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From the veranda, she watched Ronan pull into the driveway. He remained behind the wheel for a beat before climbing out and slowly circling her SUV.
Once. Then again.
She couldn’t blame him.
She was still trying to make sense of her own impulsive decision.
He looked toward the porch and found her watching him. Shaking his head, he crossed the yard. “What the hell?”
Despite herself, she smiled. “I’m still in shock myself.”
He climbed the steps and stopped in front of her. “Why?”
She shrugged, aiming for nonchalance. “It’s just a tree.”
His eyes searched hers, seeing far more than a tree. “Liss…”
She stepped closer and rested a hand against his chest, meeting his gaze. “It’s time.”
Time to make new memories.
Happy ones.
His jaw tightened. His throat bobbed.
“Okay.” He nodded once. “Okay.”
Together, they wrestled the tree through Gertrude’s front door, shooing the curious pugs out of the way. Ronan positioned the stand in the corner between the front bay window and the mural before lifting it into place. It took several attempts to get it standing straight. While Felicity held the trunk steady, he crouched to secure it before finally stepping back to admire their handiwork.
Ronan lifted the shears … then paused.
He held them out to her. “You do it.”
She wrapped her fingers around the handles and took a slow breath.
It took several snips before the plastic netting split with a sharp snap.
The branches sprang free, and the rich scent of fresh pine filled the room.
She stepped back, her heart hammering.
Ronan came up behind her, his warmth at her back, steady and familiar.
Without thinking, she leaned into him.
They stood in silence, taking in the tree. Then her gaze drifted beyond it, around the room. The mural stretched across the wall, soft rugs covered the gleaming floors, the fire crackled in the fireplace, and the three pugs lay on cushions nearby.
The heirloom dresser stood proudly against one wall. A large dining table filled the bay window, ready for the family who would gather around it. Comfortable couches circled the television, lamps cast a warm glow, and artwork brought every wall to life.
“Do we have decorations?”
She blinked.
It was a perfectly reasonable question.
A second later, she felt Ronan’s shoulders begin to shake behind her.
Then the laughter burst free. She stepped back, turned, and swatted his arm. “It’s not funny,” she groused even as a smile tugged at her lips.
