“I thought you didn’t believe in love.”
“Don’t you think if I could change my stance about Christmas trees, I can do the same in regards to love? The Christmas tree and bee lobby have finally won me over. It’s a new year, Mase. I want to start it off right.”
The silence between them stretched and she grew nervous again. Then he said, “One thing I haven’t changed my mind on is that I’m still okay with never getting married. If you don’t want any of the traditional stuff, but you still let me love you, then I don’t care.”
“Maybe we can take it one step at a time. Neither one of us needs to rush ahead, and we can just enjoy the journey we’re on. We’ll take it slow. It gives me some time to figure out my mess.”
“And I can figure out my mess.”
For the first time, a smile spread across her face. “Oh, you have some too?”
“God, yes. But it doesn’t hurt to have a bright spot in the middle of it.” He took her hand, pressing a kiss to her bandaged finger. “You make it all worth it.”
She wasn’t sure how to react, and she burst into tears, drawing the attention of nearby partygoers but Natalie didn’t care. She and Mason were in their own private world, and he was all she noticed. She catapulted herself into his arms, trusting him to catch her as she threw her arms around his neck.
“I don’t think there’s going to be anything drab or gray about January this year. Maybe this was the secret all along.”
She believed him because Natalie felt the same way. “Happy New Year. I love you, Mason Lavigne.”
“I love—” but she pressed her mouth to his in an eager kiss. She knew he loved her. She’d seen it from him a dozen times already.
Her family cheered in the background, there was even a celebratory shrill whistle, like they were watching the end to a satisfying movie. She knew her parents, along with the rest of the family, would be happy to have Mason back because she was gloriously, undeniably happy. The previous emptiness she’d felt at the beginning of the evening was filled. Now it was a party, one she hoped would happen again and again.
She slowly pulled away from Mason, gazing at him, his cheeks flushed pink and his eyes crinkling in joy.
“You,” he said, to finish his previous statement.
“Come on. You need to try this new drink I made, and Mia wants you to befriend her husband, Ross.”
“Sure,” he said, taking her hand and allowing her to lead him through the crowd to the counter. “What’s this drink?”
“It’s a honey cinnamon latte. I’m calling it Honey Bee Delight even though my uncle hates it and thinks it’s cheesy.”
Natalie went behind the counter, grabbing a sharpie to draw his name on a paper cup before making the drink. “I’m using the honey you brought Dad. Really had to wrangle that out of him. Hopefully, you’ll like it…although you might not. It’s an acquired taste, I think.”
“Maybe you’ll need more of that honey or you’ll consider selling some in the shop to customers.”
“I’ll talk it over with myself and if I make a convincing argument, I’ll let you know. I am the boss now.
She handed him the drink, licking a drop of honey from her finger. Mason studied the cup where she’d used a red sharpie to draw hearts and poinsettias around his name.
“I’m never going to be able to throw away this cup now,” he said to her.
She rolled her eyes but couldn’t help smiling. “Yes, you can. There will be plenty more where that came from. By the way, I’m coming home with you tonight.”
He raised an eyebrow. “Is this why you’re giving me caffeine? Is this still considered taking things slow?”
“Yes and yes. I’ll make sure after the damn party is over to walk to my car very slowly. I think anyone would consider that taking things slow.” He grinned at her, and she bit her lip to keep her own smile from escaping. “Will you just shut up and drink that?”
Mason took a generous sip but was unable to hide the slight grimace passing across his features.
“You don’t like it?”
“No, I do. Although, I think maybe you’re right and it’s an acquired taste. I need another sip is all. Is the honey for me and the cinnamon for you?”
“Yup. A little sweet, a little spice. What other combination sounds like paradise?”
He smiled. “I think it’s perfect.”
It was better than perfect.
It was them.
