride’s too rough. Mom can watch them."

Emily rolled her eyes. What a devoted father.

Meanwhile, Michael was lost in the softness of her hand. How is her skin so smooth? Like cotton. And that faint, sweet scent—he couldn’t bring himself to let go.

"I should get to work," he said reluctantly, finally releasing her. "Robert will be waiting."

At last, he was gone. Emily exhaled, looking down at her slightly reddened hand. His palm was broad and strong, the calluses from years of labor leaving her skin warm.

Strangely… she didn’t mind it.

Elsewhere, David and Tommy bounded over to Ethan Miller’s house.

"Ethan!" Tommy called in his tiny voice. "Mommy says there are roots in the mountains we can eat!"

Ethan, sorting through the cellar’s food stores, looked up in surprise. "Edible roots?"

"Like flour!" David gestured excitedly. "She said she’d draw them for you!"

Ethan hesitated. Growing up in the village, he’d never heard of such a thing. But then again, Emily had taught them about wild berries before…

"Let’s go ask her."

The three children dashed back to the Stone house.

"Mommy!" Tommy shouted as soon as they entered. "Ethan’s here!"

Emily, basking in the sunlight in the yard, smiled and waved them over.

Ever since Michael’s return, she hadn’t even bothered locking the gate. With him around, who’d dare steal anything?

"Emily," Ethan said sheepishly, "David mentioned you know about edible roots…"

"I’ll draw them for you."

She stood and headed inside, the children trailing behind like eager ducklings.

"Wait in the living room," she said gently. "I’ll be quick."

Unfolding paper, she carefully sketched—kudzu vines, Chinese yam leaves, cassava plants—each line precise and clear.

"Ethan, look." She pointed at the drawings. "Kudzu needs to be processed into flour, yams can be boiled straight, and cassava…" She paused. "Might not grow in our mountains."

Ethan clutched the paper like treasure, eyes shining. "Thank you! I’ll go search right away!"

Emily smiled, ruffling his hair. "Be careful."

Watching the children scamper off, she suddenly thought—this kind of life… isn’t so bad after all.