Page 111 of Deck the Fire Halls

He grinned, and outside a car horn honked. Hegrowled at the sound but kissed me again. “I have to go. See you later. I’ll text you when I’m heading home.”

“Okay.”

He raced out the door, down the steps, and ran to Doug’s waiting truck.

And I stood there, my hand to my heart, finally able to breathe, to think.

He loves me. He told me he loved me, and I said it back to him, and I was teary and sweating for some reason.

I think I laughed.

I turned around and Braithe was grinning at me, teary-eyed himself.

Hamish cocked his head, squinting at me. “Your name is Robinson?”

I spentthe afternoon on cloud nine. As if I were walking on air, breezing around my kitchen, cooking up a storm.

When Soren texted me to say he was finally heading home, it was after four. I gave him time to get through the door at least, and then with a carry bag in each hand, I went over to his place.

He opened the door, sighing and smiling all in one. He pulled me inside, cupped my face, and planted a kiss on my lips. “Hey.”

Realizing only then that Chuck and Delaney were in the living room watching, I blushed ten shades of red. “Oh, hi.”

They both kind of waved. They both appearedexhausted, drawn out, and I had to wonder if Delaney had stopped crying yet.

“I made food,” I said, holding up the bags. “Enough for a few meals, so you don’t have to worry about cooking. I’m very sorry about your home,” I said to Chuck and Delaney. Sorry felt such an inadequate thing to say.

Soren took one of the bags, looking inside. “You made all this?”

“I did. There’s chicken and potatoes, some meatballs and pasta, soup. I figured anything reheatable would be best, given the next few days will be long and busy.”

“Thank you,” Chuck said. “It’s very generous and kind.”

“You’re more than welcome.”

“Come through to the kitchen,” Soren said.

I followed him and set the bags on the counter, and he wasted no time in pulling me into his arms. He just held me, his arms around me like a vise, his lips at my neck. “I’m so fucking grateful for you,” he murmured.

I smiled and when I pulled back, he reluctantly let me go. He kept his hand on my waist though. “Been a long day, huh?”

He nodded, and I noticed then just how tired he looked. “Their whole house is gone,” he whispered. “We saved the sheds, so they have their truck and some farm gear, but nothing else. Not even any clothes. I put them in my room, told them my wardrobe was theirs.” He shook his head. “I hate that we couldn’t save anything.”

“It’s not your fault,” I whispered.

He shook his head. “I know. It looks like an electrical fire,” he murmured. “Started in the roof. There was no way...thank fuck Chuck knew what to do.” He shook his head. “The only thing he could do was get them both out. It went up like a box of matches.”

I pulled him back in for a hug and rubbed his back. “I’m glad he has you.”

Soren sighed deeply, letting me hold him. “I meant what I said before,” he said softly. Then he pulled back and his eyes met mine. “And I’m sorry for just blurting it out. I was trying to find the right time, but then last night happened and you were there, saying exactly what I needed to hear. You’re exactly what I need in my life. I do love you. Pretty sure I did the second I saw you in those flamingo pajamas. I was a goner at first sight.”

I chuckled. “I love you too.” I let out a shaky breath. “I’ve never said that to anyone before, so it’s kinda scary and overwhelming for me. But you have to know, me moving here, to this town, and finding you was the best decision I ever made.” My eyes burned but I refused to cry. “It’s as if this town, as if you, are fixing something in me that you didn’t break. I feel... alive. Happy.”

He smiled, his gaze soft and warm. “I fucking love you.”

I kissed him softly, but then something he said clicked. “When you said you gave them your room... Where are you sleeping?”

“On the couch,” he said quietly. “It’s fine. More than fine. Just until we can get them a new bed. I can’t have them sleeping on the couch while I have a queen-sized bed to myself.”

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