Page 85 of Wild Nights

"I do?" Joey asked as Xander set him down.

"You sure do."

I searched for flights, finding one in the late afternoon. Then settled back to enjoy our time with family. Eventually, we cleaned up and headed downstairs for brunch.

Marcus had prepped a bunch of the dishes for us, so it was easy to throw everything in the oven. We ate in the great room.

"The lodge is looking more festive this year."

Eli nodded. "We hired a service. It's a business owned by Noelle Richards. You might remember her from school."

Killian's jaw tightened. "She owns a business now?"

"Yeah, she decorates for the holidays. The lights outside, trees, whatever you need. Why? Are you looking for something like that?"

"I have nothing to decorate."

"I wasn't sure if you were interested in coming home?" Eli asked casually, and we all held our breath for the answer.

"No plans to. You know I'm busy training and competing."

"We can always hope things change," I said.

"I wouldn't ask you to quit your job," Killian said testily.

"My job is here with my family."

Killian sighed. "And you're so sanctimonious about it. Your job isn't any better than mine because you chose to stay home and run the family business."

"I'm not saying that."

"Boys, it's Christmas. Do we have to hash this out every year?" Mom asked from the head of the table. She gave Dad a look where he sat on the other end. We filled in the middle, and I couldn't help but think about how we were expanding. Eli had Scarlett, and I had Joey. How would things change over the years? Would Carolina be here next year?

My heart warmed at the thought. I had to stay positive and believe it was possible that Carolina felt the same way and wanted the same things I did.

"Sorry, Mom," Killian said, and Eli parroted him.

It was a typical Christmas with teasing and laughing. Music played in the background, and Carolina might have been missing, but I had a good feeling about our future. Next year, Carolina might be at this table, and I'd do whatever was necessary to make that happen.

"Now, what's this I hear about you going to Maine?" Eli asked me.

I cleared my throat. "We want to see Carolina."

Eli's brow furrowed. "Why would you need to do that?"

"We got close to her while you were gone." There was no need for anyone to know about our secret fling. "And we wantto ask her if she wants to spend more time with us." That was the age-appropriate version of the story.

Eli looked from Joey to me. "You like Carolina?"

I winced. "I hope that isn't a problem. I know you have a professional relationship with her."

Eli shook his head, meeting Scarlett's amused gaze. "Well, I didn't see that coming."

"There's a chance she won't feel the same way," I said that for Joey's benefit.

"How could she say no to you two?" Scarlett smiled at Joey.

Joey nodded. "I am pretty great."

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