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I wrapped my arms around her waist and pulled her hard against me. “And no one said I couldn’t kiss you back.”
I claimed her lips and kissed her long and hard.
“Damn it. Guess Christopher was right,” Nicholas said from the doorway.
I lifted my head and reluctantly released Adilyn. Turning to Nicholas I said, “I’d appreciate it if you didn’t say anything to anyone.”
“Hey, no problem. Doreen had us all gather in the lobby. She said that you two had an announcement. Are you getting married?”
“God, no,” Adilyn blurted. “It’s a Christmas tree decorating party.”
“Damn. I was hoping I knew something Christopher didn’t.”
Don’t we all?
“Guess we better go since they’re all waiting,” she said.
Waiting is something I’ve gotten used to. But I shouldn’t wait much longer.
I hope she understands when I tell her. Even if no one else did, I really wanted her to.
CHAPTER6
Adilyn
Alex’s children were practically leaping out of the ski boots. Charisa was holding Mark's hand, “You promise you won’t leave?” she asked.
“I won’t. I promise,” he said.
“Good, because Jason and Jaxson keep laughing at me because I’m scared of the big slopes,” she said.
I felt for her. Her brothers, although a couple of years younger than her, still liked to tease her. Charisa was only thirteen, and from what she said, she lived on a tropical island. Skiing wasn’t something she’d ever done before. Sounded like she would’ve been okay never doing it. I was glad that Mark was going to be by her side in case fear overtook her.
“My brother Billy used to tease me all the time too. I used to think he was just being mean, but I found out that in reality he wanted to go skiing with me. I’m glad I learned how. Now we go and have fun skiing together all the time,” I told her.
She smiled at me. “You mean they want me with them? They're not just being mean?”
I couldn’t guarantee that, but I hoped that was the case. “I think so.”
Charisa looked at Mark. “Do you tease your sister?” she asked.
He shook his head. “No. I’m the oldest like you are. We are the ones that get picked on. But think about it. We also get to do everything first. You’re thirteen and in three years you’ll be driving, and your brothers will still have to ride their bikes.”
That did it. She was glowing. “Yes. And I’m going to make them beg me to take them.”
Mark laughed. “See. Sometimes being the oldest isn’t so bad. Now are you ready to hit the slopes with me?”
She nodded and said, “I want to ski as good as Avery. She’s thirteen and I heard she skis better than her big brother Michael.”
“I’m sure you can if you practice. But today, let’s not worry about what the others are doing. Let’s just go and have some fun. How does that sound?” he asked.
“Okay. I can do that,” she said. Charisa let go of Mark and turned to me, giving me a tight hug. “Thank you, Adilyn. You are making this vacation the very best.”
“I’m glad you’re enjoying it,” I replied.
“I am. And the tree decorating party last night was the best.” She looked up at Mark and added, “Even though you can’t sing.”
Now it was Charisa’s turn to tease. But she wasn’t joking. Mark couldn’t hold a key to save his life. Smiling, I said, “Maybe he will get better with practice. Should we sing more Christmas carols tonight?”
