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Drew let out a laugh. “No, not yet, anyway.” He looked at Lacey. Her eyes went wide, and she fought back a smile, which he took as a good sign. “How old are you?”
Amelia giggled. “I’m five and a half. How old are you?”
“Only a little older than that.”
Now Lacey was the one laughing. “Okay, how about you open your present, Amelia.”
The sweet girl reached toward the familiar-looking box and tore off the paper; Lacey and Drew gasped when they saw the baby doll wearing a yellow dress—the one that Drew picked out.
“I’ve never had a doll before,” Amelia said, fighting to open the box. She handed it to Lacey. “Can you please help me?”
Once the doll was released from its confines, Amelia hugged it close to her chest. She looked at the little doll. “I’m going to name you Daisy, and I love you.”
Lacey’s eyes filled, and before they could spill over, she dabbed them with her fingertips. “That’s a beautiful name for her, Amelia.”
“Thank you.”
A woman from the orphanage clapped her hands, garnering everyone’s attention. “Children, it’s time to leave.”
In unison, all the children let out a drawn-out “Aww.”
“Please form a line behind me.”
Still clutching Daisy to her chest, Amelia turned to Lacey. Her eyes were full of tears. “Bye, Miss Lacey. Thank you for being myfriend.”
Lacey scooped Amelia up in her arms, further tugging on Drew’s heartstrings. She peppered the little girl’s cheek with kisses. “It was so nice meeting you. I’m going to keep in touch and write you letters. Would you like that?”
Amelia nodded. “Yes.” She held her doll by the hand and gave Lacey a hug.
Drew stood by, not exactly sure what to do. He had witnessed kids getting attached at these events before, and it was understandable considering their situation. But Amelia was different. She looked at Lacey like she wore a cape, like she was a magnificent superhero, and maybe to Amelia, she was.
Once Lacey had set her down, Amelia turned to Drew and waved. “Bye, Drew.”
“Bye, Amelia.” Hand in hand, he and Lacey watched the kids parade out of the room. Their faces were now full of joy.
Ethan walked up to them, pulling off his beard. “What did you think, Lacey?”
She smiled. “I think what you and your family do for those children is remarkable.” Lacey threw her arms around him—well, as far as they would reach considering he was a bit larger at that moment—and hugged him.
“You’re welcome to come back next year. Or, really, any time you want.”
Hope bloomed in Drew. Both men looked at Lacey, waiting for her reply, which took about a second and a half. “I’d love that, thank you.”
“Perfect.” Ethan kissed the top of her head, eliciting an arched eyebrow from Drew. “You’re an honorary elf and caroler.”
Drew playfully pulled Lacey out of Ethan’s hold and into his. “Thanks, Santa. Lacey and I are going to go take a walk on the beach.”
Ethan chuckled, knowing full well he’d hit a jealous chord in Drew. “Have fun. I’m going to go see if Ella the Elf would like to get a drink.”
Hand in hand, Drew and Lacey left the room. Once they were outside, Lacey kicked off her sandals, Drew, his boat shoes, and their feet hit the cool sand. Lacey tipped her head back and inhaled. Drinking in and memorizing every feature on her face—her high cheekbones, the little smile line on the right side of her mouth, and her lips that looked like a little red bow. Lips that he couldn’t wait one more minute to taste.
He stopped walking and twirled her into his arms. They dropped their shoes, and together the two of them danced to the sounds of the waves. Their gazes connected and stayed that way, neither wanting to blink. Drew stopped moving and cupped her face.
“Drew…” She looked down, but using a gentle touch, he tilted her head up and brought his lips to hers, pouring his heart and soul into his kiss. After they broke apart, he looked into her eyes. “I know the last thing you want is arealboyfriend, but give me a chance, Lacey. Let me show you how much you mean to me… how a man should really treat a woman.”
Their eyes connected, and he saw a subtle shift in her expression, her chest rising and falling with each contemplative breath. “I’ll give you a chance, but I can’t make any promises.”
Drew’s smile stretched across his face. “You’re not going to regret it, I promise you.” All he wanted to do was scoop her up and twirl her around. Instead, he wrapped her up in his arms and held her close.
