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Brushing a piece of her blond hair behind her ear, I shook my head. “Not bossy at all. Just simply wanting the woman I love to take care of herself.”

Brystol’s eyes sparkled, and she leaned up and kissed me again.

“Gross, Mom! The toy lady kissed the police officer!”

Brystol laughed. “Be safe.”

I winked. “Always.”

As I started to make my way through the store, I felt someone grab my arm. Turning, I smiled when I saw it was Brystol.

“Forget something?”

She smiled. “Yeah. I forgot to tell you I love you.”

It was as if the entire store had disappeared, and it was only the two of us. I took her hand in mine and lifted it to my lips. After gently kissing it, I said, “I love you more.”

Her cheeks already had a soft pink glow to them, but when the color deepened, I felt myself fall even deeper for this woman.

“Impossible,” she whispered, before reaching up and brushing a light kiss across my lips. “See you later.”

I watched as she quickly returned to the counter and started chatting to her customer. How was I so fucking lucky?

Turning, I headed out the door with a smile that no one or nothing could erase.

Brystol

Christmas has always been one of my favorite times of the year, and no one does It better than Moose Village. The annual Christmas tree lighting is one of those events I always look forward to. This year, it was even more special because I got to share the experience with Gavin.

“Hungry?” he asked as he reached for my hand and helped me out of the car. He’d picked me up from the toy store, and we drove straight to my favorite little Italian restaurant, Bella’s. I was craving a meatball sub.

“I’m starving, as usual.”

He smiled and placed his hand on my lower back as we walked toward the front door. There was something so calming about that simple gesture. It made me feel loved and cared for. Gavin was the first guy I ever dated who did it, which made it even more special.

Once inside, we were shown to our seats, and Gavin helped me take off my coat. He laid it carefully over one of the extra chairs at our table and held my chair out for me. God, if he wasn’t the ultimate gentleman. For a half second, I wished we’d just returned to my place and grabbed a quick sandwich, because if we had, I’d be asking him to take me over my dining table about now.

Gavin sat down and lifted a brow. “Ms. Duggan, what are you thinking about right now?”

I felt my cheeks heat. “Why?”

He leaned in. “Because the look on your face says it’s something naughty.”

I giggled. “It is.”

“Do tell.”

“If I voice it, then I’ll really want to do it, and my stomach really,reallywants a meatball sub.”

Gavin laughed, and I couldn’t help but smile. I loved the sound of his laugh.

“Fair enough.”

The waitress, a young girl named Marie—the daughter of the owner—walked up and smiled. “Hey, guys. I haven’t seen you in a while, Brystol.”

“I know, things have been so busy at the store lately.”

Marie grinned. “That’s a good thing!”