Page 46 of Island Holiday

When his brow pleated, she elaborated. “I have fabulous Christmas memories with Hannah and Harper. They’ve givenme more real family moments in the past few years than I thought possible. They’ve always been more generous and welcoming than anyone I’m related to by blood.

“But you… Connor, you’ve made this a truly special holiday. I was so convinced this year would wind up an entire sucky mess. I wasn’t even sure how I was going to get through it if the worst happened.”

“You.” He traced the shell of her ear. “You stopped the worst from happening.”

“We did,” she insisted, remembering Jess’s talk. “All teamwork.” She patted him on the chest. “Without the team effort, it could have all gone sideways. So that makes you a hero too.”

The tops of his ears reddened. “Stop,” he echoed her response.

She slid her hands under the hem of his t-shirt, relishing the hot skin and firm muscles. “Not used to compliments?” she teased.

She would never tire of the bright glint in his eyes when he looked at her. He made her feel more than beautiful. More than the usefulness of her skills. He seemed to see the real woman she kept walled off from so much of the world. Even better? He made no secret that he liked the view.

One more miracle.

“We should exchange presents.” But she didn’t want to stop touching him. Her earlier hunger had faded. She only wanted him.

“You said it was enough to have the decorations.”

“That sounds like me.” She leaned back, soaking up the moment. “Surprise. I bought you a gift.” She turned to go back to the bedroom but he caught her around the waist.

“You’re the perfect gift for me.” He kissed the back of her neck. “Santa knows you’re all I asked for.”

She giggled. “Well, same. But I did manage to get you something to open as if we’re normal people.”

“Do we want to be normal people?”

She paused, pretending to think it over. “Might be best if we can convince others we are. At least once in a while.”

“Only when it’s needed.”

“Exactly,” she agreed.

She slipped out of his reach, but not for long. She pulled his gift from her suitcase. It wasn’t wrapped, because she wasn’t a holiday genius like Connor.

Hiding the present behind her back, she walked over to the Christmas tree. “Come here.”

He crossed the room. “Bossy.”

“Maybe. Now close your eyes.”

He obeyed again, smiling.

Unable to resist, she kissed him. His eyes popped open. “Just what I wanted most.”

“Close your eyes again. And hold out your hands.” She placed the box into his hands. “Okay, you can look.”

He stared down at the gift without saying a word. As the seconds dragged on, she started to panic, convinced she’d gravely miscalculated and hurt his feelings.

The apology was on the tip of her tongue when he suddenly busted out laughing.

“Sonya! I love it!” Opening the box, he pulled out the snow globe and wound it up. His raucous laughter nearly drowned out the recording of Elvis Presley’sJailhouse Rock. Sparkles and snowflakes swirled around a dancing Elvis.

“This way you’ll always own it.”

He swiped tears of laughter leaking from his eyes. “Yes. Yes, I will.” He wrapped her in another warm hug. “It’s the perfect reminder to keep those memories under control.”

Relieved, she grinned at him. “Since you’re never going back…”

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