Mari grabbed her crutches, helping her as she wound her way through the crowded restaurant.
“That was nice, right? I sort felt like I belonged there.”
“It was great. It—I think it’s going to be impossible to go back to Dallas after seeing this place.”
Mari glanced at her with an interested look on her face, but it disappeared quickly. “Well, your brother is here, so it’s a natural move for you.”
“My brother moves around. I tend not to, huh? What about you?” Bekka wanted to ask Mari to…what? Come and find a condo with her?
“Well, I thought I was a New Yorker. But I told you, New York is…hernow. And after the insanity Josie just pulled I don’t think I’m going to stay there long. And I can work here. These days, I can work anywhere.”
“Yeah? That’s where I am. And I want to see where this takes—” Us. “—things.”
“This?” Mari gave her a knowing grin. “Things? I know what you’re asking, Beks. And I know the answer. I’m just a little afraid of saying it out loud.”
“Me too. It’s crazy fast.” And it was a little like the U-Haul joke made flesh, but it still felt right.
“I thought I was ready to marry someone else a month ago. This is… I can’t believe I was so wrong about her. I can’t believe you’re here. I’m just stunned by all of it.”
“So, let’s just have a great day, a relaxing week, then we talk more. Fair?” She wasn’t going back to Dallas to stay. Period.
Mari nodded. “More than fair.” They stepped back into the cold weather but the sun was warm on their faces and she barely felt the chill.
13
The air was frosty, but Marissa was warm, tucked under a heavy blanket with her arms around Beks, who’d been snuggled in and leaning against her since the start of their sleigh ride.
Her nose was frozen but she’d never been more comfortable in her life.
Or happier.
Or felt more at home.
The sleigh zoomed along through the woods, and every so often the late afternoon sun would blind her for a second, or shine in Bekka’s hair, turning it to gold for a moment.
“Over the river and through the woods,” she sang in Bekka’s ear, loud enough to be heard over the wind.
“This is… Oh, Mari. Thank you. This is magic!” Those pretty eyes were fastened on her, so wide, so happy.
She couldn’t take any credit; this was one of those honeymoon freebies, but she didn’t know if Beks was really talking about the sleigh ride. She honestly didn’t know anything except that she wanted to do everything she could to keep the smile in those gorgeous eyes.
She smiled back and tugged Beks in tighter. “This is amazing. Aren’t the horses amazing?”
“Beautiful. You can tell how well they’re taken care of. They just shine.” Beks grinned, shaking her head. “We’re in a sleigh, Mari! Like a real-life sleigh.”
“I don’t think I’ve ever been in a sleigh. And I know I’ve never kissed a hot as fuck woman in a sleigh. You’re the first.” She caught Bekka’s nape and kissed her, soaking in some of her joy.
“Mmm.” Beks leaned in, one mittened hand landing on her thigh. “Merry Christmas, lover.”
“Merry Christmas, love.” The simplest answer was the truth, however preposterous.
“Yes. Love.” Beks stole another kiss, sweet and slow and soft. “This is perfect. I always want snow at Christmas.”
“I hate snow in New York. I love it here.” She didn’t mind the cold as much here either.
The sleigh slid along through a narrow path that opened up onto a wide open, snowy field and bright sunshine. Their driver turned slightly toward them. “The horses love to run here. Are you okay with that?”
“We’re good! We’re great,” she shouted back, grinning as the sleigh took off at a good clip.