Christmas at Holiday House - RaeAnne Thayne Page 0,104
Their hands were entwined, and they didn’t look like they wanted to ever let go.
He didn’t know what to say. On reflection, though, he couldn’t think of anyone better for his sister. The very things that made José such a valuable part of Lancaster Hotels were also what made him perfect for Lucy. He was patient, calm, loyal, with a deep core of compassion and kindness.
Exactly what she needed.
Perhaps now his sister might consider sticking around Silver Bells for five minutes.
He gave Lucy a tight hug and felt her sag with relief, almost as if she had been worried about his reaction.
“This is great news,” he said firmly. “Wonderful news. I’m thrilled for you both.”
“Thanks.” Lucy hugged him back. “I’m sorry,” she whispered. “I really didn’t mean to spring it on you like this.”
“No problem. Have you told Winnie yet?”
“No. I’m going to take her aside tomorrow morning,” Lucy said.
“You know she and Sofia are going to think this was their doing.”
She laughed. “We can let them think that.”
“Do you want to join us for dinner?” José asked. “We had reservations for two but I’m sure they could add another plate to our table.”
He shook his head, needing a little time to adjust to the idea of his sister dating his best friend. “You go on. I’m good. I’ve still got a few gifts to deliver and a few more to wrap. Have a great evening.”
He waved them off and climbed into his vehicle as the snow began to fall in earnest.
Lucy. In love.
He honestly never thought he would see the day. She had been claiming forever that she wasn’t programmed to fall in love.
Their parents’ marriages and divorces had damaged her far more than they had Ethan. She had been younger, for one thing, subject to three more years of vicious custody fights while Ethan had been in college.
The experience had hardened something inside her. He never thought she would soften enough to fall in love.
What would this mean for Lucy’s future? Would she go back to teaching overseas? It would be great to have her closer. He had been trying for years to convince her to take a position with Lancaster Hotels. He would love it if she agreed to take more of a role.
They could figure that out, he supposed. She didn’t need to make any decisions right now about the future.
Ethan dropped gifts off to his personal assistant and to his current chief operating officer and their spouses, as well as a few other friends.
By the time he drove back through the brightly decorated town toward his empty condo, he was aware of a vague sense of loneliness.
Seeing Brooke and her baby, and then Lucy and José, all so happy with their lives, left Ethan feeling strangely hollow inside.
He didn’t want to go home, to face that beautiful, sophisticated, empty space that didn’t even have a Christmas tree.
He wanted to go to Holiday House to see his grandmother. But more than that, he wanted to see Abby and Christopher. He ached for them. Her smile, so full of joy and life. Christopher’s hugs and the generous affection he freely gave that made Ethan feel like he could do anything.
How had they become so very important to him? Not important. That was too mild a word. They were necessary, as vital as water and air and nourishment.
He was in love with her.
Love. The word that Brooke said he wasn’t capable of. She was wrong. So wrong.
If Lucy could be brave enough to reach for her happiness, what was stopping Ethan?
He wanted forever with Abby and Christopher.
The realization seemed to seep through him.
He loved her.
A year ago, he had been upset about the end of his engagement, yes. That had been his pride only. It was nothing compared to the deep despair that filled him whenever he thought about Abby and Christopher leaving.
How could he persuade her to give him a chance?
She was leaving in three days. She had her future mapped out. A new job, a new life in Austin. New opportunities for Christopher.
Ethan had to somehow convince her to throw all those plans out the window and take a chance on him.
He had no idea if he could accomplish that. He only knew he had to try.
Nineteen
“I can’t wait for Santa to come! When will he be here?”
Abby exchanged a look with Winnie. They had heard that question at least three times an hour since Chris woke up that morning.