Page 74 of Fire in My Heart

I should have been more proactive and cleaned up sooner, but for once, I wanted to revel in this moment. I wished we could have slept here tonight. I’d have to consider building a barn on my property just for this.

“Don’t work too hard.”

“How was your date?” Charlotte asked as he turned to leave.

“Eh. I don’t know if I’m ready for all of that yet.” Al waved us off.

I breathed a sigh of relief. I needed some time to get used to my father dating. I wasn’t ready. “It’s good you got out there again.”

Dad gave me a look. “I’ll be ready one day.”

“You deserve to be happy, Dad.” Just like he told me. I understood that now. When your loved ones were happy, you were too. And for so long we were just existing. My brothers and sisters realized this sooner, but maybe it wasn’t the right time for me. Not until Charlotte came into my life.

“I want the same for you, son.” Dad gave me a hug and then said, “I’m off to bed. Dating is exhausting.”

We chuckled as Dad waved and then disappeared through the door. He didn’t bother to close it, so the cold air wafted in.

I poked the fire looking for embers. “I think this is out. We can head home.”

Charlotte curled a hand around my elbow and smiled up at me. “I like the sound of that.”

I did too. Except I wished we were going home to my house.I could envision her cooking in my kitchen and painting all the walls yellow.

I thought I liked the design of my house, but I could see now it was a bachelor pad, and it could use her touch.

At the cottage, I did a security check, ensuring the doors were locked, then joined Charlotte in bed where she was already under the covers.

I ducked into the bathroom to brush my teeth, and by the time I returned, Charlotte was asleep. She was curled up on her side, her hand tucked under her cheek. I’d never seen anyone more beautiful. How did I get so lucky?

I was a grumpy bastard who was set in my ways. I never thought I deserved someone like Charlotte. But now that I had her, I wasn’t going to let her go.

I curled up behind her, wrapping an arm around her waist. I breathed in her scent, unable to remember a time I’d been happier.

CHAPTER 19

CHARLOTTE

After our night together in the barn, I felt closer than ever to Teddy. I was more confident that when he moved back into his house, we’d be okay.

It was probably too good to be true, but I hoped that Rick had moved on and forgotten about me. He hadn’t showed up anywhere, but at the same time, I hadn’t left the farm.

I felt safe here. But I needed to go into town today to look for some decorations for the barn. I wanted it to look perfect, and the walls were missing something.

I had ideas of hanging velvet ribbons around the room with wreaths. Maybe toward the top of the walls. It would be a nice addition to the lights.

I drove into town and browsed the shops on Main Street, finding the ribbon and wreaths I wanted. Then I even found a beautiful snow globe of Santa in his shop. I was supposed to be shopping for the barn, but I kind of wanted it for my mantle since I didn’t have a tree.

I was so focused on the farm and painting the kitchen, I hadn’t done much in the way of holiday decorations at myhouse. We’d talked about cutting down a tree but had never gotten around to it.

With Christmas in a couple of days, I needed to decorate the cottage. I might not be living there for long, but it should have the warm and cozy feel like the barn did the other night. I wanted to recreate that night on Christmas Eve.

I practically bounced through my shopping with the knowledge that Teddy was in love with me. This big, grumpy man that never let himself go with anyoneloved me.

I wanted to share my excitement with someone, and Teddy was working. I decided to text Fiona and invited her to lunch.

Charlotte: You up for lunch?

Fiona: If you can come to the inn. I’m swamped.

---