Page 52 of The Christmas Romance Wish

“All the same, it can get lonely even though I have a family who loves me.”

I wrap my arm around her, holding her close. Never wanting her to feel lonely again. “You’re whoever you want to be, Emmie.”

“But what if I can’t fill the role?”

“You mentioned that you don’t have a story. That’s not true. You do. You’ve just never told it.”

It’s like she wants to argue but knows that I’m not wrong. And having her in my arms feels so right. But I’m afraid that eventually she’ll push me away. Everyone always has.

Emmie

CHAPTER 13

When I wake up the next morning, hungover from kissing Alex, decorating for Christmas, and telling him about my family, the sky is finally clear.

At last, the storm blew itself out like a candle, but instead of leaving the world cold and dark, it’s pure marshmallow sunshine—never mind walking on clouds, I’m bouncing on them.

The view out the guest room window reveals sparkling rolling hills, icicles hanging from the eaves of the barn, and boughs of evergreen trees frosted with snow.

Everything is so still, so peaceful.

It’s nothing like the hustle and bustle of the city.

I like it. A lot.

It’s a Christmas card scene and makes me regret how crabby I’ve been about the holidays when there is so much beauty in the world. I just wasn’t looking in the right places.

When I think about Alex, the bah humbugs go nuts.

I didn’t mean to be Grinchy yesterday morning, but like every year, I slide toward Christmas like a new skater on rough ice.

With just a day before Christmas Eve, I am considering booking a flight to Miami, but I should check in with Alex to make sure we can coordinate the drive to Salt Lake City, if theroads are clear. That’s not something I have to think about back in New York, but I don’t miss the slush, the rush, or the loneliness.

After tugging on leggings and a sweater—the clothing options I packed for cold weather are getting sparse—I go downstairs.

Alex stands in front of a Christmas tree framed by the massive window overlooking the property. He’s so solid and strong. Caring, capable, and confident but not cocky. Oh, and have I mentioned he’s incredibly handsome? Hot? And his voice!

The bah humbugs take flight and I practically float across the room. “Good morning,” I call.

Alex turns, wearing a dimpled smile. “Good morning to you too. Someone is merry and bright today.”

I lift and lower my shoulder. “I guess I’m feeling Santa-mental.” I pause. “That doesn’t sound right. I meant it like sentimental.”

Alex chuckles. “That’s better than Grinch-a-rific.”

I shake my head and laugh. “I’m not sure which is worse.”

“Is this a race to the bottom? To see who can come up with the worst puns and made-up Christmas-related words?”

“You do remember calling me a wordsmith, right? It’s literally my job. We can declare me the winner now.”

“Fair point. There’s no contest. Moving on so I can maintain my dignity, I’m going to head into Holidayle and pick up some lights for this big boy. Should we go with white or colorful?” He gestures to the tree.

“You’re asking the wrong person.”

“You’re on decorating duty...unless you want to drop and give me one hundred.”

Swishing my lips to the side, I take his threat seriously. Pushups and I are not friends. “Colorful lights are fun and playful, but this tree is grand, majestic. If you plan to decorate it with your grandmother’s angel ornament collection, then I’d say go with white. It’s classic.”

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