them to you when the baby was born, so she had them packed up. I thought you might like to have them on the tree here—you know, to make you feel it was more like Christmas. When you go back to Phoenix, I’ll get them together so you can take them with you.”
She put down the ornament and rushed into his arms.
“Thank you so much. I love them and yes, I want them on the tree.”
“Good.”
She looked at him, her mouth curved up in a smile. “That was very thoughtful of you.”
He kissed the top of her head. “You’re my best girl, no matter how old you are.”
He carried the box into the living room and set it on the coffee table. Joylyn sat on the sofa and directed him as he hung all the ornaments. And while he liked that he was making her happy, he wasn’t thrilled to know she would be leaving him before Christmas. If he had his way, he would like her to stick around through New Year’s.
But he knew that wasn’t practical. Once Chandler was home, she would want to get back to Phoenix and have her baby there.
When he’d finished, she took several pictures of the tree. “I’m going to text them to Chandler,” she said. “He’ll be so excited. I can’t believe we’re just under two weeks away from him coming back.”
“I know you’re excited. You’ll want him close for sure.” He cleared his throat. “If you, ah, want, you two could spend a couple of nights here before heading back to Phoenix. I’d enjoy hanging out with the two of you.”
She looked up from her phone. For a second her expression was unreadable and he thought maybe he’d stepped in it, but then she smiled.
“I’d like that, Dad. Let me make sure that’s all right with Chandler. I’m sure he’ll be happy to stay. With me so pregnant, we can’t go see his family this year, so splitting my time between you and Mom makes sense.”
“I’d like that,” he said, careful to keep his tone happy but not too happy. He didn’t want to pressure her.
He held up the empty box. “I’ll store this in my office until you’re ready to leave. Are you ready for dinner?”
“I am. I already made potato salad to go with the pork chops you’re barbecuing.”
“Nice. After dinner, I’m going to work in the garage for a little bit.” He was nearly done with the bassinet.
She rolled her eyes. “Men and their garages. If we ever have one, I hope Chandler doesn’t spend as much time in his as you do.”
“It’s a guy thing, sweetie. You’re going to have to get used to it.”
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
WYNN WASN’T ONE to make a public statement, but living in a small town meant it was inevitable. Showing up to The Boardroom with Garrick would definitely get the word out—not that she minded. She liked Garrick and was happy to be seen with him. It was more just knowing that everyone would be looking at them and speculating.
She was not a “center of attention” kind of person. When she’d been dating Jasper, she’d asked that they keep things quiet the first year they were together. But once they’d shown up at The Boardroom together, everyone had known.
Given the fact that the regular Monday night tournaments would be suspended through the first of the year, The Boardroom was offering game night every night this week.
“Nervous?” Garrick asked as he pulled into the parking lot.
“Braced.”
He turned off the engine and smiled at her. “If it helps, you look beautiful and every guy in there is going to be jealous as hell.”
She laughed. “Most of the guys in there are happily married, so probably not, but you’re sweet to say that.”
“Just being honest.”
He got out of his SUV and came around to her side, then opened the door. When she was standing, he lightly kissed her, then took her hand.
“Best first date ever,” he told her.
“We still have hours to go. What if I turn out to be a dud?”
“Not possible.”
He was good, she thought, slipping her hand into his. Kind, funny, sexy, great in a bed and thoughtful. Oh, and really good-looking. There was no bad with Garrick—a thought that should have scared her and yet didn’t.
They walked inside and were greeted by people they knew. As they chatted, she looked around and spotted Bethany and Cade at a table. Bethany saw her and waved her over.
“We have an invitation,” Wynn told Garrick.
“And