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“No, no, it’s okay, Dad. I’m sure Addie and Sutton will enjoy a day of rest. You both rest up. Do you want me to drop off a pie or any food?”
“We’ve got plenty of food here, and honestly, I don’t think I could eat anything right now. Maybe ask your brother, but I think he’ll give you the same response.”
I nodded, even though he couldn’t see me. “I understand. Well, let me know if either of you need anything, okay? I’ll give Brax a call as well and let him know that if he needs anything, I can bring it over.”
“Will do, sweetie. I’m so sorry to leave you alone on Christmas.”
Smiling wanly, I replied, “It’s okay, Daddy. I’m sure I can keep myself busy today.”
“I love you, darling.”
“Love you too. Tell Mom I said I love her, and I hope she feels better soon.”
“Will do.”
The call ended, and I let out a long sigh. It took me a moment to remember that Mason and Charlie were still here.
Turning to face them, I attempted to seem unfazed by the news that Christmas with my family was canceled for this year. “Looks like everyone’s going to be staying home this year.”
Mason’s eyes softened as he looked at me. “I’m sorry your parents aren’t feeling well.”
“Me too.” I looked around nervously before focusing back on Charlie and Mason. “Do you want to take a pie, or maybe even two of the desserts? I also made a no-bake éclair.”
Mason’s face lit up. “Charlie had a better idea—why don’t you grab what you made for your family dinner and join us for Christmas today.”
Charlie started to jump. “Yes! Yes! Oh please, Ms. Palmer, please come over to our house for Christmas! We’re going to play games and have lots of fun. Grammy made a turkey and all kinds of food. Pleeeeease!”
I opened my mouth to say no, but the look on Charlie’s face and the smile on Mason’s made me clamp it shut. I chewed on my lip for a moment before asking, “Are you sure? I mean, I don’t want to intrude, but the idea of being here all alone is not a pleasant one, if I’m being honest.”
Mason winked, and my stomach did a little flip that I promptly ignored. “I’m positive,” he said. “My mother cooked enough to feed half the town. They’ll love having you with us, and you’ll all be able to get to know each other better.”
I couldn’t help the grin that spread across my face as I said, “Okay, then I’d love to join you guys.”
Charlie fist pumped, and Mason beamed with happiness.
Mason
The moment Palmer agreed, I knew I was in a lot more trouble than I’d originally thought.
I’d been able to keep my feelings for Palmer in check for both of our sakes, as well as Charlie’s. The more time I spent with her, the more I valued our friendship, and I absolutely thought of Palmer as more than just Charlie’s nanny. She was a friend. A friend I really, really wanted to get to know in intimate ways.
When she’d said yes to spending Christmas with us, my heart had done a weird little flutter and a feeling of excitement had rushed through my body at the idea of her spending time with my family. I couldn’t wait to see what my mom and dad thought of her—and that alone should have been a warning sign. All of those feelings should have been warning signs, which I chose to ignore, because to hell with it.
I wanted Palmer with us today. I hated that she was missing out on Christmas with her family, but I was over the moon that her plans had been altered. I wanted to watch her with Charlie, and see if she thought my father’s dry sense of humor was as funny as I did. I wanted to…
I let my thoughts wander away, because I knew that what I wanted and what Palmer wanted were two completely different things. I tried not to read into the way she’d been looking at me lately. Or how her smiles seemed to be a bit more flirty.
Pushing open the back door, Charlie and I rushed in. Before I could say a word, he ran into the kitchen, tracking snow everywhere, and cried out, “Palmer is coming over for Christmas!”
My mother’s eyes met mine as I stepped into the kitchen and took my coat off. I hung it over one of the backs of the chairs right before my mother took it and put it on one of the coatracks in the small mudroom off the kitchen. I knew better than to toss my hat, scarf, and gloves onto the table, so I followed her and put them on the bench.
“Charlie, come get your coat off!” I called out.
