Page 79 of His Christmas Wife

“Things at work have been so busy that we haven’t talked much about it.”

“Mmm.”

“I promise we will.”

At that instant, Frost joined them, carrying two champagne flutes. “Spritzers for my ladies.”

She’d never been happier to see him.

Ophelia accepted hers with a smile.

The pups trailed in behind him, seemingly dragging a little from their long trek up the multiple staircases.

“Kaylee and I were just having a lovely conversation.”

“You were grilling her, you mean?”

“Not at all. Just wondering when we can plan the reception for. People will be curious to meet her.”

“No doubt they will after you tell everyone about her.”

“Well, I’m proud.” She studied Kaylee above the rim of her glass. “Can you blame me?”

“Not at all.” He placed his arm around Kaylee’s shoulder and drew her closer. “For now, I want her all to myself.”

“June would be lovely, after graduations. Or perhaps April, when the weather is cooler?”

“We have to get Christoff righted. Then we’ll talk about it.”

He was so adept at sidestepping potential landmines that he could have been a politician.

“Ready to come back downstairs?” he asked. “Chef has served appetizers.”

The afternoon and dinner were wonderful as Ophelia regaled Kaylee with stories about Frost’s antics as a boy, including his numerous skateboarding crashes and his school grades. “When he applied himself, he was an excellent student. But if the subject didn’t interest him…” With a fond smile, she shook her head.

“That’s enough about that, Gran. I’m sure Kaylee is bored.”

“Not at all.” Kaylee smiled sunnily. She’d learned more about him in a few hours than she had in the time she’d worked for him.

After the exquisite meal, they retired to the second parlor with an ornate fireplace that Frost lit.

The scent of pine filled the air as the wood crackled and popped. All three dogs curled up into beds that Ophelia had placed near the hearth. Now that nighttime had fallen, the beautiful lights seemed even more magical. The atmosphere was comfortable as a holiday should be.

“Nightcap before we open presents?” Frost asked.

“I’ll have a brandy,” Ophelia said.

“Sweetheart?” He looked at her.

At the casual endearment, her heart flip-flopped. Why did the relationship with Frost suddenly seem more real than anything she’d shared with anyone else? “Thanks. I’m good.” The coffee she’d had after dinner still hummed in her veins. And honestly she couldn’t consume another calorie.

Once he offered a glass to his grandmother, Frost sat next to Kaylee on the couch, uncomfortably close.

“I noticed your ring at dinner.” Rather than drinking, Ophelia rolled her glass between her palms “It’s beautiful.”

“Thank you. I love it.”

“The diamond is too small,” Frost protested.

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