Page 72 of All I Want For Christmas Is You

Chapter Thirteen

Up until this moment, it had been just the two of them. They’d existed in a bubble of total intimacy, and Margot had loved every second of it.

But the moment they entered his home, reality hit. Beau dropped to a knee, and his grandson came toddling over to him.

“Ga-ga.” Drool shone on the little boy’s lips, and his eyes sparkled with joy. “Dada, yook. It Ga-ga.”

“I see.” Wearing a Santa hat, Walker followed right behind his son. “Grampa’s home.”

Beau scooped Colt into his arms and hugged him. The little guy rested his cheek on his grandpa’s big, broad shoulder, his hand patting him.

“Missed you,” Beau murmured.

“Miss you, Ga-ga.”

Beau opened his arm to his son, and the three of them stood in a clutch that tugged at her heart. Hitching his grandson on his hip, he stepped back to include her. “Walker, Colt, I’d like you to meet Margot.”

She could tell Walker had no idea what to make of his dad bringing home a woman. Still, he was gracious enough to shake her hand and welcome her.

Colt wiggled in his grandpa’s arms. “Pesents.”

“Yep. You got it. Let’s do Christmas.” After he set Colt down, he turned to her, blocking her from the room. “Is that okay? Or do you need a minute to settle in?”

“No, I’m fine. He’s waited long enough.” She followed the guys into the living room where a fire crackled in the hearth and Christmas carols played quietly.

Her first thought: What is Courtney’s problem?

The classic cabin was absolutely a dream. It was cozy, charming, and extremely well-maintained. The stained-glass windows in the foyer poured rich patches of light onto the glossy floor, and one entire wall was made up of built-in bookcases.

Overstuffed couches formed an L-shape in the living room, and framed photographs lined the mantle. Colt ran to the giant Christmas tree, the ornaments glittering, the strings of lights twinkling brightly. He squatted, then dragged out a huge box. “Mine.”

“Yes, sir. That one’s for you.” Beau sat on the floor, legs crossed. “You need my help opening it?”

“No, no. Dat mine.” But the boy’s little fingers weren’t nimble enough to tear the wrapping paper, so he grew frustrated. “Open, pease.”

“You got it.” Beau slid a finger under a crease and ripped it off. Then, with the box exposed, he tilted it so the boy could see.

Colt’s eyes went wide at the colorful block construction set. “I pay?”

“Sure, you can play.” Beau opened it and tipped the pieces out. Once Colt settled in, Beau reached for her hand, tugging her to sit down beside him. He tucked her in close and kissed her cheek. “I’m glad you’re here.”

She didn’t know how lonely she’d been in her marriage until she’d found Beau. All those nights when her ex needed time to unwind, the family vacations when he was distracted by work, and the countless weekends when they’d had to conquer and divide in order to get their kids to their various events, she’d been a team player. She hadn’t wanted to face her own feelings of neglect and isolation because it would disrupt the peacefulness of her homelife.

But Beau made her feel essential. Even in the midst of unwrapping presents, he thought of her.

It was so nice to be wanted this way. She just hoped it would last once real life intruded. The magic of the holidays made everything glitter.

Don’t let your thoughts go there.

Stay in the moment.

“A ’nudder pesent?” Colt asked.

Walker rooted around underneath the tree. “Here you go.” He handed one gift to Colt and another to her.

“Oh.” She took it but knew he must’ve made a mistake. “This isn’t for me.”

“It’s for you and Dad.”

---