The Broody Brit for Christmas (Holiday Springs #1) - M.J. Fields Page 0,91

ideas with even bigger investors. This is the property he wants, but it’s not the only property he’s looking at. If you sign, imagine what a ski resort like this could do for Holiday Springs. It’s what’s best for you. For the property that he plans on putting millions into, and for the town, Shep.”

“And you, Nikki.” He looks back at me. “A house needs to be built there for her. That’s my one request.”

Rule Number Twenty-Eight

Create Holiday Traditions That Are True To You

Nikki

Walking around the bar, I still feel like I’m swept up in a cloud of fog, filled with happiness and emotions. Oh, yeah, and also anxiety, because I’m one hour from having twenty-three people here, three of them due any minute, and they are Raff’s parents and apparently, his evil twin.

I stop and stand in the window, waiting for Raff and Nathaniel to pull up. I stare at the spot on the sidewalk where Raff dragged Nathaniel and me outside to make snow angels, and I smile.

He had whispered in my ear, “Snow is my favorite season.”

It warmed my heart when he said it, knowing it had everything to do with the day we met and not necessarily the circumstance in which we met under.

Everything in my life has changed, and I can honestly say theirs have, too—all of ours for the better.

Moments like the one on the sidewalk, making angels without a care in the world who saw—are everything.

But still, thankfully, it was before the kitchen in the flat was filled with Hope’s family and mine making pies. Raff didn’t leave my side even though the bar was packed, but he certainly took a lot of pictures.

I held it together until the pies were finished and when they’d gone home. Then Jenny came walking through the door. Raff gave me a kiss and went to read with Nate.

Apparently, Shep had called Jenny and told her what went on at the meeting.

I excused myself at the office to get my shit together before Beckett came back in. Upon my return, the three men were sitting around the table, and Shep pushed the contract toward me. “Your boyfriend opening a new restaurant and the Sweet Spot having retail space without competition to do all the shit Nellie wants to do is part of the deal.”

“What, how did you know that Nellie—”

“It’s Nellie,” Shep smirks. “Did you really think she wouldn’t pull every punch to get what she wanted?”

“But you didn’t—”

“Nikki, sit down and sign. I need a nap.”

“You also need a ride.”

“Buzz is worn off, and climb down off your high horse. A friend drove me in.”

“What friend?” Raff and I had asked at the same time.

“None of your business.” He scowls.

“You’re doing fine.” Jenny hip checks me. “Everything is perfect. I mean, even if the food ends up sucking, the centerpieces I made are stunning.”

I nudge her. “Thanks for the vote of confidence.” I look at the beautiful Tag watch Raff gave me last night, telling me it was time we start making every moment count. “I know I should be so grateful for everything I’ve been given, but they should be here by now.”

“Be glad they’re taking their time. We’re getting pounded right now. I’m not even sure Bobby will be off the mountain before dinner.”

“We can hold it for—”

“Oh, please, we don’t hold anything anymore. It’s part of our normal, and trust me; the boys are hoping he gets stuck today so he doesn’t get called in on Christmas. He’s much better at putting things together than I am.”

“Have you started Christmas shopping yet?”

“In July.” She rolls her eyes. “Bobby expects the house to look like Santa’s workshop exploded. He loves Christmas.”

I hold my hand against my anxious belly. “God, I have no idea what to get Nate or Raff.”

“Trust me. It’s better to be last minute. Much more budget-friendly. Plus, they only care about their phones and video games anyway.”

Nathaniel doesn’t have a gaming station, but Jenny and the boys brought theirs here, and he seems to be loving playing with them. And honestly, they’re not playing war games. Right now, they’re playing FIFA on the Xbox. Shep helped them hook it up when he swung by to drop off a surprise from Raff.

It was two oversized chairs that have the option to recline, and Grams and Pops would be more comfortable in them than sitting in barstools or hard chairs all day. Raff also told Shep he thought the Sweet Spot could use