of you a little, but that’s just what we do.”
“I love my onesie, but I’d prefer to choose when to wear it, not be forced to.” I drop my forehead to his chest. His woodsy scent calms me. “Everything is falling apart,” I whisper.
He strokes my hair. “So what if the airline doesn’t have your other bag? That means you get to lounge in your pajamas. Most people would kill for an excuse to do that.”
I lift my head, unable to stop the snicker that escapes me. “True . . . but I’m intruding on your family. I wanted my mom to come for Christmas. Now that there’s nowhere to stay—”
“We have four houses for you to choose from. I don’t recommend Morgan and Colt’s, but if your mom is a bit of a daredevil, she might want to give it a try.”
I seriously want to cry. Happy tears. Relieved tears. This man handles every situation with ease. I’m so used to solving all the problems, and it’s nice for someone else to take the stress. Not someone. Him.
“Thanks.” It’s too simple a word to show my gratitude, but it’s all I can come up with.
“Daddy! Daddy!” Colin stiffens at the sound of Perry’s urgent cry. She appears at the bottom of the stairs, beaming. “Change of plans. We’re all staying at Nana and Papa’s.”
The blood drains from his face. “We are?” he asks carefully, his grip on me tightening.
“Yeah! I know it’s our year to have the tree at our house, but there’s more room there for everyone.”
Little Miss Cupcake has it all figured out, doesn’t she?
Morgan and Colt flash by with the tree in tow. If they keep moving it, there won’t be any pine needles left on the branches. I smile to myself. Perry has everyone wrapped around her tiny fingers, especially her uncles.
“Guess we’re playing musical chairs, house version,” Colin mutters.
“Does she always get her way?” I ask, even though I already know the answer.
“Always.”
While the boys moved the tree, Perry and I wait for my clothes to finish washing. Once they’re in the dryer, she insists we take off for her grandparents’ house.
We make the short walk holding hands, dressed in our onesies. I appreciate she didn’t want me to feel awkward.
“It’s more interesting now that you’re in town.” Her declaration causes my steps to falter, but I keep moving.
What do I say to that? When was the last time anyone thought I made anything more interesting?
“I’m pretty sure it’s this town that has that special something.” Or someone.
“We’re here.”
The house reminds me of the library and the B&B, a snow-white Victorian with a wraparound porch and ink-black shutters. Colin and Perry’s home is the cottage version of this.
I love how the whole town has unique architecture yet fits together seamlessly.
Perry drags me up the front walk. I hesitate when we reach the steps. They’ve been swept off, but I’m wary. Gravity and I are not friends.
“I’ve got you.” Perry blinks down at me from the top of the steps with a kindness I’ve only ever seen from her father.
I grip the wood railing with my free hand, using it for most of my support. I don’t want to drag her down with me if I fall. Gingerly, I take the short steps one at a time until I’m on the solid decking of the porch.
“You made it!” she shouts, holding my arm up in victory.
Her smile is contagious, and I can’t help but return it. “Thanks.”
“Teamwork is the dream work.”
“I taught her that.” Morgan sticks his head out the front door. “Are you two coming in or practicing the stairs all day?”
Perry races inside. The bare tree in the large front window keeps me rooted in place. It’s picture-perfect. I can imagine it all lit up and twinkling with special ornaments hung on each branch.
And this family is letting me be a part of it with them.
I stomp off my boots, eager to get inside.
It’s chilly from the house being locked up for the winter, but a fire blazes in the hearth in the living room. Luggage litters the foyer, including a fairy suitcase and a leather bag that I feel certain is Colin’s. Perry refused to let him leave their house without their belongings.
There are two more duffel bags that look like they’ve seen better days. Reason tells me they’re Colt’s and Morgan’s, but it’s the matching suitcases, one in silver and one in black, that get my attention. Those we definitely didn’t