Page 39 of Mistletoe Kisses

No one asked about his dad, his relationship with his mom, or anything else too prying. They let Arlo come to them, which was incredibly perceptive and kind. For all they knew, they’d never see this cinnamon roll of a man again. But they treated him as someone important to them.

Karen hopped up to take the dishes. When Arlo tried to rise, she waggled her finger at him and smiled. That damn blush on his cheeks! I couldn’t get enough. Ron helped her clear the table.

“I made tiramisu. Seemed on theme for dinner,” Karen said.

“Yummy.” He made an appreciative sound as Karen placed dessert on the table.

He was running out of time to start the conversation. When the family members got into a heated debate about Miracle Whip versus Mayonnaise—mayo always and forever, except in chicken salad—I squeezed Arlo’s leg under the table and gave him a meaningful look. He bit his bottom lip and shook his head. I gave him another reassuring squeeze.

He might not be ready tonight, but I was confident he would be eventually. Arlo probably needed time to process. He wasn’t impulsive like me. If I were in his situation, I would’ve shown up with balloons and a cake that readIt’s a boy!The world takes all types.

“Thanks for dinner, Karen. Delicious as usual.” Larry stood and patted his stomach. “Ride home, Ma?”

“I’m sure as hell not going to walk.”

I snorted. I needed more Judith in my life.

With them leaving, it was our cue to make our excuses. Arlo looked at me with wide eyes but didn’t say anything. I was happy to break the ice.

“We’d better head out too. This one probably has to finish packing before his flight tomorrow.” The words came out lighthearted, but the reality of them left me reeling like a punch to the solar plexus.

I stood back and let the family say their thanks and goodbyes, ready to catch Arlo if he needed me.

“I’m going to do your blind date with a book again for Valentine’s Day.” Ron beamed.

“That’s great! You could ask the brewery and candy store about teaming up to make date night baskets.” Arlo casually dropped the idea, but everyone in the room gaped at him.

Karen rushed into him with a hug.

“Oof.” He grunted but wrapped his arms around her. He squeezed his eyes closed for a moment.

When she pulled back, she gripped his biceps. “This is exactly the kind of energy we’ve been needing. Thank you for this gift. You don’t know how much you’ve helped our family.” She gave her husband a meaningful look.

Was the bookstore in trouble? I would make it my mission to keep an eye on things for Arlo. I could use that as a reason to keep in touch with him. If he wasn’t ready to forge a relationship with them, I could keep him posted on the store.

“How about I get a photo?” I blurted out.

Arlo’s eyes went wide.

“That’s a lovely idea.” Judith tugged Arlo with her to stand in front of the tree.

I ignored Arlo’s anxious stare as I positioned all the redheads plus Karen in what looked like a lovely family portrait. Arlo would be grateful for it later.

To make it less awkward, I went over and took a selfie with me in it, then another selfie with only Arlo because I wanted that memory for myself.

As we walked to the front door, we passed a collection of family photos. Arlo stopped in front of one with three younger redheaded men in it, all wearing Santa hats with their arms around each other.

“That’s me, Ron, and our brother Dennis. He died a long time ago. Thirty years, Ma?”

“Thirty-one.”

“I’m sorry for your loss.” Arlo’s voice sounded like it was on the verge of cracking. He took another long look at the photo, then pulled away. Maybe there was a way I could sneak a picture of it for Arlo without anyone noticing? Not likely. I could try to get an invite back and grab it then.

“Thanks again for a delicious dinner and even better company,” I said as I ushered Arlo out. After another round of hugs and the family making him promise to stay in touch, we made it to the safety of the car.

With the dinner done, my time with Arlo was essentially over too. I rubbed my chest. I wasn’t ready for him to leave yet.

Chapter17

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