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Her eyes teared up. “I don’t want to leave him.”
Knox smiled wider. “He loves you, too.”
“Emmett and Ireland got his brother and named him Dash, as in Dasher.”
Addy’s eyes widened. “Oh, a reindeer name. Can we name him Comet or Cupid?”
Knox winced. “Comet, maybe. Not Cupid.”
“What are the others?” I asked as I sat next to Addy.
She listed them on her fingers. “Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen, and Rudolph.”
“I think Comet or Blitzen sounds the best,” I said.
Addy petted his head. “I like Comet.”
“I like that, too,” Knox said, petting the pup while he squirmed on Addy’s lap.
Addy kissed him and cuddled him close. I didn’t think we’d be able to go back home after this. Comet won her over as easily as Knox had. My heart was so full. I had everyone I loved in this room, and tonight, both of our families would be together for the party.
“Dad wanted to know if he could come to my party,” Addy said tentatively.
“I don’t see why not. Want me to tell him the time and location?”
“I already did.”
For the first time ever, we’d celebrate Addy’s birthday together. It would be weird but also good for Addy. When he dropped her off, he mentioned something about looking for jobs in Maryland so it would be easier for him to see Addy. It would be nice if he was around more and we were able to do things together. I couldn’t help but think Knox coming into my life was the impetus for my improved relationship with Gary.
I was so grateful for everything we had, but the brightest part of the day was our future, the one I could see clearly with Knox. We’d live here at his house, with Addy and Comet growing and maturing together. Maybe Comet would sleep with her in her bed, and we’d have more kids, giving Addy the brother or sister she’d always asked for. The possibilities were endless, and I was excited to explore all the possibilities with Knox.
The thought of a little boy with Knox’s dark hair sent a pang through my heart. I wanted that with him. I wanted more Christmases and never-ending love.
I’d even gotten a few more referrals for editing jobs recently, and it made me hopeful that I’d be able to consider quitting my job this year.
“Can Comet come to the party?” Addy asked.
“I don’t see why not. I’ll have Emmet bring Dash, and they can play in a playpen if they want. I have a little structure that will keep them from getting into trouble,” Knox said.
“They’ll be the highlight of the party.” How could two puppies not be the center of attention?
Addy rubbed her cheek along the soft fur on his head, and I couldn’t help but think having a puppy to care for would be good for her.
After we cleaned up the debris from the wrapping paper and ate a snack, we headed over to the barn, where Ireland and the rest of the Monroe brothers had already decorated the barn. This was the one near Emmett’s house that was used for family get-togethers. There was a bonfire just outside, where fixings for s’mores were set up.
Lori wanted to serve finger foods like chicken wings and pigs in a blanket inside for a quick dinner and then go outside for the bonfire.
The evening was perfect with the crisp air and clear night to see the stars. Inside, it was warm, and holiday music piped through the speakers.
“We can switch to something else if you prefer, birthday girl,” Ireland said to her when we arrived.
“I love Christmas music.”
Ireland smiled at her. “Then we won’t change a thing.”
We put the dogs in their playpen so they could play while we finished getting the decorations up. We hung snowflakes and large ornaments from the ceiling, and the windowsills held fresh garland. There were trees in each corner, decorated with a different theme. One was beach, one was birthday, one was all white stars, and the last was pink. Addy had a blast decorating them.
When the guests arrived, Addy took off with her friends. The pile of gifts grew larger on the back table with each family that arrived.
