Page 69 of All I Want For Christmas Is You

“Of course. Right in my backyard.”

“Seriously? That close?”

“That close.”

She was just so scared. Her emotions were like an out-of-control firehose, spraying everywhere. But look, no matter how hard she tried to convince herself otherwise, she wasn’t going to get rid of the fear that Beau might lose interest in her.

She would do her best to combat it, but maybe the best solution would be to talk about it. Be honest. “All right, I’m just going to say it. I’m scared, Beau. This is the craziest thing I’ve ever done.”

He shifted toward her, as though he’d been anticipating this conversation. “I know. I get that, but I’m so damn glad you took the leap. My words won’t matter, but I’ll show you how sure I am. How hard I’ll work for us. All I ask is that you keep talking to me, letting me know where you are, and what you’re thinking. Give me a chance to fix things.”

She nodded. Had she and her ex done that? No, they absolutely hadn’t. The entire time he was unemployed, she was worried about his mental health. She would never have told him her fears and anxieties. It would only have exacerbated his own.

“I will. I promise you.” Instead of listing all the ways they could fail, it was time to flip the script and think about ways to make it work. She settled deeper into his arms. “So, give me the lay of the land. Who watches Colt?”

“For now, he’s got a nanny, but Walker’s building a childcare facility at the mine. The commute can get tough in winter, and it’s hard for our employees to balance work and home life.”

“I love that.”

“Yeah. It makes sense.”

She tilted her head back to see him better. “What will he think of you bringing home a woman?”

“Well, we’re mountain folk, and there’s a long history of mail-order brides in these parts. He won’t bat an eye.”

She gently whacked his arm. “I’m nervous, okay?”

“Sweetheart, my son’s going to love you.”

“You don’t know that. He might be protective. He might think I’m a gold digger.”

“Considering we’re professional gold diggers, he’ll probably just give you a prospecting pick and a hard hat and send you down the shaft.”

“Well, look at that. Your feet hit the ground in your hometown, and you turn into a regular stand-up comedian.” She grinned. “Also, I like when you call me sweetheart.”

“Yeah? We’ll have to try out a few terms of endearment to see what sticks.”

“Okay, honey buns.”

They held each other’s gaze before laughing and shaking their heads. “Not that one.”

She perked up when she saw the sign for the Gentry Mine Lodge. He’d said she could stay there. “So, this place is about nine minutes from your house?” How will I see him? She didn’t have a car, and she wouldn’t be spending her money on one. Not yet.

“That’s right, but given that it’s the holidays, you’re welcome to stay in the house with us. It’s up to you, of course. But it might be more fun for us and the boys.”

She loved that he called them his boys. “Where do you want me?”

“In my bed.” He whispered in her ear, “I will always want you in my bed.”

His words slid over her skin like a silk scarf. “Charmer.”

He shrugged. “I say what I mean.”

“Yeah, I know.” Now, I just have to trust it. “I like everything about you, Beau Gentry. I like your brainy engineering side and the way you touch me. I like your sense of humor. I don’t think I’ve ever been more compatible with anyone.”

“Believe me, I feel the same. That’s why you’re coming home with me.” He leaned forward to speak to the driver. “Excuse me, would you mind pulling over?”

“Here?” the driver asked. “The mall isn’t open yet.”

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