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Each day we settle into our new normal, establishing routines and learning about one another. Today, I’m especially excited because in addition to going on a double date with Michael and Evie, we’re stopping by to see my dad on the way.

“Daddy, where’s the Christmas tree?” I scan the living room after a big hug hello. “It’s the middle of December. Christmas is a little over a week away.”

He shrugs. “I didn’t need to go through that fuss just for me.”

“Since we’re still on the boat, we don’t really have room for decorations. I’d love to come by and decorate a tree. Maybe tomorrow if it’s okay with you, El?”

In an abundance of caution, I haven’t gone out alone. The dust is still settling with the Russians, so Elio escorts me wherever I go. He’s in as much danger as me, if not more, considering the police are still after him, but he’s always more worried about me than himself.

He nods. “No problem here.”

When I look back at my dad, he’s beaming. “If you really want to, I wouldn’t mind.”

“Absolutely.” I wink at him. “It’s been such a crazy few weeks that I’ve hardly had time to think about the holidays. I need to do something festive to get in the spirit. Plus, I haven’t done any gardening or been around plants in weeks. I’d love to pick out a little tree to decorate.”

“Can I get you two a quick drink?” Dad asks. “I know you have plans tonight, so I won’t keep you long, but I’d love to catch up a little.”

“I think a glass of wine before dinner would be great.” After weeks and weeks of tension, it’s time to let down my hair and have a little fun.

“I’ll stick to water,” Elio answers, then turns his attention to me. “I didn’t know you were into gardening.”

I smile to myself, thinking back to the last time we were here at the house together, when I was planting pansies, and he pretended to be DiAngelo. “I enjoy planting flowers and keeping some houseplants. Nothing crazy.”

“Does that mean you’d prefer a house like this to a city apartment?”

We haven’t talked about living arrangements, so his question surprises me, giving my heart a little jumpstart.

“I think as long as I have nice big windows for sunlight, I’m good.”

“Sunlight for my sunshine girl. I think we can make that happen.” His hooded eyes bathe me in warmth. I’m grinning like a loon when Dad returns with our drinks. We spend an hour talking with Dad before saying our goodbyes. Once we’re in the car, we only make it two blocks before I tell Elio to stop the car.

“You forgot something?” he asks, pulling to the curb.

“No, I remembered.” I flash a radiant smile, then exit the car with Elio quick on my heels. I take his hand in mine to cross the street where the little free library still stands. It’s seen better days, but it’s still in use, and the C encyclopedia is no longer present.

I take it in for a moment, cherishing the memories. “I can’t believe I passed by here for so many years without remembering.” My words carry a touch of melancholy. “Seeing it now, I can feel the tingling excitement it always brought me every time I left a note for you.”

Elio’s arm winds around my back to pull me into his side. “Are you sure that tingling isn’t the wine?”

I smack his chest and burst out laughing, unable to feign indignation. “Maybe a little of both.”

As our laughter settles, his hands cup my face, and he pulls me in for a reverent kiss that sends my spirit soaring into the cloudless night sky.

“Mmm … thank you,” I purr, eyes slow to open when the kiss ends.

Elio chuckles and kisses the end of my nose. “You’re welcome. Now, let’s get back to the car before you freeze.” The cold hadn’t even registered until he mentioned it, and once he did, a shiver wracks me from head to toe.

I hurry back to the car and smile the entire drive to the steakhouse where we meet with Michael and Evie. I’m not sure if it’s my buoyant mood or if I got that close over the couple of weeks we spent together, but either way, I’m excited to see them.

“You look stunning tonight,” Evie tells me once we’re seated at our small square table. She’s to my left, and Elio is to my right. We decided that would be best so the boys and girls could talk to one another more easily.

“Why, thank you. I can say the same about you.”

“It’s amazing what a little normalcy and stability will do for a girl.” She arches a brow, making me laugh.

“No kidding. I bet it feels wonderful to be back home.”

She grins, her eyes finding Michael’s. “It is, especially now that we know we’re expecting.”