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“No. No. No.” Atti’s shriek of laughter drew a lot of attention. My mom, Mrs. Abigail, Georgie, and a few older women all looked our way. Their smiles had my butterflies easing off.
“What do you mean no? I want those cheeks.” Danny was laughing as he blew raspberries on Atti’s cheeks. The child was saying no, but he freaking loved when you did that.
When Danny came up for air, I leaned up on my tiptoes and pressed a kiss to his cheek. I tried to pull back, but he wasn’t having it. Right there in front of God and everyone, he kissed me. His mouth claimed mine and let me just say, I was spinning out of orbit.
“Well…that’s one way to say hello,” I teased, a little breathless.
He grinned. “Look up.”
I did and busted out laughing. The cheeky man had been under the bundle of mistletoe this whole time.
“Merry Christmas, beautiful.”
“Merry Christmas.”
I melted into him, allowing him to take possession of my mouth again. When he pulled back, he winked. “Come on, let’s get you both something to drink.”
“I’m only allowed juice,” I said a little louder than I normally would as we passed the group of women still watching us. Georgie let out a bark of laughter. I grinned.
“You two are gonna be trouble…”
“Hey, I resemble that remark.”
I trailed after him and into the kitchen. There were a couple of large punch bowls on the counter. I knew where I was going; Mrs. Abigail made a mean green punch.
Laughter suffused the room around me. People were talking, poking fun at each other, all while watching others dance on the makeshift dance floor.
How no one seemed to be ready to keel over and pass out, I just didn’t understand. It was almost eleven, and I was fighting to keep my eyes open. Atticus lay across my chest sleeping. The kid could sleep through anything. I guess that’s a good thing though. I hoped it stayed that way. I was one of those people that the quieter I tried to be, the louder I seemed to get.
I leaned my cheek against his head and closed my eyes, wrapping my arms around him; snuggling into him. Snowman by Sia started to play on the sound system. The words ‘you are my home’ hit hard. Atti wasn’t the only man in my life that was my home. Danny has become that and more.
“Hey, come on, let’s get you home.”
I blinked up at Danny and smiled. “We’re okay. I was just listening to the music.”
“I had to shake your leg to get those peepers open, so come on. Don’t fight it.”
“My parents—”
“They’re right there, come on, you’re making me work too hard here.” He chuckled.
My mom was coming our way, her gaze going from me to Danny then to Atticus. “Sweetheart, we’ll be a bit longer. Let Daniel drive you back to the house.”
“Or you can stay the night. The guest room has a bassinet in it.” Mrs. Abigail stopped before us and smiled down at Atticus. “You’re always welcome here.”
I didn’t care which way…well, that was a lie. I’d love to stay, curled up against him, but it wasn’t just up to me.
“Yeah, the spare room is across from mine and Phoebe’s rooms. We can help with him if he gets up during the night.”
“You shouldn’t volunteer your sister—”
“He’s not,” she cut her mom off. “I’m down for some baby snuggling.” Phoebe stopped beside me and leaned down to kiss Atti’s head. “He’s such a sweet little man.”
“Thank you, but I don’t have clothes or anything here. Plus,” I looked around, “I don’t want to interfere with your Christmas morning traditions.”
“You wouldn’t be, but I understand. You want to be with your parents and Atticus in the morning. That’s not a bad thing. Let Danny take you home.”
“Thank you for understanding my reluctance.” I gave Mrs. Abigail a tight hug.
