Page 51 of Merry with Me

“What’s that?” Abe asks.

“They’re going to turn on the lights on that big Christmas tree,” Mom explains, pointing out the tree.

“Oh!” Abe’s eyes grow wide. “Can we?” He turns toward his parents.

“You good with staying?” Brad asks Oliver.

I can’t help it; my eyes go to him, only to find him watching me. “Yeah, I’m good to stay.”

My chest feels warm at the soft look in his eyes and his willingness to be here. He said he would let me bring Christmas back into his life, and he’s holding up his end of the deal.

“Right,” Dad says, snapping me back to the moment. “We better get to it. The sun is starting to set.” He gives Oliver the side-eye but doesn’t say anything else. I’m certain I’ll be getting a phone call with lots of questions. He’s not used to seeing me with anyone. Not that we’re together, but he knows he’s not just a friend. I can tell that from the look in his eyes and the furrow of his brow.

Our group, bigger now, moves down the block to grab hot cocoa. Marisa hangs back with Carrie on her hip. Isla notices and moves up, placing her arm over Brooklyn’s shoulders, giving us some space. We’re at the tail end of our group.

“I guess we have you to thank for him wanting to be here?” Marisa asks.

“I’m not sure. I did mention it to him.” This morning as I rode his lap like a cowgirl.

“Thank you. He’s been so distant the last few years. Whatever you’re doing, keep it up.” She winks.

I laugh. Oliver stops and turns to look at me, and my dad almost runs into him. Oliver gives me a small smile and apologizes to my dad for almost causing a pileup of people on the sidewalk before scooping Abe up into his arms and leading the pack toward the hot cocoa.

“So, it’s like that, huh?” Marisa laughs.

“Honestly, I don’t know. He’s…. It’s complicated.”

Marisa grins. “He can be, but he’s one of the best people I know. He’s a good man. He’s been through some stuff, and he needs someone good in his life.”

“He told me,” I admit.

Marisa’s eyes widen. “He did?” I nod. “He likes you. I can see it. Just don’t give up on him. He’s stubborn and needs someone who isn’t going to let him push them away.”

“He doesn’t want to be… anything. He’s told me that.”

“Those are just words, Blakely. He wants it. He’s just afraid to want it again. Once bitten and twice shy.”

“We’ll see how it goes,” I tell her as Carrie leans over, holding her arms out.

“Hey, sweet girl,” I tell her as I take her from her momma. She grins and touches my scarf. I carry her the rest of the way to the hot cocoa stand, and when Marisa tries to take her, she buries her arms tight to her body and rests her head on my shoulder. “She’s fine.” I smile at Marisa.

“Looks like you have a new friend.” Oliver’s deep voice sends a shiver down my spine. He hands me a hot cocoa.

“Thank you, and yeah, she’s my new bestie.”

“Hey!” Isla calls out as my dad hands her a hot cocoa. He eyes the drink in my hand and glares at Oliver but turns back to keep passing out drinks.

“Thank you for obliging me,” Mom says, smiling at Carrie. “Your brother and sister are going to watch with their friends, and your dad and I are going to go find the rest of the family and watch with them.”

“You coming?” Dad asks.

“Declan, she’s an adult. She doesn’t have to check in with us,” Mom scolds.

“Can a man not look after his daughter?” Dad asks.

“I’ll be sure to see you again before I leave. I think I’m going to hang out with this cutie a little longer,” I tell them, nodding to Carrie, who is still snuggled up to my chest.

“And I need a turn for snuggles,” Isla chimes in.

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