Page 32 of Christmas With A Billionaire

“Your two stubborn children have work to do,” Autumn said, but she was smiling, too. “The launch is in two weeks.”

“And it’ll be Christmas Eve,” I added. I turned to Rose. “We’re adding something special to the program. I need your help with the details.”

Rose’s eyes lit up. “What kind of something special?”

I outlined my plan while Autumn directed another installation across the room. By the time I finished, Rose was wiping tears.

“That girl deserves every bit of this,” she said. “And you, my sweet boy, deserve her.”

“I know.” I watched Autumn adjust a painting’s angle, totally in her element. “I’ve always known.”

“Then why did it take you so long to do something about it?”

“Because I was afraid of losing her.” I sipped my chocolate. “Now I’m more afraid of not giving her everything she deserves.”

Rose squeezed my hand. “You already do. You always have.” She gathered her things. “Now, I have a restaurant to run, and you have a gallery to finish. Don’t forget - Christmas Eve dinner after the launch.”

“As if you’d let us forget.”

She kissed my cheek, then Autumn’s, leaving us amid the controlled chaos of final preparations. I crossed to where Autumn stood, studying the main gallery wall.

“The light hits it perfectly now,” she said without turning. “We should adjust the track lighting for evening viewing.”

“Already ordered special spots.” I wrapped my arms around her waist. “They’ll be here tomorrow.”

She leaned back against my chest. “You think of everything.”

“I think of you.” I pressed a kiss to her neck.

She turned in my arms. “We should talk about this. About us. About what happens next.”

“What do you want to happen next?”

“Everything,” she traced my jaw with her fingers. “But I don’t want to rush.”

“It’s almost taken us a lifetime. I wouldn’t call what we’re doing rushing.” I caught her hand, kissing her palm. “Besides, I’m done waiting.”

“Me, too,” she said softly. “But we should still take it slow and maybe figure out how to be us without pressure.”

I watched her for a long time when her eyes turned up at me.

“What?”

“Do you feel pressured to be with me, Autumn?”

Her eyes widened. “No! Why would you ask that?”

I glanced back at the painting before us. “I just wanted to make sure.”

Her eyes lingered on me, and she faced me, pulling my gaze back to hers.

“To be honest, I love what we’ve found. I don’t want to rush, not because of me but because of you.”

Surprised, I arched a brow. “Why do you?—”

“Because you’re such a fuckin’ catch, Ty.”

I wiggled my brows. “I am a catch, aren’t I?”

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