Page 36 of Two Hearts Reunited

When he was in his truck another half hour later, he gave Anya a call since it was after two.

“Hello?” she answered.

“Are you at home?”

“I’m on my way,” she replied. “Turns out, we were able to get all the orders ready before one, so they’re currently being delivered. The shop actually closed at one and thankfully we didn’t have any last-minute calls.”

“I just got through picking up a bunch of Christmas presents for my family, so I’m headed home now, and I’ll probably shower and change clothes. Ashley said come on over any time after three if you’d like. She’s cooking roast beef. The parents aren’t probably due to arrive until later, but we can all hang out and maybe have a few drinks.”

“I’d like that,” she answered. “I should shower too, so I’ll be there in about an hour or so, then.”

“I don’t remember the last time I looked forward to the holidays as much as I’m looking forward to them today,” he said softly.

She cleared her throat, obviously emotional. “Me, neither.”

Chapter Eighteen

Anya arrived at the house at around half past three, loaded with gifts as well as a few different dips with chips along with a cheese tray she’d left in the truck.

Eric answered the door, ready to assist.

“I’ve got some appetizers in the truck if you’d like to bring that stuff in. I figured since everyone was arriving at different times, it might be more convenient to serve some snacks,” she said.

He smiled. “That’s a great idea. I think that Ashley’s a little overwhelmed. That way, all she’ll have to worry about is dinner.”

“I heard that,” Ashley called out. “And I’m not too proud to admit that I’m more than a little overwhelmed. Appetizers sound great. All we’ve got are a couple cans of mixed nuts that Brian picked up and a package of Christmas kisses that I bought the other day when I got a craving for chocolate.”

Everyone laughed.

Eric pulled on his coat, walking outside to grab the box filled with food from the front seat of her truck.

“I see you have everything packed neatly. That’s very efficient of you,” he said, walking back inside and resting the box on the kitchen table, since Ashley had pots and pans along with various other items scattered across the countertops and the island surface.

Anya noticed that Ashley was looking extremely frazzled.

“Why don’t you take those appetizers into the living room so you guys can have something to munch on? I’m going to stay in here and help Ashley. It looks like she’s been at this all day,” Anya said, handing over her coat to Eric.

Eric winked at her before removing his coat and hanging them both in the mudroom. “I’d be happy to. Want your gifts out there under the tree?”

“I have a couple extra things at the bottom that aren’t wrapped. I’ll just bring them in when Ashley and I have everything ready.”

Reaching over, Eric squeezed her hand, giving her a peck on the cheek. “Thank you. She wouldn’t let me help. How about a wine cooler?”

“I’d like that,” she replied. “Ashley, how about something to drink?”

Ashley blinked. “Yes. I’ll have one of those wine coolers too. Eric bought a ton of beer and wine coolers as well as some various other alcoholic beverages for the parents.”

“And please don’t argue with me. I’d like for you to sit down for a minute and relax,” Anya said as Eric got them their drinks. “I’ll take it from here. That roast beef smells great.”

“I think it’s almost done,” she replied, biting on her lip.

Eric opened a wine cooler, resting it before Ashley as she took a seat at the kitchen table.

Anya had already opened hers and was peeking in the oven. “You know what you need? A meat thermometer.”

Ashley grimaced, glancing around. “What did I do with it, I wonder?”

Anya held up a staying hand, grinning. “Don’t worry. I’ll find it. Take a deep breath and drink your wine cooler.” She held her hands on her hips. “And then you know what you should do? Go upstairs and get ready for company. I imagine you meant to put on makeup and wear something pretty.”

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