Page 36
Before she could respond, he got out of the car and headed inside.
It took her a moment to follow.
When she stepped into the living room, she found him waiting, holding out a beautifully wrapped box.
“Dad, we can open gifts later,” she said with a small laugh.
“We will. But I’d really like you to open this one now.”
Curious, she sat down and carefully unwrapped it, removing the bow and lifting the lid.
Inside was a single sheet of paper.
“A reservation at the Lakeview Harbor Resort,” she read, looking up. “I don’t…”
“Go pack a bag,” he said, smiling. “We’re spending the next three days there.”
She blinked. “Wait… what?”
“You’ve been talking nonstop about how magical it is,” he said. “I figured it was the perfect place for us to spend our first Christmas together.”
Alesha was on her feet in an instant, throwing her arms around him. “This is seriously the best gift! Thank you.”
“Go on,” he said, laughing. “We’ve got dinner reservations at seven.”
“I’m on it!” she called, already hurrying toward her room.
“I really wish you’d told me you were planning this,” Reece said as he crossed the resort lobby.
“We wanted it to be a surprise!” his mother said brightly. “Your brother’s with his in-laws, your grandparents are down with colds, and we thought it might be nice to get away for a few days and do something special for Christmas.”
“And while I appreciate it, I just feel bad that you spent all this money.”
“Nonsense. Consider it a thank you for all the work you did on the ice cream shop,” his father said. “We know it wasn’t easy—and we kind of steamrolled you into it—so let us do this for you.”
Reece smiled, though it still felt like a bit much. They’d reserved two rooms, so he’d have his own space, including a Christmas tree. When he’d seen it, it had hit him harder than he expected… because it reminded him of the one he and Alesha had shared.
The thought of spending Christmas without her was disappointing, but he understood. They each had their own families, but that didn’t make him miss her any less. He’d already planned to call her later, just to hear her voice.
They made their way toward the restaurant, and Reece scanned the room without meaning to, as if some part of him still hoped…
“Reece?” his mother said, nudging his arm. “Our table’s ready.”
“Oh. Sorry.” He followed her, then stopped short when they reached the corner table.
Alesha.
She was right there.
For a second, everything else faded—the noise, the movement, even his parents—as his gaze locked on hers. “What…?”
“Surprise,” his mom whispered.
“I don’t…”
Martin stood, greeting his parents, but Reece barely registered it. All he could focus on was Alesha stepping toward him, her smile soft and a little uncertain—like she wasn’t quite sure how he’d react.
Like there was any chance he wouldn’t be completely thrilled to see her.
