Page 74 of All I Want For Christmas Is You

She had to believe things happened for a reason. If she’d had her kids with her this year, she would never have spent time with Beau. And as much as she loved her babies… Well, it’s my turn. I get to be happy now.

But what about next year? She could imagine her kids gathered around the table with Beau’s family, everyone laughing and sharing stories, talking over each other as they teased and joked around. Joy spread through her in a hot, tingly rush. She wanted that so badly.

An arm wrapped around her waist and warm lips pressed against her temple. “You all right?” He smelled so good.

She gazed up at him, warmed by the concern in his eyes. She might’ve lost everything from her past, but she was sure excited about her future. More than money in her savings account and a roof over her head, she craved companionship. She wanted to be loved. Deeply. Unconditionally. Who didn’t?

She wanted a love that didn’t get cast aside when times got tough.

Could she have that with him?

“I really am.” She poured some vanilla into the pot. “Do you want to get mugs?”

“Sure.” First, he took a sippy cup out of the dish drying rack. “Before it gets hot, let’s fill up Colt’s.”

“Good idea.” Once she poured, they carried the drinks out to the living room where the little boy was unwrapping some smaller gifts.

Walker held up a red felt stocking with the name Grandpa written in white script. His dad smiled as he traded it for the cocoa, and then, they all sat on the floor.

“You ready for your cocoa?” Beau asked the little cutie.

Colt nodded, then backed up toward his grandpa and plopped down in his lap. Beau patiently waited while he got his hands around the bright blue plastic cup, and then held on as he brought it to his mouth. He drank heartily. “Das good.” Then licked his lips.

“Margot made it. Can you say thank you?”

Legs kicking up rhythmically, Colt shyly glanced at her. “Fank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

“Go on and open your presents, Dad,” Walker said.

Just as Beau turned the stocking upside down and shook it out, the door swung open, bringing in a gust of icy-cold air. A young woman stood in the foyer and dropped several large travel bags onto the floor.

“Lorelei?” In one graceful movement, Beau caught his grandson under one arm and got to his feet. “You’re home.” He rushed over and hugged her.

Concern in his eyes, Walker was up and moving, too. “You okay?”

The young woman pulled away, smiling. “I’m great. Better than great.” She touched her dad’s arm. “I’m sorry if I worried you. I know I went quiet there for a while, but I just needed some time to figure things out.”

“It’s all right.” Beau held her gaze with fierce conviction. “You can take all the time you need. As long as you know we’re here for you, that’s all that matters.”

“Pesents.” Colt grew impatient, struggling to get free.

While brother and sister caught up, Margot quietly headed over and relieved Beau of his grandson. It was just a flash, but she didn’t miss the gratitude in his eyes. The boy was a little stiff in the arms of a stranger, and she wanted to put him at ease, so she went back into the living room and found his sippy cup. “Here you go.”

“Where’ve you been?” Walker asked in his quiet, serious voice.

“In a cabin. Not too far from here, actually. And honestly, it was the best thing that ever happened to me. I’m ready, you know? I’m back.”

“You have no idea how happy I am to hear that.” Beau hugged her again, more tightly this time.

Over his shoulder, Lorelei caught the wrapping paper and the stockings—two were empty, and two were still loaded. “What’s going on? It’s so late, I thought for sure I’d missed the fun part.”

“No, Dad just got home,” Walker said. “Come on. You can still catch up.”

Lorelei started to follow him but then shook her head. “Hang on.” She went back outside and dragged in three giant gift baskets wrapped in clear cellophane. “Merry Christmas.” As she was handing them out, her gaze landed on Margot, and she startled. “Oh. I…”

“Lor, this is Margot. She’s—” It was a momentary pause, and yet the anticipation seemed to hold everyone in its grip. But then, Beau’s features split into a two-dimpled grin. “Mine.”

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