Page 89 of Christmas of Love

I opened my mouth to say something funny, witty, or… Well, nothing came except the realization that my world just got a lot bigger. I closed my mouth and let out a long sigh as I realized what this meant.

Our eyes locked, and in that moment, everything else faded away. It was just us wrapped in the warmth of my home, the Christmas lights, and the possibilities of our shared future that kept growing by the minute. The seriousness of our conversation was balanced by the playful spark between us. It created the perfect blend of complexity and lightness, but one thing I was certain of was that this had become the Christmas of Love.

And there wasn’t much more to say.

Chapter Twenty-Four

Hunter

In the heart of a snowy afternoon, I dusted my gloves off, surrounded by Christmas decorations that sparkled like jewels against the white blanket of snow. I’d just put up a display in front of Daisy’s house as a large moving truck backed into the drive across the street.

I glanced at Daisy peering outside, giving me a thumbs-up sign before waggling her brows. I made my way back inside, and she wrapped her arms around me like she hadn’t seen me for weeks, and I loved every second of it.

My son was coming in tonight with Nick and Brielle, and I couldn’t wait to introduce Daisy to him. A honk blared outside as a curious spectacle unfolded. I let Daisy go, and we turned to look out the kitchen window. Daisy handed me a cup of coffee as the passenger side door of the truck swung open, and out stepped my ex-girlfriend, complete with oversized sunglasses and a fur coat that screamed Beverly Hills more than Wisconsin.

"Guess who's here?" Daisy joked, her tone laced with a mix of amusement and incredulity. Her eyebrows shot up as she recognized her. "She knows how to make a statement, but where’s Tate?”

I shook my head, wondering the same thing. I didn’t spot Nick, but I knew they were flying in together on his jet.

“Well, that’s definitely Brielle in all her glory,” I confirmed, watching as she directed the movers with the flair of a Broadway director.

“Should we go say hi?” Daisy joked, a playful glint in her eyes.

I snorted. “Sure, right after I learn to fly. When Brielle’s in a mood like that, I know to stay away.”

Daisy took a sip of wine and grinned as we watched Brielle battling a gust of icy wind. “She knows how that’s going to end, right?”

I shook my head, staring. “I don’t think so.”

Brielle attempted to secure her hat while simultaneously navigating a path through the snow in heels that were definitely not snow-friendly.

“Her shoes are going to be the death of her,” Daisy mused. “You might get full custody after all.”

I couldn’t help but laugh, shaking my head in dismay. “I remember her having a thing for impractical footwear.”

The scene was like a sitcom, complete with us being the nosy neighbors peeking through our window, but I couldn’t help myself.

“What if this is her secret plan?” Daisy asked, half-joking, half-serious. “Move up to northern Wisconsin and have her way with you.”

I took her hand, squeezing it gently. “Even if it was, it wouldn’t change a thing. You’re the one I want. Besides, she absolutely hates it here. From what I could tell, this was Nick’s idea. I’d be surprised if she shows up less and less when I have Tate.”

She smiled, reassured by my words. “Good answer. You just earned yourself some of my famous Christmas cookies.”

I looked out the window to see Brielle struggling with a large box, and then the bottom gave way, sending a cascade of high heels onto the snowy driveway.

We couldn't help but laugh.

“I feel so guilty,” Daisy said, shaking her head. “I mean, she always looked at me like a bug she wanted to squash with one of those shoes, but this is next-level.”

“Should we help her?” I asked, still chuckling.

“Let’s do it,” Daisy said empathically. “But first, let me grab some boots for her. I think Brielle could use a pair.”

She found a pair of sturdy boots with fur poking out the top and grinned at me. “They’ll match her coat.”

Arm in arm, we braved the cold, crossing the street to help Brielle. Surprise filled her gaze when she spotted us for the first time… ever. She seemed grateful for the assistance.

“Wisconsin winters, huh?” Daisy said, picking up a rogue stiletto. “They’re a bit unpredictable.”