Page 24 of Threads of Kindness
Anita nodded. “They’re famous. I’d love that.” She didn’t say what she was really thinking—that she didn’t want this night to end.
Gordon retrieved their champagne flutes from the table and handed Anita her glass. They looped their arms around each other and swayed to the sentimental tune as they drained their glasses. A loud pop sounded overhead, signaling the stroke of midnight.
Gordon pulled Anita to him, lowered his mouth to hers, and they greeted the New Year with a lingering kiss.
CHAPTER 11
Josh pressed the off button on the remote and tossed it onto the ottoman. He brought his feet to the floor and turned to Sunday.
“That was a great movie,” he said.
“I can’t believe you’d never seenThe Holidaybefore,” Sunday replied. “It’s theperfectholiday movie—friendship, romance, a gorgeous California mansion, a charming English country cottage, and actors with English accents. What more could you want?”
Josh chuckled. “I suspect the houses are a big part of the attraction for you.”
“I have to admit,” Sunday said with a grin, “Iama bit house crazy.”
Josh’s expression softened. “Speaking of houses … where do you want to live when we get married? Should I move in with you? I assume my place is too small for the four of us. Heck, it’s even too small for me and these two dogs.”
“That’s the practical solution, but I’d love to find a new place forus. A home where all the memories will include both of us from the beginning.”
Josh nodded. “My lease is up at the end of the semester. How about yours?”
“I’ve been month-to-month for the last year,” Sunday said. “I’ve been saving for a house and waiting for the right one to come on the market.” She sighed, adding, “We’re incredibly busy with wedding plans, your graduation, and your new jobs at Forever Friends and Forever Guides. We don’t really have the time or energy to look for a house right now. I guess moving in with me is our best option.”
“We’ll go house hunting this summer,” Josh agreed, his voice warm. “When things calm down.”
Cara, Josh’s petite German shepherd, and Dan, his easygoing black Lab, lay stretched out on the rug, their backs against the sofa. When Josh put his feet on the floor, both dogs stirred. They yawned, stretched, and rose to their feet. Dan’s tail swished lazily while Cara padded over to the back door.
“I think these two need to go out,” Josh said, pushing himself off the sofa. “I’ll be right back.”
“I’d like to stretch my legs too,” she said, glancing at her watch. “We’ve got another hour before midnight. By the end of the movie, I was struggling to keep my eyes open. A brisk walk in the night air is exactly what I need—or I’ll never stay awake to welcome the new year with you.”
“We don’t have to stay up,” Josh teased. “New Year’s Eve is no big deal. Kissing someone at midnight doesn’t bring good luck.”
Sunday gave him a playful bop on the arm. “You don’t know that,” she said with a smile. “This is my first—and hopefullyonly—time being engaged on New Year’s Eve. We’ll be married by the next one. I certainly intend to make the most of this year.”
She swung her legs off the sofa and stood, stretching. “I’ve got an idea,” she said, following Josh and the dogs to the backdoor. “Let’s take these guys for a walk—like we did when we got engaged.”
“That’s a terrific idea,” Josh said. “I’m sure they’d like more exercise than just a quick trip to the backyard. Do you want to stroll around this neighborhood, or pile into the car and go somewhere?”
“I’dloveto drive to the streets behind the square,” Sunday said, her eyes lighting up. “All those mansions are so gorgeous, decorated in Christmas lights. It’d be fun to see them one last time this season.”
“We’ll head to the house where you agreed to make my dreams come true,” Josh said.
“Oh, that’d be perfect,” Sunday said, her voice catching slightly. “We can park and walk the dogs up and down the street to give them some exercise.” She leaned toward the dogs and addressed them in a singsong voice. “What do you think?”
Both dogs turned toward her, tails thrashing in response.
Josh smiled as he clipped the harnesses onto Cara and Dan. He and Sunday slipped into their coats, bundled up for the crisp night, and the foursome headed out the door—two humans, two dogs, and hearts full of anticipation for the year ahead.
Josh drove slowlydown the residential street. Cars lined both curbs, and the charming storybook cottage where he’d proposed to Sunday was at the epicenter. Every light inside the small home was on, and the front door stood open. People spilled out of the house and clustered in lively groups on the lawn that extended to the sidewalk. A catering truck was parked in the driveway, and through their closed car windows they heard ’90s pop music pulsing.
“What a contrast to the quiet, peaceful night I proposed,” Josh said, his voice touched with nostalgia.
“Yes, it looks like they’re having quite a party,” Sunday replied, watching the laughter and commotion with a small smile.
“Do you want to get out and walk the dogs here, anyway?” Josh asked.
