Page 90 of Vodka and Violets (The Hamiltons)

“Not particularly. But I kind of thought that it’d be handy to have it. That way we won’t have to take on another whole project of furnishing our new home along with everything else that we’ve got going on.”

“Oh! Of course. You’re right. There’s nothing wrong with what’s in there. It’s just that I’d like to have new things – our things. You know?”

“I do. I’d like that, too.”

They sat and watched the sunset before they cleared the dishes away. It was dark by the time they’d finished tidying the kitchen. When Tori straightened up from closing the dishwasher, Xander was standing beside her with the bottle of vodka and two glasses. “Want to take this outside?”

“It’s dark.”

He chuckled. “I know. And while it was still light, the sky was clear, there were no clouds, so I bet we’ll be able to see the stars.”

“Aww. That’s a lovely idea. Just hang on a minute, I’ll meet you out there.”

She ran upstairs to grab the little speaker that she used to play the music she had stored on her phone.

When she joined Xander on the deck, she set it to play one of her favorite playlists – most of the songs were Callie’s.

Xander raised his eyebrows as he slid her drink toward her. “Do you miss it?”

“What?”

“The music. Singing. That whole life. You’d worked with Callie for years before everything happened.”

“I had, and I loved it. But I haven’t given it a thought until you brought it up – so I guess that answers the question; no, I don’t miss it.” She smiled when the opening notes to one of Callie’s big ballads drifted out of the speaker on the air. “I love this one. It’s one of my favorites.”

Xander winked and held his hand out to her. “In that case, I’ll shut up.”

She went to him, and he wrapped his arms around her. As they swayed to the music, she rested her cheek against his chest and sang softly to herself.

Xander rested his chin on top of her head.

“Are you okay?” she asked when the song ended.

“Never been better, sprite.”

“You were thinking about something; I could tell.”

He laughed and pressed a kiss to her forehead. “What I was thinking was that I can’t wait until we’re doing this on the deck at our new house – in our own home.”

“Oh my gosh, Xander! That will be so awesome.” She looked up into his eyes. “I feel like we’re growing. At first there was just this tiny little seed of you and me. It was a seed that had lain dormant since we were kids. But since we’ve watered it and put it in the sunshine, it’s sprouted into something real. At first, while you were protecting me, we were both putting out little shoots toward each other. Then, on our road trip, we really started to grow. Now, with the bar and the house and everything, I’d say we’re about ready to bloom.”

He rested his forehead against hers, and his eyes shone as he smiled. “I have no idea how you come up with this stuff, but I love it. I know exactly what you mean. Although, if you don’t mind, I’m going to think of it – of us, and what we’re building together – as a big old oak tree. Nothing against flowers or anything but…”

She laughed and tightened her arms around his waist. “No. You’re right. I like the oak tree thing better, too. They’re big and strong and keep growing for years and years – that’s better than flowers that bloom and then die.”

He lowered his lips to meet hers, and she got lost in his kiss. When he finally lifted his head, he said, “The love I feel for you is never going to die, sprite.”

Chapter Twenty-Three

Xander was pleased to see Damon and Lucky in the gym when he walked in. He liked both of them, and he was hoping that one of them would be able to spot him when he was ready.

Damon gave him a chin lift, and Lucky smiled and set down the weights he’d been using. Xander spotted Echo lying on the mats, watching her human. He started toward her, giving Lucky a questioning glance as he went.

“Is it okay if I…?”

Lucky grinned and nodded. “Look at the way her tail’s wagging, I think you’ve got your answer right there.”

Xander went and sat on the pile of mats beside Echo. She leaned all her weight against him and licked his ear, making him laugh.