Page 126 of Back to Willow

It’s everything I’ve ever wished for.

“Kiddos,” Nana calls from the kitchen door. “Food is ready.”

“Oh, hot chocolate time.” Liam beams.

He gets up—finally freeing me—before extending an arm to help me up. When I take it, he tugs me against his chest, and with my cheek pressed against it, his rapid heartbeat fills my ear.

Looking up, Liam smirks at the same time my cheeks blush furiously. Clearing my throat and stepping away, I grab Dylan’s hand before walking to the kitchen.

There, I come face to face with a peculiar look on Nana’s face. She looks amused but also like she’s in on a secret no one else knows. Still, she doesn’t mention anything, letting all of us settle down at the table to eat.

Dylan and Liam both serve right on the men’s stereotype of munching down food like Neanderthals, barely stopping to breathe. It’s not the most beautiful sight, but it’s somewhat endearing.

“What?” Liam questions once he catches me looking at them intently.

“Nothing. I just love having you around.”

It slips from my mouth before I can think about what I’m saying. But it’s the honest smile and the twinkle in his eyes that make it worth it.

He’s worth everything.

Sure, he can be hard-headed and hot-blooded, but those traits also add to the way he acts on love because he is so loyal and dedicated. He loves so fiercely and intensely.

He leans in closer, whispering, “I love being around. It feels like things have finally fallen into place.”

I nod shyly, trying not to get Dylan’s attention. It’s already bad enough that Nana is awfully aware of everything.

“I want you guys to spend Christmas with me,” he blurts, and I freeze, not expecting it.

Dylan abruptly stops eating, snapping his head towards us.

Oh god.

“I—”

“Please,” he cuts me off, “I want you guys there with me.”

“I can’t leave Nana alone for Christmas.”

“You can all come and spend it with me. Nana’s your and Dylan’s family thus, she’s my family.”

Dylan’s silent but intently listening, his eyes frantically jumping between Liam, Nana, and me.

Ugh, this is not fair.

I look at Nana, asking for her input, and she says, “I was thinking of paying my daughter a haunting visit for the holidays, anyway.” She smirks. “Why don’t you spend it together this time around, just the three of you?”

“But—”

“No buts,” he interrupts me again. “That’s a deal, Nana.”

I sigh in defeat. Like I can say no to this guy.

“Fine.” I give in.

“Yes!” Dylan’s tiny fist pumps the air as he yells in excitement. There’s a wide smile on his face and a new gleam in his bright blue eyes. It’s the happiest I’ve ever seen him.

Right next to him, Liam is sporting the same smile—just as wide.

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