Page 17 of Taylor

He opened the fridge and found creamer. He added it to her coffee before pouring himself a mug, then joined her back on the couch. By the time he made it back, a small portion of her sunshine had returned.

“Thank you,” she said, smiling back at him. “Now, for a serious question?”

“Okay?”

“Who’s next, Patrick Stewart or Reginald Denny?” She motioned to the two different versions of the movie on her screen.

“Hit me with some Reginald Denny.”

She smiled again. “Good choice.”

Fuck... he was in so much trouble where she was concerned, but he couldn’t bring himself to care.

“Ya know... this is one of my favorites,” she said, pulling up the black-and-white movie.

“What is your favorite?”

Suspiciously, she looked at him. “There is only one right answer to this question. What is your favorite?”

“Why do I suddenly feel like I’m on trial here?” he joked.

“Well,” she said, biting back a grin through her stern expression, “I could lose all respect for you if you answer incorrectly.”

“Well, considering you’re stuck with me at least for another night, I hope I have the right answer... Although my answer is a little unconventional.”

“I’m listening,” she said, turning to him fully.

Her eyes danced mischievously and lit him up inside. He had not found a woman this irresistible in a very long time.

“I mean...The Muppets Christmas Carolis arguably the best Christmas movie there is.”

Her mouth dropped open before giving way to a huge grin. “Marry me,” she said with a laugh.

His heart stammered in his chest. Yes, she was joking, but the idea of a life with her was intriguing.

“Sorry. I’m kidding, obviously, but it’s my favorite Christmas movie as well, and people think I’m crazy, but it is the best!”

“It would appear we’re compatible where it most counts,” he said, putting his hand on her knee.

“Especially for being snowed in together in a cabin over the holiday.”

“I agree.”

He was not used to having things be so easy with new people. Something about the two of them just felt natural. This had potential to be the best Christmas ever, and considering he had feared this would be the worst not being with his mom, he couldn’t be more pleased.

As he sat on the couch, he let his arm rest along the back. His moves were just about as smooth as a seventh grader’s. He didn’t want to push her, but, man, did he want her snuggling in beside him. He wasn’t even a particularly snuggly person. There was just something about her and this cabin and the magic of the holiday and snow and all of it.

She flashed a small smile.

He couldn’t help it as he tucked a bit of her colorful hair behind her ear. Then, to his immense satisfaction, she shifted down to his side of the couch and snuggled right into the arm he had draped on the back of the couch. He slid that arm around her as she adjusted the blanket over both of them before resting her head on his chest. The rainbow of hair against the backdrop of his plain gray shirt unlocked a little piece of his heart.

Damn, he had it bad for his coach’s daughter.

They enjoyed their slow morning with coffee and cuddles and Ebeneezer Scrooge. As the credits rolled, Alice looked up at him with almost sleepy eyes. He half expected her to say they should go take a nap. A nap cuddled up with this soft, warm woman sounded like a good way to spend a couple of hours. But that is not what she said.

“Do you want to build a snowman?” she asked with an almost childlike quality.

While that did not sound like something he had any interest in doing, something about the barely contained joy in her eyes that did give it a second thought.

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