SNOWBOUND HEARTS: Chapter Ten

She could see the expanse of his broad chest muscles covered in a dusting of dark hair, feel the silky texture of it as it grazed against her palm. Oh, what a lovely trip that would be.

Snowbound Hearts is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission from the author, except in the case of brief quotations, reviews, and articles.

Copyright © 2024 by Mina Beckett

Ebook ISBN: 978-1-7375127-6-9

Print ISBN: 978-1-7375127-7-6

Published by: CurtissLynn Publishing

Cover design: Shiver Shot Design

All rights reserved.

BEHIND THE WORDS

At this point in the story, Anna and Dwight are tangled in a situation where trust, loss, and survival intersect. Anna is carrying the weight of a past that won’t let her go, while Dwight, despite his gruff exterior, proves to be her anchor. Their relationship is filled with unspoken tension—grief, guilt, and something simmering beneath the surface that neither fully acknowledges.

This chapter is a pivotal moment because it isn’t just about retrieving evidence—it’s about shifting perspectives. Anna is fighting for justice, but she’s also fighting against herself, against her instinct to run before she can lose someone else. Dwight is standing at a crossroads as well, caught between the life he lost and the possibility of something new. I wanted this scene to reflect their inner struggles just as much as the external stakes.

The conversation in the truck was crucial. It’s not just about logistics—it’s about emotional revelations. The raw vulnerability Anna shows, her breakdown after one disappointment too many, is a key moment in her journey. This was my way of showing that sometimes, people don’t break over one big thing, but rather the accumulation of too many little ones. Her rage, her grief, and the way she lashes out at Dwight all stem from that unbearable sense of loss. And yet, he doesn’t walk away—he stays, offering the one thing she needs most: reassurance.

The inclusion of the state of the Brewster ranch was intentional. Anna has built up so much hope around it, picturing it as a fresh start, only to be confronted with the brutal reality that nothing in her life is going to come easy. This moment reinforces a central theme of the book—resilience in the face of devastation.

Then there’s the kiss. It’s not a grand, sweeping, passionate embrace. Instead, it’s hesitant, full of uncertainty. Anna makes a bold move, but Dwight doesn’t immediately reciprocate, which speaks volumes about where they are emotionally. He isn’t rejecting her, but he’s not ready. This creates the kind of tension I love—two people drawn to each other but held back by circumstances, grief, and their own fears.

From a writing perspective, this chapter balances plot movement with emotional depth. The pacing is deliberate—small actions, such as Anna reaching for the envelope or touching the button on Dwight’s shirt, carry significant meaning. The truck scene needed to feel intimate despite the tension, which is why I layered in physical details—the warmth of his voice, the feel of his touch, the scent of coffee in the house—to ground the reader in the moment.

Dialogue plays a big role in shaping their dynamic. Dwight’s reassurance is quiet but firm, while Anna’s words carry a desperate edge. The mix of lighthearted moments (the coffee joke) and deeper emotional beats gives the scene a natural ebb and flow, making their connection feel real and earned.

Ultimately, this chapter is about emotional thresholds—Anna realizing she wants more, Dwight realizing he might not be ready, and both of them recognizing that no matter how much they try to fight it, they are becoming entwined in each other’s lives.

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CHAPTER TEN

Anna did her best to stay focused as she and Dwight weaved through the crowded post office, her mind set on finding the box.

After all, inside it was the crucial piece of damning evidence that would help clear her name and put Malachi behind bars. But she couldn't shake off what had just transpired.

Brian’s words lingered, accusing Dwight of Tamara's death. The blame game weighed heavily on Dwight's shoulders.

“Are you okay?” she asked, her voice hushed amid the wandering eyes of people who’d just witnessed the confrontation at the front door.

“I’m fine,” Dwight returned, his features a combination of anger, grief and weariness. “Let’s just find the box and get the hell out of here. What number is it?”

“628.”

Silently counting the boxes, they scanned the numbers.

“Found it,” he declared with a hint of relief in his voice.

With trembling hands, Anna inserted the key into the lock and turned it. She gingerly pushed open the door, her heart racing with anticipation. The box inside held her last chance at a fresh start. Furtively glancing over her shoulder, she reached for the large manilla envelope and pulled it out of the box.

Placing a hand on her lower back, he turned her towards the door. They hurried to the truck and climbed in. He backed out of the parking space and set a course for the ranch.

“Something is off,” she said, her fingers feeling the envelope.

He frowned. “What do you mean, off?”

After tearing open the seal, Anna swiftly emptied the contents into her lap, her reaction a mix of shock and disbelief. "Oh, my god.”