He snags me around the waist and pulls me flush against him.“You’re the best person I know.”
A laugh spills out of me, warmth crawling into my cheeks.“Ditto.”
I drag my palm affectionately along his jaw and watch his eyes darken in response—and that’s my cue to step back before we end up tangled in bed for the rest of the afternoon, which wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world.
But Meri, Katie, and the rest of our friends are waiting.
He exhales through his nose and drops his hands, like he’s having the same internal argument and arriving at the same reluctant conclusion.“You ready for the festival?”
“More than.This is my first Christmas festival.I have no idea what to expect.”
The corners of his eyes crease, a slow smile breaking across his face.“You’re in for a treat.”
Chapter41
Maddox
The town square glows like something out of a storybook.White lights are strung between lampposts and trees, looping overhead in loose arcs swaying with the breeze.Stalls line the perimeter, wooden tables are dressed in garlands and pine boughs, carols drift over the speakers, and locals are selling everything from knitted hats to carved ornaments to jars of honey and jam.The air smells like cinnamon, smoke, and cold.
Grace’s hand is warm in mine.
That still gets me.Even though I heard her tell Toby herself, heard her say she's done with that life, that she's here to stay, and she'll tell anyone who'll listen.Knowing it and feeling it are two different things.
Fuck, I’m a lucky bastard.
Chairs in groups of four are scattered around the square in little circles, with blankets folded over the backs and pillows tossed onto the seats.Small fires crackle in the center of each one; people gather close with mugs of hot chocolate, coffee, and cider.
Ahead of us, Mom is deep in conversation with Katie, Reggie, and Percy.Her hands are flying, animated as ever, scarf half undone, and whatever she’s saying has Percy laughing and Reggie leaning in, nodding along like she’s afraid to miss a word.
Erica is gone.She left the day after she ambushed Grace, and none of us have heard from her since.Reggie did share that Erica was spitting nails before she left about Marcos and how he was a lying asshole.
I wasn’t surprised.He didn’t pay her, never intended to.I want the best for her, and hope one day she gets sober and healthy.
Katie glances behind the group, catches my eye, and slows to meet us.“Hey, you two.Having fun?”
Grace smiles.“We are.”
Katie’s mouth curves, something proud and tender settling there.“Good.You deserve it.”
The words burrow deep and heavy in my chest.Not because they’re dramatic—but because they’re simple.Uncomplicated.Free of the old tension that used to live between us because of Dad’s secrets.
Mom glances over, catches sight of us, and pauses, smiling.“Katie, are you coming?”
My sister nods and glances back at us.“See you later.”Then she rushes to catch up with Mom.
“We’ll see you at Santa’s Workshop.”I watch my family ahead of us—laughing, connected, closer than we’ve been in years now that the past no longer has a hold on me.
Grace slows near a stall selling hand-thrown mugs, each one slightly crooked, imperfect in the best way.She reaches for a mug.
“I like this one.”She lifts a blue-gray cup, running her thumb along a ripple in the glaze.“It’s not trying to be anything it’s not.”
“You just described half the people in this town.”
She grins up at me, eyes bright.“Exactly.”
I stare at her, bundled in a coat that already smells faintly like my laundry soap, her hair tucked into a knit hat she stole from my closet and refuses to give back.She belongs here with me.
When Mom heard about Grace’s plans to stay, she cheered and insisted she move out of the house.It didn’t matter that we both told her it was her home, too.Nope.Mom wanted to give us space, said it was time.