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He groaned as he ran his hands slowly down her back. “I would love nothing more. Unfortunately, I recklessly invited half of Manhattan to come for a Thanksgiving dinner.”
“You did?”
He nodded. “What better way to warm our house? Our first family home.”
She sighed. “I think my plan would have been just as warming.”
His laugh was rich. “You are right. I will leave all organising to you from now on.”
“Good.” She linked fingers with him. “Come on.”
They paused on the threshold.
“Who’s coming, anyway?”
“Jenna and that guy she’s been dating--.”
Jane interrupted him. “His name is Michael. It’s been a year and a half.”
“Right. Michael. Anita is coming, and Thomas.”
“Not half of Manhattan, but some of the best of it.”
“And Karina and Eliot.”
Jane was glad. She adored Karina, and Eliot and Carter seemed to be patching up the differences of their youth, as they got older.
“Now, Mrs Mann-Hughes, stand still.”
He bent down and scooped her up, cradling her against his broad chest.
She shook her head. “What are you doing?”
“A fine tradition. I’m carrying you over the threshold of our home, for the first time.”
The house inside was even more than she could have dreamed. It was almost completely empty, except for swathes of ivy that were strung along the bannisters. That, and an enormous oak table which was set for Thanksgiving, with pumpkins and chestnuts running its length.
“Just a table?”
“Well, you only have one year to finish your course. Decorating this felt like it would make sense.”
Her heart soared, and immediately, she began to furnish the home in her mind. She could see where she’d mix old and new, different types of wood, fabrics and textures.
“Oh, Carter.” Her lips were quivering with emotion. “Thank you. It is just perfect.”
“I hope so.”
She lifted her fingers and splayed them across his chest. “When are the others arriving?”
He looked at his Rolex. “Any time now.”
“It won’t hurt if we keep them waiting a bit, will it?” The wicked glint in her eyes was all he needed.
“If I remember correctly, there’s a guest room somewhere near here.”
>
They laughed as they ran through the house, until they found it.
