Page 31 of One Night at Christmas

“I can do that.”

“Good, and I’ll fill up your tank.”

She groaned.

“Stop complaining. We’re doing this. And you’re wrong. It’s exactly what I expected to do.”

“What?”

“Come to Charlotte and be your hero.”

He chuckled as she rolled her eyes. They made plans for where she would pick him up and how long it would likely take her to get to the airport. After she disconnected the call, she got Naomi settled again and they were off. Second, third, and fourth thoughts rolled through her mind as she went to meet Bryson, but she fully intended to follow through with the plan. She might feel guilty about using him, but at least they weren’t going to be lovers.

Chapter Thirteen

Oh, God, I’m a kept woman!

Charon gazed about the living room of her new apartment and marveled at all she had in such a short time. Bryson had moved mountains and leased this place for her, in a quiet neighborhood. Even when she got on her feet, she wouldn’t be able to stay there. He refused to listen, and what could she do? She needed a safe environment for her daughter. Bryson had been generous.

“Right here, Mommy?”

Naomi held a teddy bear ornament to one of the lower branches of their Christmas tree. They had spent the evening decorating after they purchased it. She had planned on only a few lights, some silver tinsel, and some ornaments. Bryson wouldn’t hear of it. He’d loaded their cart down with way more than they needed. Now her entire living room was filled with all the mess. She couldn’t be happier.

“Yeah, that looks great, baby.”

Their tree looked ghetto, in all honesty. Naomi loaded it down with every bobble. It was a wonder the thing didn’t topple over with the weight of the junk on every available branch.

“I’ve got hot chocolate,” Bryson announced when he walked into the room.

“Where did you get that tray and mugs?” she asked.

He handed her a Santa Claus one and set a snowman one on top of a box for Naomi. Her daughter cheered and rushed over to blow on the hot beverage.

“They were among the load of things I put in the cart. You didn’t see them.”

“I can’t believe you, Bryson.” She grinned and took a sip of her chocolate. The warm sweet brew eased down her throat, soothing her insides. “Mm, this is good. So you learned to make hot chocolate, huh?”

His chest swelled. “It’s your recipe. Remember the time I was snowed in and frustrated, and you said you could make me feel better?”

“Oh, yeah.” She blushed and focused on her cup. He remembered the most interesting incidents that happened between them. She’d wondered if he forgot about her, but that was silly. Why would he? To shake loose the memories from her head, she concentrated on Naomi “Be careful, baby. It’s hot. Blow on it.”

“Mommy, it’s got marshmallows.”

“You love marshmallows, don’t you?”

“Yes.” She bounced excitedly.

“Tell Mr. Bryson thank you.”

Her daughter popped up from her knees and launched at Bryson. He caught her just as she landed in his arms, and the pink in his cheeks said he was happy to get a hug from her little girl. Over her baby’s head, he looked at Charon.

“She’s so small.”

“You’re so big,” she countered.

He watched Naomi sipping her treat. “She looks a lot like you, so beautiful.”

“Bryson.”

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