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“I love you too, my bug. Merry Christmas.”
We hung up. I looked out the window at the picture perfect day. Blue skies, snow-covered mountains, and no wind. Today could be perfect if Kensi were here. Maybe one day we could all spend Christmas together.
I turned around as Laura entered the room.
“Holy crap.”
She was wearing a hip-hugging white sweater with matching leggings and looked absolutely stunning. She’d pinned her hair halfway up and I couldn’t take my eyes off her through my brother’s wedding. The minister prompted me twice for the wedding bands. I barely remembered the ceremony.
We spent the day eating and dancing. Laila fell asleep in my arms as I danced with Laura and Foxy napped on the couch by the fireplace. My mother sat beside him reading a book. I set Laila down by my mother’s other side and took Laura back to the floor.
“I didn’t think I would spend Christmas with you,” she said. “I had an amazing day today.”
“The day isn’t over yet. Unless you’re tired?”
“Not at all. There’s so much adrenaline in my veins I couldn’t sleep.”
Her admission sounded like the perfect invitation and opportunity.
“That’s good. We’re going tobogganing when the kids wake up.”
“And after?” She drew closer in my hold, pressing her body against mine.
“Christmas Eve dinner.” My chest rumbled.
She lifted to her tiptoes and whispered in my ear. “And after?”
Her seductive voice held carnal promises.
“Christmas Eve dessert. In our bed.”
“I better not miss that.”
“I won’t let you.”
The song finished, and we continued dancing until chattery gossip caught my ear.
“James and Laura are next,” Emma squealed. “There are so many weddings to plan, I’m losing count.”
I took Laura under my arm, and we sat by the windows. Heavy snowflakes fell from the sky.
“Don’t worry, Ems, I’ll give you a long heads up—because I’m not getting married anytime soon.”
An unexpected sting pierced my chest. “You wouldn’t marry me?”
She looked up. “Are you asking?”
“No. It’s hypothetical.”
Her eyes softened, yet my heart still ached at her words.
“I can do better than hypothetical. I love you—”
“But?”
“I was going to say, I love you, and I want you and Foxy forever in my life. I also have a little girl missing out there, and I can’t imagine concentrating on anything else before I find her. Have you found anything?”
I swung my head in a swiftno, the lie burning through my bones.
