Page 87 of Wild Dreams

“Well, that’s something to base a relationship on,” Scarlett said dryly.

Pam’s eyes danced as she looked from Scarlett and Eli to Chance and me. “It couldn’t be more perfect. Chance is dating your best friend, and you’re dating his.”

Scarlett’s eyes widened. “I hadn’t thought about it like that.”

“You’ve always been family, and now it will be official,” Pam gushed as she uncovered my casserole dish.

“Well, we only just started dating. It’s still new,” I interjected, a little overwhelmed by the conversation but touched at the same time. The fact that the St. Claires wanted me in their family was nice.

Chance leaned over and kissed me on the lips in front of everyone. “It’s only a matter of time, and you know it.”

I blushed, loving his confidence. He no longer doubted his feelings or how he’d juggle everything. He was determined to make it work, and that soothed my fears that we were taking things too fast.

Pam waved a hand in our direction. “I don’t mean to rush you guys. You take your time. Enjoy your new relationships before you get married and have kids.”

“Speaking of enjoying ourselves. We’d like to throw a New Year’s Eve party at the lodge.”

Pam paused. “This New Year’s? Do you have time to plan something so soon?”

“We’ll hold it in the restaurant and bar area. I can set up heaters on the deck if anyone wants to go outside. There’s plenty of space,” Eli said.

“It’s our last holiday living in the lodge, and we wanted to do something special,” Scarlett added.

“It sounds perfect,” I said with a smile.

“You want to come with me to get a dress?” Scarlett asked me.

I nodded, pleased my relationship with her brother hadn’t altered ours. I had tears prickling the back of my eyes because of the love. My family was right here in this room. The St. Claires and Oakley. I didn’t need rushed calls from my parents or empty promises. I knew what I had, and these people had my heart.

The way we all ended up together was one for the story books. It was a never-ending dream come true.

We had more things to look forward to, like Christmases with family, a New Year’s Eve party, the opening of the cabins at the lodge in the spring, and more love.

We spent the rest of the evening talking about the New Year’s Eve party. I couldn’t help but think about the tradition that who you kissed on New Year’s was who you’d spend the year with.

After dinner, we talked about our plans for Christmas dinner with the Wildes at the lodge. Eli insisted on hosting.

Chance and I would spend the morning in bed, then open presents. Eli suggested we go skiing during the day, which seemed so fun for Christmas day. Then we’d gather for dinner.

I felt like a part of the St. Claires’ family in a way I hadn’t before. I was no longer on the outside looking in.

On the way home, Chance held my hand on my thigh. Oakley was snoring in the back seat. Snow was coming down, but it was warm and cozy in the truck. I was content to just be together, enjoying the holiday.

At home, Chance started a fire, and we sat on the couch admiring the lights on the tree.

I wasn’t ready for the holidays to be over. They felt so much bigger than they ever had in the past. This year, I wasn’t alone, and my heart was filled with love and hope.

Chance sat next to the tree where we’d placed our presents for each other and his family earlier in the day and pulled out a small box from under the branches.

My heart rate picked up. “I thought we’d open presents in the morning?”

“I want you to open this one tonight.”

The evening was magical. I moved to join him on the floor. “What is it?”

He pressed the gift box into my hand. “You have to open it.”

I carefully unwrapped the gold ribbon, then the white paper with trembling hands. The paper was thick, and the design was elegant. For some reason I was nervous.

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