and Lauren.”
“So, what’s the trick?”
“They make it last because they don’t take it for granted. They don’t expect it to spontaneously continue. They nurture it.” She turned to study him again, her gaze warm. “They make the most of every day together to ensure that they have a tomorrow.” She surveyed him. “You should come to Damon and Haley’s place later.”
“I’ve got to meet Jacinda.”
“After that, then. It goes until midnight.” She cleared her throat. “It would be good to see you again before I go home.” She smiled. “There might be mistletoe.”
Hunter wanted to agree, but he shook his head. “No rest for the wicked,” he said lightly. “I’m working tomorrow and I want to take advantage of all the pleasures the Beekman has to offer.”
“Of course.” She nodded, then offered her hand. “Then take care, Hunter. Maybe I’ll see you the next time I’m in town.”
He shook her hand, knowing that wasn’t nearly enough, but not wanting to open the question of more. Chloe pushed to her feet, gave him one last long look, and then she was gone, her footfalls echoing on the carpet. He heard the elevator. He knew he might regret it if he didn’t go after her. But Hunter stayed put.
Eight
Chloe had never been to Haley and Damon’s house, but she knew she was in the right place. There were a lot of cars parked along their drive and she could hear laughter and Christmas music. She was walking down the long driveway from the bus stop when a car full of nurses stopped and invited her to hop in. They were coming off a long shift and obviously friends.
“This is so awesome that Haley does this,” one said. “She knows after years of working Christmas that you need a little cheer.”
“After twelve hours in the ER, I’m ready to drop, not make dinner,” said the nurse driving.
“But I want turkey,” said the third and they laughed together.
They parked outside the house, and Chloe was amazed by the number of cars. She could hear the Christmas music from outside. The nurses had brought salads and wine, and Chloe helped carry things inside. She’d brought a couple bottles of sparkling wine, one non-alcoholic in case Haley wanted to indulge. She was swept into the house with the nurses, who waved and shouted to co-workers who were already there. There were firefighters and paramedics, interns and ambulance drivers, all eating and laughing together in the big open-concept living room.
Chloe spotted some of the team from F5F, too—Nate was in the kitchen and so was Meesha, instructing him on how best to pour her a drink. Cassie and Reid were dancing and Damon had Martin in the crook of his elbow. “Just for practice,” he said, and Martin kicked his feet. The baby was wearing a striped red and white jumpsuit with feet. Sonia was just leaving, tugging on her coat as she thanked Haley, and Chloe understood that people would come and go all day.
The house was decorated for the season, with a glittering Christmas tree in one corner. Sliding doors opened to the patio, which was also decorated with candles and fairy lights. Chloe saw people out there having a smoke together, bundled into their coats. More than one person wore a Santa hat and candy canes dangled from the garlands that hung from the ceiling. There was holiday music playing, too, and she could smell roast turkey and hot ham. Everyone was friendly and introduced themselves. Jax passed Chloe a plate and Nate got her a glass of wine.
“You’ve got to try the ham,” Jax said. “It’s fabulous.”
“Don’t miss Jax’s teeny tiny personal pies,” Meesha advised, then elbowed Chloe. “Look at you, all over the shipping board without any help from me.”
“More than a little help from Hunter, though,” Nate said. He nodded approval and took a sausage roll. “You looked like you were having a great time.”
“I was. I did. We both did. It’s been a great vacation.”
“Back to the west coast tomorrow?” Jax asked.
“And back to work Friday,” Chloe agreed. “Let me know if you’re serious about changing locations.”
“I will,” Jax said. She looked like she might have said more, but Haley gasped.
Damon handed off Martin to Cassie, who was right beside him, then crossed the kitchen.
“Oh!” Haley said again, her face pale.
She looked down then wrinkled her nose.
“Now?” Damon asked.
“Right now,” she said, recovering herself a bit. She looked around. “The bedroom’s ready.”
“The hospital...” Damon began, but Haley waved him to