Page 71 of Just Add Mistletoe

“Everything went well,” Bronson said, his voice sounding relieved. “He’s out of surgery, and he’s pretty groggy. The doctor said it was all routine as far as stents go, and he should make a full recovery.”

Malcom felt like a huge boulder had just rolled off his shoulders. “That’s great news.” He leaned against the deck railing and released a long breath. “Can I talk to him yet?”

“Maybe in a couple of hours,” Bronson said. “Are you still coming?”

He glanced over at Lori, who stood as well and walked to the railing. “Yeah. We fly out in the morning.”

“You’re bringing Lori?”

The question sounded like one of curiosity, nothing else. “She’s coming,” Malcom confirmed.

“I think that’s great,” Bronson said, sincerity in his voice.

Their conversation almost felt normal. As if their relationship, and their business, hadn’t imploded only a few weeks ago. Bronson hadn’t brought up Penny, and Malcom was happy not to rehash that disaster again.

“Dad will be happy to see you,” he continued, “and everyone wants to meet Lori.”

Malcom dragged in a breath. “Yeah . . . Call me or have Mom call me later when I can talk to Dad.”

“Will do.”

He hung up with Bronson and turned to Lori. “My dad’s out of surgery and everything went well.”

“Oh, that’s great news.”

He wiped at his eyes, because apparently his emotions had caught up with him.

Lori wrapped her arms around his waist, and he pulled her close.

“I’m so happy he’s okay,” she murmured. “It will be good for you to see him in person.”

He rested his chin atop her head and closed his eyes. Somehow the universe knew that he needed this woman. “If you want to stay here with your parents, I’d understand.”

She only nestled closer. “My parents are great and all, but I’m still coming with you.” She drew away slightly and raised her chin to look up at him. “If you’re okay with that still?”

He smiled. His first smile in hours. “I’m okay with it. Because, you know, you’re my girlfriend.”

She smiled at that, and it was a beautiful one. He leaned down and kissed her.

“I hate to interrupt.” Her mom’s singsong voice came from somewhere by the sliding doors to the deck. “Dinner’s ready.”

Lori drew back. “Thanks, Mom.” She kept her eyes on Malcom. “Ready for the best meal of your life?”

“Ready.”

Lori gave a soft laugh, and they entered the house hand in hand.

She was completely right, of course. Her parents were excellent cooks, and they parried off each other, listing what they’d cooked and baked. There was certainly enough food for several more dinner guests.

“We’ve invited the neighbors over for tomorrow,” Mrs. Harding said. “I didn’t feel like I should switch them to today, considering what’s happening with Malcom’s family. We’ll just reheat what we need to tomorrow and have giant dinners two nights in a row.”

Mr. Harding chuckled. He was a wiry guy with an impressive combover. “There’s always a silver lining in every problem in life. But we’re sure glad your dad’s surgery went well.”

“Thank you,” Malcom said. “I’m very relieved. It will make traveling less stressful too.”

“Of course.” Mr. Harding picked up his water glass. “Lori sent us pictures and kept us updated on the renovation work you’re doing at our house. It’s all very impressive, so thank you.”

Malcom shrugged as he took another helping of mashed potatoes. He couldn’t seem to get enough of them. “I appreciate the place to stay. With the building project back on the docket, it’s nice to have somewhere else to go home to that’s not the same place I’m working at.”

---