Page 66 of Mistletoe Kisses

Arlo rested his head on my shoulder. “I hate that you’re stressed.”

I tucked my hand between his legs, just above the knees.

“I don’t know your brother well, but from what I’ve seen, he would rather have you comfortable than twist yourself in knots to do something that stresses you out. The proposal will be enough on its own.”

I kissed the top of his head. “Sometimes those on the outside can see things about our lives that are obvious, but we can’t convince ourselves of them.” I knocked my shoulder into his.

Arlo’s lips curled into a wry smile. “Thought we were talking about you.”

I kept my expression innocent. “Aren’t we?” His laughter warmed me like a fresh mug of cocoa.

My phone buzzed in my pocket. I pulled it out and saw Warren’s name. It was like he’d sensed I was talking about him. Arlo pulled his own phone out and began tapping away, so I answered my brother.

Warren: Why are you avoiding me?

Lucas: I’m not avoiding you. [eye roll emoji]

Even though I sort of was. It was hard to keep a huge secret from him. He would read something on my face and start asking me questions.

Warren: Shacked up with your boyfriend? I’ll let it pass.

Lucas: He leaves on Sunday. [crying emoji]

Warren: Aww, I’m sorry. [sad face emoji]

Warren: I have an idea. Want to come with me and Reed to Portland tomorrow? We have to grab a lens for Making Spirits Bright on Saturday and thought we could do something festive afterward. I’m sure Arlo would love it.

“Want to go to Portland tomorrow with Warren and Reed? They’re promising something festive after an errand.”

Arlo sat up. “Really? Portland? Yes!”

I kissed his excited smile before texting my brother back. Why spend so much time stressing about the festival when I had Arlo to focus on?

Chapter29

Arlo

I couldn’t stop gigglingas the two wiener dogs in Christmas sweaters licked and nipped at my hands from their dog bucket seat between Lucas and me. The four of us squeezed into the back of Warren’s car as he and Reed sat in front.

I’d been excited all day about our mini road trip to Portland. I hadn’t thought I’d get any time in Portland on vacation, and I was glad to have someone guide me because I had no idea where to start. I was perfectly happy to be along for the ride.

Lucas pulled something out of his coat pocket and passed it to me out of reach of the dogs. “Here. Give this to them, and they’ll love you forever.”

“Did Uncle Lucas bring you little squirts your favorite treats? He spoils you,” Warren said in a baby voice.

I had a permanent smile on my face the entire drive to Portland. It was so comfortable hanging out with Lucas, Warren, and Reed. The conversation flowed easily, and I found myself joining in a few times but never feeling pressured to go beyond my comfort zone. They let me participate as I wanted.How am I going to leave this?

My thoughts wandered to Keaton. As much as I wasn’t ready to leave Dahlia Springs, I was excited to see him. I hadn’t been away from my best friend for this long in years.

While the other guys talked about something happening at the dahlia farm, I pulled out my phone.

Arlo: How’s it going in AZ?

Keaton: Fucking cold, but good. How’s it going in OR?

Arlo: Great! I’m going to Portland with Lucas, his brother, his brother’s boyfriend, and their two dogs.

Keaton: Dog pics, or it didn’t happen!

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