Page 51 of Worth the Risk

“Liam. I can’t afford them right now.”

“Sorry, I meant to say I’m buying them.” Her eyebrows raise at me and I just offer a smirk in return.

“You don’t need to do that.”

“I know. I want to. Let me treat you.” Before she can argue, I swiftly move around her, putting the books on the small checkout counter. “Oh add this too.” I put up a tote bag, decorated in flowers. Pulling out my wallet I swipe my card and then swing the tote bag over my shoulder before threading our fingers together again and leading us out of the stall.

The daylight has begun to fade into twilight. As we walk down one last aisle, heading back to the car. “Hold on a sec.” I stop us, checking the time on my phone. It’s nearly five in the afternoon which means it’s almost time. I change our direction and we head for the big tree, that’s directly in the center of the market. Just as we approach, the white Christmas lights turn on illuminating the giant tree in the center of town. Emilia stares at the tree in amazement, a softness in her gaze. I’ll never get tired of seeing her like this.

I stare at my girl in awe as she stares at the tree, lights twinkling. Slowly she begins spinning around to see every store front and stall that is out here today has the same lights twinkling away. It’s magical watching her.

When she completes her turn, we’re face to face. Cupping the side of her face, her eyes twinkle, the lights have nothing on her. Emilia instinctively steps onto her toes and I lean down slightly taking her mouth in a deep kiss.

This kiss isn’t particularly long but I feel the depth behind it. That we both feel this. That last night was more than surface level. Neither of us say anything, like words aren’t enough for this moment. Instead we hold each other's gaze for a beat before weaving our fingers together and heading for the car.

Chapter 34

Emilia

Today was everything. Not just the Christmas market and all it had to bring but spending that time with Liam, my feelings grew even stronger for him. Now, we’re sitting on the couch with his siblings while we eat homemade pizza that Ann made and watching Christmas classics. The way everyone is joking together and laughing fills my heart. I always imagined what having a sibling would be like and this right here is exactly what I pictured. Eliza stands to clear her plate, Ryan sticks his plate out for her to take his and his empty drink, she rolls her eyes but takes it anyways.

“Let me help.” I get up as she reaches for mine and Liam’s plates.

“I could get used to having another girl around here.” She shoots me a grateful smile before sticking her tongue out at her brothers. We head for the kitchen where Ann has started laying out a bunch of ingredients for whatever she’s about to make next. I swear that she is superwoman, constantly having homemade meals ready for her family. She’s the kind of mom I hope to be some day.

“Is it cookie time?” Eliza asks, placing the dishes from her arms and mine in the dishwasher.

“You know it is.” Ann sings, pulling out a mixing bowl from the cabinet.

“Yes!” Eliza does a little shimmy.

“Would you like any help?” Both women turn to me with big smiles on their faces.

“Oh, yes! Make cookies with us Em. This is my favorite Christmas tradition.” My chest squeezes at the ease at which these women welcome me into their traditions and their world. My nickname rolls off Eliza’s tongue as if we’ve been friends for years. Everything about this house, these women, this family is warmth and kindness.

“Do you have any Christmas traditions Em?” Eliza ties on the apron Ann handed both of us.

“Um. Yeah. Well I used to. My grandparents always let me open a gift on Christmas Eve.” I offer the women a small smile. Eliza returns a small smile of her own, Ann reaches out and squeezes my hand.

“Well, let’s get to work ladies.” I’m not sure what Liam has told them about my family, if anything, but I’m grateful they don’t pry.

We spend the next hour mixing, rolling, shaping and cooking the dough. Baking a range of sugar cookies, gingerbread men and snicker doodles. When it’s time to decorate, Ann sends Eliza downstairs to get the boys and Dean who migrated to the basement where they apparently have a game room.

“It’s amazing that you’re able to make this all from scratch and gluten free.” I gesture to all the cookies and frosting she’s laying out in piping bags on the table.

“It was a learning process but it’s been a great way for Eli and I to bond.” She smiles. It’s so nice to hear a mother talk about enjoying time with her daughter. I feel a pang of jealousy but I snuff it out. Being jealous has never gotten me anywhere good so I choose to be thankful for the course my life has taken instead. It usually works but I have my moments.

“You’re an amazing mom.”

“You’re so sweet.” I see the glistening of her eyes but she blinks it away. “It was hard after their dad passed, I’m not sure what Liam has told you about that.”

“He hasn’t, really.”

“It affected him a lot. They were so close, he wanted to be just like him.” The same glisten appears in her eyes again. “He hasn’t truly been the same since. Always trying to make everything perfect for everybody I think he forgets to make himself happy.” I nod, listening. I’m glad I’m not the only one who sees how he always tries to be the hero and the protector. “I think you’re good for him.”

I smile at that because he’s good for me. I’ve always believed in love, despite my upbringing, but I let that hope fall to the wayside since my grandparents passed. So focused on school and working, securing this great stable future where I can help people. Liam reignited that part of me that hopes and that believes in love.

Before either of us can say anything else the door to the basement opens and all four of them come bounding into the space. Liam comes to me immediately, wrapping me in his arms from behind and resting his chin on my head.

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