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Feeling like a mess on the outside and inside, I pulled my robe together and walked down the hall, leading the way to the front door. He mentioned nothing about taking Foxy away from me, nor about my lies.
“You look like a hot mama.”
The rumble from his chest caught my nape, sprinkling shivers down my back.
“A total MILF.”
I turned around before opening the front door and gripped a clump of my hair bun. “You should have told me sooner you’re into hot mess mothers. Have a safe flight, James.”
He smiled gently before he turned around and left. The car pulled away, and my inner anger turned into a yearning for more time. I closed the door and picked up the bag of Christmas gifts James left behind. I picked up an envelope with my name written across in neat handwriting and removed two plane tickets for me and Foxy, leaving for Austria in four days.
* * *
Cold mountain air filled my lungs, and I squeezed Foxy’s hand. When we’d arrived at the airport to check in, I hadn’t expected to be flying on a private jet with James’s cousin and his girlfriend. Foxy slept through most of the flight, but I could barely close my eyes. Four days ago I’d thought we’d be spending Christmas alone, and now we were standing in front of Gabe’s mansion in the Austrian Alps.
Julian pushed through the door and yelled out, “Surprise!”
I followed Kendra inside. Foxy let go of my hand and ran past the twelve-foot Christmas tree in the foyer straight to his grandmother’s open arms. The cabin-styled home was on a smaller scale than the one in Colorado, but just as exquisite, decorated in a winter wonderland theme.
I lowered the bag off my shoulder and looked up to the second story, where James was standing beyond the railing. Ice and fire consumed his eyes as I held his gaze. I went further inside and found Allie.
“Oh, my God. I’m so happy you came!” Her eyes flew up to the second story and back to me. “How’s everything going?”
“I don’t know. I hope I didn’t make a mistake coming. Is Tiffany here?”
“No, she’s staying with Kensi and her family back in the States.”
Someone flicked on a switch, and the fairy lights hung underneath the beams lit up. Evergreen branches with giant red bows hung on the fireplace mantle. Christmas music played in the background, and the smell of cinnamon, pine, and peppermint carried through the air.
“This house is beautiful,” I said. “I can’t believe I’m going to a wedding tomorrow. I barely had time to pack.”
“It’s casual and family only.”
“There must be thirty people here, at least. How are you feeling? You’re showing already.” I pointed to her stomach.
“The morning sickness is gone, and the baby’s kicking hard.”
“I’m so happy for you.” I hugged her again.
“There’s Mommy.” Teresa’s voice chirped behind me, and I turned around. My son was gripping a toy bear and a new fox stuffy. His cheeks were flushed, and he was grinning from ear to ear, but with the time change, it was way past his bedtime. His long nap on the plane and the calm ride from the airport had paid off, but my gut told me the crankiness loomed. He let go of his stuffed toys and reached up.
I took him from Teresa’s arms. “He’s tired. Can you show me where I can put him down?”
“Yes, of course. Come with me. Your bags should be inside the room.”
I turned on my heel toward the staircase, scanning for James, but he was no longer on the second floor, and I couldn’t find him. I followed Teresa up the stairs and through an extension to the house. We walked across a bridge enclosed in glass. Below us, the outdoor pool glowed bright blue, steaming.
We crossed to the other side, and she pushed the third door open. “This is you and Foxy.”
I walked inside, gaping at the beautiful accommodation. A king-sized bed was centered against the wall, leaving enough space for cartwheels. The most beautiful mountain landscape lay beyond the glass window that spanned the wall.
“Your bathroom is past that door. The kitchen fridge is full, toddler snacks are on the counter, and… well if you can’t find something, just ask. Please make yourself at home.”
“Thank you, Teresa.”
She hugged me tight and left. I unpacked our suitcases, bathed Foxy, and put him to bed. He fell asleep in an instant. I took a long, hot shower and slipped into the fluffy robe. I walked out to the bedroom and jumped when I saw James sitting in the chair.
I grabbed the middle of my chest. “Jesus, you nearly gave me a heart attack. You’re lucky I don’t have my gun with me.”
