Page 36 of A Not So Merry Ex-Mas

“Hey!” I feign anger but can’t keep the grin from my face at just how miserable he looks.

The mock scowl he’s wearing is replaced by an awry grin and smug glint to his eyes as he heads over to the container holding the ornaments.

He turns to me with a smile so bright I’m blinded. Who needs power? When I finally drag my eyes from his face, I look at where the flashlight is beaming.

A candle.

Chapter Sixteen

Cole

Noelle and I arecloaked in a soft glow, and the room dances to life from the subtle movements on the walls as the fire and candles flicker. The light from the fireplace highlights Noelle’s features, giving her the appearance of a young girl.

The power is still out, and the generator hasn’t kicked in. Luckily, the worst of the storm has passed, and the world is a canvas of pure white with light flakes that continue to fall.

A perfect winter wonderland. Spent with the perfect woman.

We’ve fallen into an easy rhythm as we finish decorating the tree. I can feel a shift in Noelle, but the wall that was in place is still fully erected. I’m doing my best to respect it and her.

On the other hand, my mind is painting pictures of all future Christmases for years to come. Our second chance is so close I can taste it. Like hot chocolate, it’s leaving a wake of warmth that's cascading throughout my body.

I watch Noelle hang the final ornament on the now fully decorated tree. She takes a step back to admire our handiwork while I focus on her.

“This tree is perfect!” The smile on her face is so bright that I can feel its warmth expanding my chest. “Don’t you think?”

“It is,” I agree without taking my eyes off her. Her gaze slams into mine, causing my stomach to flip. A tinge of color stains her cheeks before I adjust my eyes to focus on the tree.

“There’s just one thing missing,” I look at her and smile.

“The lights?” Her brows pull together as she tilts her head. “They’ll work when we have power again.”

“Not the lights.” I shake my head, and my lips pull up at the corner. I look at the top of the tree, and her eyes follow mine.

“Ahh, the star.” A sad smile that she quickly tries to hide crosses her lips. I quietly watch the multitude of emotions play over her face.

A tightness grips my chest as I remember our last Christmas together with her grandmother. I'm positive Noelle is recalling it, too, but for slightly different reasons.

I grab the star from the box of decorations and walk beside Noelle, hyper aware of the contact as I brush my shoulder with hers. I push the star out.

“Would you like to do the honors?” Her glassy eyes meet mine as she shakes her head back and forth.

“Gran thought you did it best.” My heart tugs at her words, and I take a deep breath as I place the star on the top of the tree. I step back only to hear Noelle laughing at me.

I put my hands on my hips and give her my best glare. “What?”

Her laughter rings throughout the cabin, and she grabs her sides. A laugh bubbles out of me. Her lightness is infectious. A full grin spreads across my face.

She points at the tree and tries to speak. I follow her hand, but all I see is how flawless everything looks.

“The star…” she spits out through jagged breaths. “It’s tilted to the right.”

I look at the star and laugh with her. “So it is. I better get on that right away. We can’t have a crooked star!”

I move the star too far to the left. “How about now?”

“Nope, still not straight.” She giggles. “Now it’s too far left.”

“Now you’re just being nit-picky.” I frown, but move and fix it as close to the center as possible. “Now?”

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