Chapter 150

The first rays of morning sunlight filtered through the curtains when Emily Johnson was still curled up in her warm bed. Behind her, Michael Stone's steady breathing filled the air. She turned slightly, only for him to unconsciously pull her closer.

"Stop it..." she mumbled under her breath, though she couldn't suppress a small smile.

It wasn't until the excited shouts of their children echoed from the yard that she jolted awake.

"Mom! It's snowing!"

Emily sat up abruptly and pushed open the window. A biting wind carrying snowflakes rushed in, making her gasp. The world outside was blanketed in white, instantly clearing the last traces of sleep from her mind.

"When did it start snowing?" she murmured.

Michael's deep chuckle came from behind her. "Since midnight. You were sleeping like a log—no wonder you didn't notice."

She turned to glare at him, only to find him already dressed, adjusting his cuffs. Sunlight streamed through the window, casting sharp shadows across his chiseled profile.

"Go wash up. I heated water for you," he said without looking up.

Outside, their two boys were rolling in the snow. David, bundled in a new padded coat, looked like a little bear, while Tommy tilted his head back, sticking out his tongue to catch snowflakes.

"Mom! The snow is sweet!" Tommy exclaimed.

Emily's heart clenched. "Put your sweaters on!" She rushed over, scooping both children into the house.

"This sweater..." David ran his fingers over the soft fabric, eyes shining. "It's so warm!"

"It's cashmere," Emily said, kneeling to fasten their buttons. "Much warmer than cotton."

She didn't mention that she had secretly replaced their old, stiff coats with these from her hidden inventory. The original ones would never have withstood the northern winter.

Michael emerged from the kitchen carrying steaming breakfast, just in time to see the tender scene—his wife crouched by their children, sunlight gilding her hair as she helped them with their shoes.

"Breakfast's ready," he said softly.

At the table, Michael suddenly spoke up. "I'll be leaving on a trip in a couple of days."

Emily paused mid-bite. "How long?"

"Back before New Year's." He placed a slice of cured meat in her bowl. "You'll have to manage things here."

"You take care of outside, I'll handle home," she replied with a faint smile. "That was our deal, wasn't it?"

Michael's eyes darkened, his throat bobbing slightly. Hearing those words from her lips sent an unexpected warmth through his chest.

"About the fields—"

"I'll ask Dad to help," he cut in. "Just focus on yourself and the kids."

Emily nodded, though her mind was already calculating the supplies in her hidden stash. While he was away, she could bring out more useful items.

After breakfast, Michael left with Daniel River for the mountains. Emily was building a snowman with the boys when a knock sounded at the gate.

"Sister-in-law..." Elizabeth Stone stood at the door, wringing her hands nervously. Behind her, Grace and Jack peeked out timidly, their thin coats clearly too short at the hems.

Emily's heart sank. In this freezing weather...

"Is something wrong?" she asked gently.

Elizabeth bit her lip, her voice barely audible. "Could... could we borrow some cotton? The children's clothes..."

Before she could finish, Grace sneezed loudly. Emily took in the little girl's reddened cheeks, and something inside her softened.

[Foreshadowing: How will Emily help Elizabeth's family? What unexpected discovery will Michael make in the mountains? How will the hidden supplies change their winter?]