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Aithan nodded like that made complete sense and Drew murmured, “Everyone’s supposed to bring a gift.”
I picked up the angel and another businessman zombie. He clutched a briefcase; guess that was his gift. “I keep meaning to buy those Christmas village buildings they sell in the pharmacy. I wanna get them on sale after the holidays, then kinda deconstruct them to create a whole zombie apocalypse Christmas scene for the mantel.”
Drew stared at me with rapt adoration. “You are a mad genius.”
“Best idea ever,” Aithan agreed. “And great Halloween decorations, too.”
I nodded. “Exactly. Double duty décor.” Leaning back, I sank into the sofa cushions and smiled, watching the guys make a list of items to buy.
Fuck, I’d miss having Aithan here. But Drew was right. His family needed him in Los Angeles this year. My parents were in Paris. I didn’t know or give a flying fuck where Greer spent the holidays.
“Gotta get my holiday cards out,” Drew said. He flopped onto the couch and lay on his side, head in my lap.
“Already got Blue Water’s out,” Aithan said. He’d had a card stuffing event with the staff at the gym.
“I do a year-end wrap-up newsletter,” I remarked. “Lots to talk about in this one. I’ll get it out the week after Christmas.” I ran my fingers through Drew’s hair. “Do you have a lot of cards to mail?”
“Nah. Maybe two dozen, mostly the other writers I work with, my editorial team, cover artists, agents, and my besties.” He kissed my knee. “I’m gonna take you guys to meet Jules and Emerson.”
“And Atticus?” Aithan asked.
“Who’s he?” I asked.
“Their big dog,” Drew replied. “Yes, definitely Atticus. They live in California. We can go in March after the VoWs, and after we spend time with your family, Aith.”
I nudged Drew to move, then I crawled across the floor and snuggled into Aithan’s lap. “I’m gonna miss you.”
He kissed my temple. “And I’m gonna miss you. But it’s only five days.”
“While he’s gone, we can figure out how to celebrate New Year’s Eve,” Drew said.
“Oh my gosh, a new year.” I rested my cheek against Aithan’s chest and listened to his heartbeat. “So much has changed in such a short time.”
“True,” he said, his voice rumbling beneath my ear. “And a lot will change during this next year, too.”
“You’ll have a new series out,” I said to Drew.
“We have the VoWs to attend.”
“You guys need tuxes.”
“We do?” Aithan sounded surprised.
“It’s black tie,” Drew replied. “You getting a gown made, babe?”
I nodded. “Lorelei’s on it.”
“Tuxes, it is,” Aithan said. “Gotta look spiffy for our gal.”
“What else will change?” I asked.
“Maeve’s trial will finally remove her from Tobias’s life,” Aithan said.
“And maybe bring him into our family?” Drew asked.
I shook my head. “Dunno and I’m not pushing. His priorities are different.”
“And he has them straight,” Aithan added.
