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“These are so amazing. I’d love to see them lit.”
“That’s why you have to visit over the holidays. I’ll take you on a private tour. If you’re around that weekend, you can come with us when we decorate the tree. Last year, the girls chose the one by the entrance.”
“I couldn’t intrude on your family time.”
“You wouldn’t be. You’re an honorary member.”
I narrowed my eyes at him. “If you say so.”
“My mom loved your grandmother, and she loves you.”
“And your brothers?”
“They love anyone my mom adores. So, you’re in.”
I wanted to ask if he loved me, if he ever had, but I wasn’t brave enough to ask. “Who would have thought a Matthews would ever be part of the Monroe family?”
Then my breath got stuck in my throat because I had thought about that. What would it have been like if I had dated Heath for real? It felt like something with potential to last. Would he eventually have asked me to marry him?
For a long time, I was envious of their family. I wondered why mine wasn’t the same. But eventually, I realized I had good things in my life, Aiden and Gram. Even the inn felt like a part of me. My family looked different, but that didn’t mean it wasn’t as special.
But now that I’d gotten a glimpse into how the Monroe brothers all lived on the same farm, supported each other, and worked to make the Christmas tree farm enticing to their customers, I realized they did have something special.
Eight
Heath
I wasn’t sure what my plan was when I asked Marley to stay with me, other than I liked having her in my house.
It wasn’t a good idea. I was bringing the one person I wanted more than anything into my home. The only thing that felt safe was that her brother was standing between us. I’d promised him I’d take care of her, and that was what I was doing.
Making a move on Marley would mean betraying Aiden, and I wouldn’t do that. I hoped Aiden would want to work with me this winter if he decided not to re-enlist.
He’d always been interested in repairs and woodworking when he was younger. He excelled in shop class at school. With his military training, he was disciplined and hardworking. If I had Cole and Aiden working with me, I felt confident that I had a shot.
After visiting Talon’s workshop, we returned to my cabin.
“What did you want to do for dinner?” Marley asked when she came down the stairs.
“I thought we’d go to Mom’s. She wanted to have a big dinner tonight for everyone.” I told Mom Marley was here and that it wasn’t a good idea for her to be alone. She took care of the rest.
“You have family dinners often?”
“When we can. We stop by whenever we’re working, since the main house is right there. She knows to keep it stocked with sandwiches, snacks, and drinks.”
“Still Momma’s boys,” Marley teased.
“Yeah, we are.” I wasn’t ashamed to admit it. We loved our father, too, but it was Mom who soothed us when we were hurt or helped us with our homework. Dad taught us how to cut down a Christmas tree and when to plant the fields for optimal growth. He was the practical one, and she was all heart. “Is dinner with the family good with you?”
“I’d love to see everyone again.”
I put my arm around her. “They’ll be happy to see you, too.”
“Will it be weird when I want to sell the inn?”
“We’d like to buy it, and we’re still interested. If it doesn’t work out, though, no hard feelings. You have to do what’s best for you.”
Her shoulders drew up. “You aren’t doing all of this so I’ll sell to you, are you?”
