Page 27 of The Christmas Plan

With a laugh, Mac eagerly closed her eyes. “Never, I’m hyped.”

Watching Mac’s strong hands held out in front of her, Taylor pulled her gift from her small purse. A light jungle filled the air as she set the item in Mac's hand. “Your turn.”

As soon as the metal hit Mac’s palm, she knew what it was. Before she even opened her eyes, Mac grinned. “Are you serious?”

“Yes.” Taylor nodded, meeting Mac’s eyes as they slowly opened.

There, in Mac’s huge palm was a small set of keys. She closed her fingers around them. “Is it too fast?”

Taylor shrugged. “Not for me, but if it is for you, that’s okay. I just know your lease is ending soon and I want to really try this. I don’t like that tree beingjustmine. I want this ornament onourtree next year.”

Mac’s breath hitched in her chest as she wrapped her arms around Taylor, pulling her into a tight hug. Mac’s musk filled Taylor’s nostrils, the warmth of her scent making all of Taylor's fears melt away.

When they finally pulled away, she couldn’t help but laugh.

“Is this how you pictured your year going?” Mac giggled.

Looking out over the city, Taylor shook her head. “Not at all, but thank god it did.” And watching the snowfall, Taylor knew this was exactly where she was supposed to be – standing in the cold with the love of her life.

18

CASS

“Thanks for coming!”Cass waved to Taylor and Mac as they made their way downstairs, arm-in-arm.

From behind her, a hand landed on Cass’s shoulder. When she turned around, Tommy was standing there and watching a far table. “Can you tell Ari I said goodnight? I’ve gotta go hunt down some information on a mysterious Mistress Lavender.”

Cass’s forehead wrinkled at the strange words leaving Tommy’s mouth. But over the last year, Cass had learned one thing: Tommy’s going to be Tommy. So instead of trying to understand, Cass nodded. “You got it. Get home safe, Tom.”

Waving goodbye, Tommy disappeared to the elevator.

By now, the party was nearly empty. Near the back room entrance, Ari was saying goodnight to the catering staff and the decorator.

It had been a magical night, something Cass could have only dreamed of.

Watching Ari do her thing had been a complete pleasure.

From across the party, Ari spotted her girlfriend and smiled. Even from this distance, Cass could tell all Ari was thinkingabout was hopping into bed together and snuggling up with a cup of hot cocoa.

As she strode across the room, Cass couldn’t stop thinking about something else.

Damn, she looks good in that suit.

But before her mind could get carried away, Ari was standing in front of her. “You about ready to go home?”

“Yeah, but there’s one more thing I want to do.” Cass smiled and grabbed Ari’s hand, heading toward the windows with a view south.

As they took their place in front of the skyline, Cass’s eyes followed Manhattan’s avenues down toward the southern tip of the island. Speckled along the streets were shining Christmas displays, adding some winter magic to the concrete jungle.

Ari stood behind Cass, wrapping her arms around her stomach and resting her chin on Cassie’s shoulder. “It’s gorgeous.”

They stood like that for a moment, watching the chunky snowflakes drifting down toward the ground.

“Thank you for all of your help, Cassie,” Ari whispered.

Giggling, Cass shook her head. “I can’t believe you pulled it off. You somehow pulled off a star-studded holiday party in less than two weeks.”

Ari shrugged. “I couldn’t have done it without you. You really came through for me.”

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