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“Now—I don’t know—you’re different. I mean, we both are. We’re older and wiser. We’ve been through a lot of stuff. We’re not the same kids we were in high school.”
“Thank heavens for that,” I said with a laugh.
Skye scooted across the couch towards me and threw her legs over my lap. I rested my hands on her knee, though I would have much rather let them explore her. She nestled into my shoulder and I wrapped an arm around her, feeling completely at ease.
“This really is a good movie. You should have watched it years ago,” she said, changing the subject completely.
“I guess I just always hoped I would be able to watch it for the first time with you.”
She looked up at me with a smile on her face, and I gently kissed her lips as she relaxed into me. And though we may not have gotten thealonetime that we had been longing for, somehow this was far better.
17
SKYE
When New Year’s Eve rolled around, excitement was buzzing in the air, and not just from me. The whole resort seemed to be looking forward to what the new year might bring, and all the opportunities that we might be met with.
Our family had planned a day full of festivities and activities for both adults and kids, and I was so looking forward to spending the entire day with Owen and his girls. Even though I didn’t have kids of my own, I felt a responsibility and a kinship with all of my nieces and nephews, and now with Owen’s girls as well. I wanted to make sure they had the best day possible.
I helpedmy mom prepare for the day by cooking an obscene amount of food, and setting it all out on the table in an intricate manner that only she could accomplish. The table was adorned with candles, poppers, and confetti, alongside the dishes of vegetables, chocolate sweets, and cheese fondu.
One of my favorite things about New Year’s Eve was the constant availability of food. It was certainly not a day that anyone was going to walk away hungry.
“Sweetheart, why do you keep looking out the window?” my mom asked as I brought out the drinks from the refrigerator.
“What are you talking about?”
“I know you’re excited for Owen to come over, but you don’t want to seem too eager, right?”
“Mom, there’s nothing going on between me and Owen. I’m just excited to hang out with him and the girls.”
“Skye, dear, you know we all love Owen. So, if you love him, we’re on board.”
“Mom!”
“What? I’m just saying, it’s been a long time since you’ve had a boyfriend, and he would be a great one to choose.”
“First of all, he is not my boyfriend. And second of all, I’ve had plenty of boyfriends. No one can ever keep up with my lifestyle.”
“I think you should give him a chance.”
“Give who a chance?” Amelia asked as she burst into the kitchen. “Owen?”
“So, you’ve noticed it, too. Sounds like the whole family wants this to happen,” my mom said with a grin.
“Nothing is happening between us, nor will anything ever happen between us. We’re friends, and that’s it. We’ve just had a lot to catch up on.”
Amelia and my mom exchanged a glance, which I knew meant that they didn’t see things the same way. Though, I didn’t see things that way either. Thingshadhappened between me and Owen, and I hoped there would be more to come. But I didn’t need my family’s input on any of that.
“Can you guys please keep your mouths shut once Owen gets here?”
They looked at each other again, each of them with a sly grin on their face. I knew there would be no way they didn’t bring up their suspicions with him; I was just going to have to give him a fair warning beforehand.
There was a knock at the front door that nearly made the champagne bottle in my hand fall to the floor. I started walking over to open it, but suddenly remembered who was watching me, and decided it would be best if I didn’t look like I was excitedat all, even though my heart was racing.
Fortunately, Penelope beat me to the door, and swung it wide open. Laila’s red hair fluttered in the breeze, but my eyes went straight to Owen’s. He had a bottle of Champagne in one hand, and a bottle of sparkling cider in the other. He also had a smile on his face that sent butterflies straight to my stomach. How in the world could a real person be so handsome?
“Laila, Cora, come see what we’re making!” Penelope squealed, grabbing each of the girls by their hand and dragging them inside the chalet.
