Happily This Christmas (Happily Inc #6) - Susan Mallery Page 0,37
were determined to have some time at home over Christmas. So we blocked out the week between Christmas and New Year’s. Then the wedding on the eighteenth got canceled, and suddenly we have a huge block of free time.”
She grinned at her husband. “We’re thinking of going somewhere tropical.”
“You’d look good somewhere tropical.”
Renee lightly kissed him, then turned back to Joylyn. “When are you due?”
“Christmas Day.”
Renee’s expression turned sympathetic. “Mixed feelings about that?”
“A lot. Chandler’s due home on the eighteenth, so he should be here. He says he doesn’t care when our son is born, as long as he’s healthy.”
“A good attitude.”
Joylyn smiled. “He’s a good guy.”
The last of Garrick’s tension about the evening faded. Bringing Joylyn had been the right move. She was able to get out of her head and have a little fun.
“First babies are usually late,” Joylyn continued. “So I’m hoping for after the first of the year. Not that I have any control over when it happens.”
“No, but if your little one waits, you can enjoy the holidays.”
“Including the tree,” Garrick said. “We always get a fresh one. Can’t beat the smell.”
Joylyn glanced at him. “Do you still have all the old ornaments? The ones we hung together?”
“Sure. They’re stored in the garage, in the waterproof bins, just like always.”
Her eyes widened in surprise. “I didn’t think you’d keep them.”
“Why wouldn’t I? We always put up a tree together with all our special ornaments.”
He hadn’t for several years now. Not since she’d started refusing to see him. But this season was going to be different, he told himself. He would figure out what was wrong and make sure they reconnected.
The server brought their drinks along with a board game. Garrick glanced at the color cover and held in a groan. Chutes and Ladders? He braced himself for his daughter’s displeasure.
But Joylyn surprised him by taking the game and laughing. “This is great. I used to play this with my brothers.” She looked at Renee and Jasper. “I have three younger half-brothers. My mom wouldn’t allow any of us to be on our computers or phones on Christmas or Thanksgiving, so we had to play board games.”
Jasper winked at her. “Brace yourself, kid. Sometimes the rules here aren’t what you expect.”
Joylyn turned to Garrick. “What does that mean?”
The bartender picked up a microphone. “Welcome to tonight’s tournament. Traditional rules apply, unless the spinner lands on three or four. In that case, you lose your turn.”
Joylyn’s eyes widened. “But that’s so arbitrary.”
“Welcome to my world,” Garrick said, opening the box.
Beside him, his daughter started to laugh.
* * *
TUESDAY NIGHT AFTER DINNER, Wynn found herself feeling oddly restless. She knew the cause—her handsome next door neighbor. Since they’d shared that kiss, she’d thought about him a lot. If it was just the kiss, she would be okay with having him on her mind, but there were complications.
She liked him. The more she spent time with him, the more he appealed to her. Garrick was a strong, steady guy. He got involved, he cared. Even when Joylyn was throwing up roadblocks right and left, he was still trying to get close to her. He hadn’t given up—not giving up was important to Wynn. The fact that she liked how he looked was also interesting, but not as important as the rest of it.
The second time she found herself standing at her front window, gazing wistfully at his house, she mentally slapped herself upside the head and told herself to grow a pair. If she wanted to see him, then she should make it happen. She was capable of doing the asking.
Before she could question herself into indecision, she pulled out her phone and sent a quick text.
Want to stop by for a quick decaf?
The answer came in seconds. Be right there.
Wynn stared at the words, telling herself not to get all fluttery. It was coffee, nothing more. But she couldn’t help the quiver of anticipation that took up residence in her stomach. And when her doorbell rang less than a minute later, she found herself wanting to giggle like some teenager, which was so embarrassing, but also fun.
She pulled open the door. “Hi.”
He smiled at her. “Hi, yourself.” He leaned in and brushed his mouth against hers before holding out a bottle of cognac. “In case you’d rather skip the decaf.”
“Interesting idea.” She stepped back to let him in, trying to quiet the tingles inside. “I’ll get glasses and join you in the living room. Hunter has the family