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I squeezed his shoulder. “I know, big man. Relax. Go kiss Ireland. When you spend more time with her, you’re less surly.”
“I’m not surly.”
Mom gave him a dubious look. “Are you sure about that?”
“I’m not.” Emmett’s expression softened as Ireland moved into his side, placed a hand on his chest, and smiled up at him.
I laughed. He’d just proven my point.
Mom waved a hand at us. “You’re all grumpy. Maybe meeting the right woman will be good for your disposition, too.”
Ireland smiled brightly at our mother. “Oh, are we matchmaking?”
I shook my head. “Definitely not.”
“We’re decorating the outside tree tomorrow after closing. I hope everyone can make it.”
Ireland smiled. “We’ll be there.”
Emmett’s arm tightened around Ireland. “Can we start by the waterfall? I wanted to show the girls what we did for the trees there.”
Mom nodded in agreement. “Maybe we’ll get lucky, and the girls will decorate one of the trees nearby. You boys made us hike the property, arguing about the perfect tree before you finally made a decision.”
“You loved it,” I said, remembering the look of affection on my mom’s face whenever we got excited about something.
“I’m getting old now and don’t want to hike the property after dark.”
“I doubt the girls will want to do that either. Maybe we can promise them a bonfire if they hurry up,” I said.
“I love that idea. I’ll make sure we’re stocked up with the fixings for s’mores,” Mom offered.
No one liked how crowded the farm got during our busy season, but I loved these pockets of time when we were able to be together as a family. I loved the wonder on Ember’s face when we introduced her to our family traditions. It made me imagine what it would be like when I had children of my own.
Chapter 7
Sarah
Over the weekend, I was busy with the shows and a cast party after the Sunday matinee. Afterward, I was exhausted and wanted nothing more than to curl up on the couch and watch holiday movies while eating cookies until bedtime.
But I’d promised Knox we’d join his family for their annual tree decorating outing, and I’d been looking forward to it all day.
“Are you sure you’re still up for going to Monroe Farm to decorate the tree?”
“Uh-huh.” Addy nodded as she watched her TV show.
“You realize we’re decorating a tree outside?”
She looked over at me. “That’s what makes it so fun.”
“It might be cold.”
Addy sighed. “Mom. I know.”
“And you’re okay with that?” I asked, knowing I was pushing it.
She gave me a look but didn’t answer.
“You’re too young to act like a teenager.”
