Page 72 of Mistletoe Kisses

Arlo: You’re so mean, lol.

Keaton: Love you. Go enjoy the rest of your vacation.

Arlo: Love you too.

I took several deep breaths and stared at myself in the mirror. The life I wanted was so close. A family I could see regularly. A bookstore I loved and could spend time in. A town that had welcomed me as one of its own. A man I was falling in love with.

But was I brave enough to make it happen? Move away from the mom who’d sacrificed everything for me and leave her alone? Bravery was the last thing anyone would credit me with having.

I picked up my phone when it buzzed again and saw an email notification from my old boss. With shaking hands, I tapped it.

Hello Arlo,

I hope this email finds you well. There’s been a lot of movement at Winchester Publishing, as I’m sure you can imagine. As we’ve adjusted to the reduced staffing, we have a clearer picture of our workload and needs. We’ve discovered you were involved in more projects than we realized and may have been hasty in letting you go. I hope you’re still available and would be interested in returning to your role. If you are, please let me know as soon as possible. We could have you start back as early as December 26th.

Regards,

Christopher

I stared at my phone and reread the email several times. Things must be dire if he was sending me a job offer on a Saturday. I should be thrilled and immediately reply with my enthusiastic yes, but my finger hovered over the reply button.

It would solve several of my problems. I would have a steady paycheck again and wouldn’t have to endure the torture of job hunting. Though, as my brain worked through the offer, I couldn’t help but notice there was no mention of a promotion, a raise, or even a change in job title. It was business speak for,we’re struggling without you, so please come back and do more than we pay you for and save our butts.

Instead of responding, I slid my phone back into my pocket. I would deal with that later. There were more pressing things to focus on, like supporting Lucas tonight.

Chapter31

Arlo

I cheeredalong with the entire crowd as Warren and Reed hugged on stage with their dogs jumping around them. They clutched each other, and the microphone picked up soft murmurs. It was such a beautiful proposal. Last night, Lucas had explained to me the advent of dares that Warren helped Reed complete when they met last year, and I loved how Reed had worked that into his plans.

After a few more moments, they stood, and the crowd applauded again. Lucas let out a loud wolf whistle. I was impressed he could set his nerves aside enough to help Reed pull this off.

An older man with a recognizable black wig and sparkly white jumpsuit off to the side of the crowd caught my attention. “Is that man dressed like Elvis?” I whispered to Lucas as the noise died down.

Lucas laughed. “Yeah, that’s Jerry. He’s the town’s Elvis impersonator. He attends most major town events dressed like Elvis. Usually walks in the parades as his own float. Nice guy.”

“This town is something else.”

Lucas let out a shaky breath and nodded at Reed, who’d looked over at him as he and Warren left the stage. “It’s showtime.”

I leaned in and gave him a quick kiss for good luck. When I pulled back, he wore a surprised, happy smile that I wanted to kiss again. I was glad to see him smiling before being courageous and going on stage. “Break a leg. I mean, not literally, obviously. We’re going for no incidents tonight.” I slapped my palm to my forehead. “God, sorry.”

Lucas laughed, but there was a frantic tone in it.

“You’re going to do great. Now, go get it over with so we can start celebrating you conquering your fear.”

His smile softened. He nodded once, then walked toward the stage. The mayor, who’d spoken earlier during the program, handed Lucas his guitar.

Since hearing him sing and play the other night, I’d been counting the minutes until I could hear it again. He could serenade me daily, and it wouldn’t be enough. His soothing and soulful voice had a warmth that spread across my skin, seeping in like settling into a toasty bath. It had been a perfect moment. The two of us hanging out on his couch, enjoying each other’s company and making music.

I visually tracked Lucas ascending the steps and onto the stage. Warren gasped, and I looked to where Reed had brought them to my left.

“You didn’t! Reed! Is he seriously going to sing?”

Reed wrapped his arm around Warren’s shoulders and whispered something into his ear that made Warren curl into his arms.

“Happy holidays, everyone. I’m Lucas Mason. Congratulations to my brother and soon-to-be brother-in-law.”

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