Page 85 of A Taste of Chardonnay

“The ornaments aren’t ridiculous.”

“Char, there is a glass pickle hanging on that tree and a mini flannel shirt on a hanger.”

“They reminded me of you.”

My eyebrow arched. “A pickle, Char?”

“It’s a tradition. A German tradition. You’ve gone so long without celebrating Christmas, I just wanted you to be able to take part.”

“So that’s why you forced me to go ice skating, get hot chocolate at the light display in River Birch Park, and go to the tree lighting at Town Hall?”

She nodded. “Exactly. And I don’t remember you complaining about any of them. In fact, I would wager to say you enjoyed yourself.”

I grabbed her by the waist and plopped her onto my lap. “That’s because I was with you. Kind of hard not to when you’re around.” I dipped my head, taking her nipple between my teeth. A moan broke the silence of the morning, but then she slapped her hands on my chest and pushed away.

“I don’t have time.”

“Why? Because it’s not on your to-do list? Newsflash, doing you is always on my to-do list.”

“Brady!” Her voice pitched as I squeezed her other breast. “Fine, but carry me to the shower. Might as well kill two birds with one stone.”

“My pleasure.” I pushed up from the floor, taking her with me. A little squeak came from her throat as she tightened her hold on my neck.

“No crazy positions,” she said. “Remember my back.”

I massaged her lower back, moving my hand until I had a handful of her ass, kneading the firm flesh.

“Don’t worry,” I said against her lips. “I’ll always take care of you.”

After too many hours helping Chardonnay with her to-do list, we went back to my place. I poured us each a little whiskey, we grabbed our books, and settled in front of the fire. It was becoming a tradition, and one I hoped would last forever.

Jack lay at our feet on his back, legs moving as he probably dreamed about chasing squirrels.

“Have you decided about coming to Christmas dinner at my parents’ house tomorrow?”

She had invited me, Franc had invited me, Laurent had invited me, both Mr. and Mrs. Grasso called to invite me. It wasn’t much different than years past. They all reached out in their own way and respected when I politely declined. This time, I couldn’t bring myself to outright say no. Instead, I gave them anI’ll think about it.

“I don’t want Ron to be alone. I mean he has Beau, but Beau is his nurse not his family.” The fact I was even able to say that showed me how much had changed over the last month. Beau was a godsend who had dealt with dementia patients many times, starting at eighteen when the grandmother who raised him was ravished by the disease. He was thirty-six now and dedicated his life to helping others. He had moved into my old bedroom, and didn’t even ask for extra money. He said the amount I was saving him on room and board more than made up for the costs Ron’s healthcare didn’t cover.

Now Ron never missed taking his pills and always had someone with him. He had a routine, and while he still had days where his memory was shit, he had good days, too. I didn’t know if one morning he would wake up and the disease would overpower him, so while I could, I wanted to have at least one Christmas together.

“Bring him. Beau, too.”

“I’m not imposing on your family like that.”

“Are you kidding me? It’s an open-door policy on Christmas. Everyone and their brother stops by at some point throughout the day. Besides, Mom and Dad would be ecstatic if you came.”

“I don’t know. I’ll see.” I didn’t want to disappoint Chardonnay, but I also didn’t know if I was ready to fully immerse myself into the holidays. I’d spent so many years doing everything in my power to avoid them.

Then I glanced over at the tree glowing with one too many strings of lights. The pickle reflected the reds, blues, and yellow glows. Maybe I was past that point.

And maybe I was just scared of bridging the past and the future. I wasn’t sure and until I was, I didn’t want to ruin our first Christmas Eve together.

I plucked Chardonnay’s Kindle from her hand. “What are we reading tonight?”

“This one is called The Vampire’s Holiday Wish.”

“Seriously?”

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