"Save something for the honeymoon!" Levi calls out, earning an elbow from Mindy and laughter from the crowd.
"Speaking of which," Atticus murmurs against my ear as the attention shifts away from us, "I have plans for you later that definitely aren't suitable for public consumption."
"Is that so, Mr. Morgan?" I keep my voice innocent even as heat blooms low in my belly. "Care to elaborate?"
"Let's just say," he replies, his hand finding the small of my back again, "this particular Christmas gift requires absolute privacy and possibly soundproofing."
"Atticus!" I swat his arm, laughing despite the blush I can feel heating my cheeks. "Behave. We have guests."
"I'm always perfectly behaved in public," he reminds me, the picture of corporate composure despite the Santa hat and the heat in his eyes. "In private, however..."
The promise in his voice sends anticipation curling through me. Three weeks of increasingly passionate encounters, and still, my body responds to his slightest suggestion like we've only just discovered each other.
"Later," I promise, letting my hand rest briefly on his chest, feeling his heartbeat quicken beneath my palm. "We have all afternoon once the brunch wraps up."
"I'm holding you to that, Parker."
"I'm counting on it, Morgan."
Our private moment is interrupted as Vivienne approaches, champagne flute in hand. "Darling, the Sullivan property is inspired," she says, air-kissing both our cheeks. "Those views are unparalleled. Though the interior will need a complete overhaul, I've already spoken with my designer about availability in February."
I exchange a glance with Atticus, suppressing a smile. "Thank you, Vivienne, but we've actually already engaged a local architect. Spencer's cousin Eliza specializes in sustainable mountain renovations."
"How... resourceful," she manages, recovering quickly. "Well, I'm sure she'll appreciate my designer's input on the finer points."
"I'm sure they'll collaborate beautifully," I agree diplomatically.
"Like their clients," she observes with surprising perception. "Different worlds, complementary strengths. It's what makes successful partnerships, in business and in life."
Her insight is unexpectedly profound from the woman I'd once dismissed as merely a corporate socialite, touches something deep within me.
"Thank you, Mother," Atticus says, genuine appreciation in his voice. "For everything."
She waves a dismissive hand, though I catch the emotion that briefly crosses her face. "Just be happy, darling. Both of you." With that, she glides away to charm Levi's sister Tessa, who looks simultaneously intimidated and intrigued by Vivienne's attention.
"She's right, you know," I say quietly, watching her go. "About different worlds making stronger partnerships."
"She has her moments of wisdom," Atticus admits. "Usually when you least expect them."
"Like mother, like son," I tease, earning a raised eyebrow.
"I'm consistently wise, thank you very much."
"And modest too." I laugh, leaning into his side as we survey the gathering, our friends, our colleagues, our family both biological and chosen. "Did you ever imagine this? Three weeks ago, when you first arrived?"
He considers the question seriously. "No," he finally admits. "I had a five-year plan, a ten-year plan, and a clear path to the Blackwood executive board. None of it included falling in love with my best friend, buying property in a mountain town, or wearing a Santa hat in public."
"Regrets?" I ask, suddenly needing the reassurance despite everything.
His answer comes without hesitation. "Not a single one." He presses a kiss to my temple, his voice low and sincere. "The best business decisions are often the ones you never saw coming, the opportunities that appear unexpectedly and change everything for the better."
"Very profound, Mr. CEO," I murmur, touched by his sincerity.
"I have my moments," he returns with a smile. "Usually when inspired by the right muse."
As the brunch continues around us, I find myself taking mental snapshots of the moment, Atticus with his Santa hat and easy smile, Jenna orchestrating the gift exchange with military precision, Marcus accepting a plate of cookies from Mindy's twins with grave courtesy, my father deep in conversation with Spencer about the spring renovation plans.
This unlikely gathering, this unexpected joy, this perfect Christmas morning that three weeks ago I couldn't have imagined.
