Page 88 of Mistletoe Kisses

“I saidgive, Arlo. You might be Dennis’s biological son, not mine, but you’re like the child Karen and I always wanted but couldn’t have. I’ve always dreamed of having someone in the family to pass Tome Raiders to. It would be an honor if you were willing to keep it going.”

He squeezed my shoulder again and held my stare. “But there’s absolutely no pressure, Arlo. I would be thrilled if there are other things you want to do with your life, and I’ll support you in anything. I’m just so damn grateful to get to watch you live your life and be happy.” Ron swiped at the tears pooling in his eyes. My own raced down my cheeks. “I’m immensely grateful you came into our lives. I want you to be happy. Whatever that means.”

My uncle had been profuse with his love for me, but it never failed to make me emotional. I’d spent so long craving a family I didn’t know I had and feared meeting them once I knew they existed. It had been as easy as breathing since we met.

I wrapped my arms around Ron’s middle, and his belly bounced against me as he chuckled while draping his arms around my shoulders. We held each other for several long moments as I tried to find the right words, but there was no way to convey the thoughts racing through my mind and the feelings swirling in my heart.

I pulled back and rubbed my sweater sleeve across my eyes. “I would be honored to keep the store going. I hope I can do you proud.”

“Son, you already do. The store could go bankrupt next month, and I’d still be proud of you.”

I squeezed my eyes closed and let the tears fall. When I got laid off last year, I never would’ve imagined that my life could change this much for the better. I’d never let myself dream so big.

“I’m not dying. There’s no need to cry.”

I laughed through the tears.

“I’ll still come in and hang out. We’ll talk details in the new year, but I wanted to get your thoughts on it now. Merry Christmas, Arlo.”

“Merry Christmas, Ron.”

A knock on the door pulled my attention. Lucas stood there, smiling eagerly and holding up a shopping bag. I went over and unlocked the door. He studied my face and wiped the skin underneath my eyes. A deep crease formed between his eyebrows.

“It’s all great news. I’ll fill you in later.”

“Okay, babe.” He kissed my forehead. “Hey, Ron. Ready for the show?”

“You know it! Can’t wait to see what you have in store for us this year.” He winked at us, then moved to begin the close-down procedure.

“I brought your sweater.” Lucas handed me the bag, and I pulled out the green sweater withNicewritten across the front. Lucas unzipped his coat to reveal the matching redNaughtyone.

My stomach swooped as I pulled off the sweater I’d been wearing and pulled on the new one. I couldn’t believe I’d not only agreed to do another duet with him but had suggested it. Dahlia Springs Arlo was a new man. The swoop held as much excitement as terror. I was excited to experience that with Lucas in a planned andpracticedway this time. We’d practiced a lot, and most of those practices ended with kissing and giggling on the couch as Lucas sang against my skin.

“See you there.” I held Ron’s eye contact, something I’d gotten better at over the past year, and mouthed a thank you.

“You got it. Break a leg, lovebirds.” Ron saluted us.

Lucas grabbed my hand, and we left the store.

“Are you okay?” he asked as soon as we got outside.

I smiled wide. “I am. Honestly, really happy.”

“Aww, babe.” Lucas pulled me to a stop and wrapped his arms around me. “I’m happy you’re happy.” He pulled back and gave me a soft kiss. I chased his lips when he pulled away.

“Keaton and his boyfriend are finishing dinner with your mom at the restaurant. They promise they’ll be front row in the audience.”

I groaned. “Keaton’s going to post it on his Instagram, isn’t he?”

“Just a million people hearing your beautiful voice. No big deal.” He flashed a teasing grin.

“It’ll be nice to have friendly faces in the crowd,” I said.

Lucas snorted. “The crowd is going to be full of friendly faces. You’ve made a ton of them this year.”

My cheeks burned. I’d met a lot of people, but I was always hesitant to call them friends. Lucas teased me about that whenever I came home with baked goods or bounty from someone’s garden that people dropped off for me in the store. Once word got out that I loved tomatoes and cucumbers, I had a never-ending supply for the entire growing season.

“Mom’s going to be stunned.”

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