AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Yeah, it was darling. If she only knew who the guy was.
“I can’t wait until December twenty-fourth. It’s going to be the wedding you’ve always dreamed of, Izzy,” Mom sang, like she was singing a truthful tune. She was either a great actress or delusional. Charlotte was getting married, not me.
“Congratulations!” Mary Jo handed me the license.
With care and reverence, I took it, gaping at it. “I feel like I’m holding a dream in my hands,” I said to myself. So many possibilities lived in the document. Possibilities that would have to wait for a little while longer. Rory and Bridgette would come first.
“Oh my gosh, that’s the sweetest thing anyone has ever said in this office,” Mary Jo gushed.
I looked up from the license and smiled at her. “Thank you.”
“Merry Christmas.” She twinkled, like the lights strung on her desk.
Patrick and I both stood, doing the googly-eye thing like teenagers.
Mom was to us in no time flat, wrapping her thin arms around us, her hat assaulting our faces. “You just made me the happiest woman ever.”
While she was squeezing us, I caught Dave’s wicked glare. It said,You may be good, but I’m better.
I cast a dirty look of my own that said,Not this time, dirtbag.
“DARLING, ARE YOU UP HERE?”Patrick called out for me.
I set down the box I was looking through. Each day, I chose a different box of Daisy’s old things we stored in the attic to go through. I wanted to find the ornament George spoke of and give it to him for Christmas. “I’m here.”
Patrick appeared in the doorway. “My parents should be here in about a half hour. Are you hiding?” he teased.
I was nervous to meet them and introduce them to the force of nature that was my mother. She was currently in the kitchen giving classically trained Chef Paul baking tips, all while teaching the three kiddos how to make a Danish Christmas kringle. She was a big believer in always having a dessert to serve company. She already saw herself being best friends with Patrick’s mom, Ophelia. Poor Ophelia had no idea what was in store for her. I’d begged Mom not to invite her to join the hot grandmas’ group on Instagram. She would not make that promise.
“I’m not hiding. I’m looking for that ornament.”
“Would you like some help?” He stepped in.
“Actually.” I bit my lip. “I would like to spend five minutes alone with you.”
“Mmm. I like the way you think.” He skirted past some stacked boxes, an old dressing mannequin, and an antique sewing machine. The place was like a museum. Something wonderful lived up here. I could never quite put my finger on it, but it was a special place. Charlotte would say it was Daisy. Perhaps it was. If it was her, she’d better get ready for a show. I was going to kiss Patrick’s face off.
I motioned with my finger for him to join me on the floor.
He lowered himself until he was hovering over me. “You have no idea what I would love to do to you right now, if only my parents weren’t arriving any minute.”
“Oh, I think I have an idea.” I yanked on his shirt until he came crashing down on me and we were lying on the floor, his lean, muscular body against mine.
“So, you can read my mind.” He nipped at my bottom lip.
“I’m magical like that.” I pressed my lips against his, begging for him to explore my mouth.
His tongue barely took a taste before ...
“Izzy,” Charlotte’s voice rent the air.
Patrick groaned, and we quickly untangled ourselves and sat up like we’d been caught by our parents.
“My house should be livable in a month,” he lamented, running his fingers through his hair.
I couldn’t wait. Although, by that time, I would be living alone in the cottage. I wondered for how long. Patrick had driven me by his house to see if it was to my liking. When I sayme, I mean my mother and me because, you know, she was superglued to him. We both fell in love with the huge white cabin with a magnificent view of the Tetons, a covered patio with a fireplace, and, of course, a hot tub. I couldn’t wait to use that bad boy. Mom did her duty of making sure there would be a room for her to stay in so she could visit usallthe time.
I straightened out my sweater just before Charlotte popped in. “Uh, am I interrupting something?”
