Page 100 of Catching the Mistletoe

Mack laughed, a low, rumbling sound that sent a little shiver through me. “Me neither. But I’m glad we are.”

“Same.” I cast a curious look around. I’d only been inside a handful of times, but now I was seeing it with new eyes. It was simple and uncluttered, but warm. The couches were faded but looked comfy. The dining table was small, but neat. Everything had its place. There was a stack of books on the end table, and a wooden bowl filled with what looked like whittling projects. Still…

“I know what you’re doing.”

I shot him a guilty look, really hoping I wasn’t that transparent. “Yeah?”

“You’re redecorating.”

“Only Christmas stuff. You don’t have a tree, or garlands, or a wreath. I mean, you don’t need any of that stuff, and if you don’t like it, that’s fine, we don’t have to—”

He stopped me with a kiss. “I’ve never had a proper Christmas before. Or anyone to share it with. So if you want to decorate here, I think I’d really like that.”

“Are you sure?”

“I’m really sure. Go nuts.”

“Seriously? Coz there’s so much I could do…” Jesus, my mind was already ticking over a mile a minute.

“I give you carte blanche.”

With my hands on his shoulders for balance, I jumped up and wrapped my legs around his waist and with a grin, said, “You have no idea what you just agreed to, but don’t say you weren’t warned.”

He wrapped his arms around me and kissed me again. “You’re lucky I love you then, I guess.”

“Very lucky. Now, if I’m going to do this properly, I’ll need to make a complete survey of the entire house.”

“I see.”

“Including the bedroom.”

“I see,” he said again, his eyes dancing in that way I just adored. “Best I show it to you then, huh?”

“That’s exactly what I was thinking!”

He chuckled and headed down the short hallway. “Thought as much.” Without stopping to put me down, he kicked his boots off near the door and walked straight to the bed, dumping me on it unceremoniously.

I giggled, reaching up to grab his shirt front, pulling him down on top of me. Man, I loved the way he felt on me. Solid and warm and safe. The thought made the smile fade from my lips and I reached up to brush the hair back from his forehead. “I love you.” There was a lump in my throat and I blinked hard, determined not to ruin the moment.

Mack kissed me, his lips soft and warm, and the tears receded. “I love you, too.”

CHAPTER36

Arabella

EPILOGUE - CHRISTMAS MORNING

Istirred, sighing blissfully. It was all so warm and snug. Turning my head, I smiled. Mack was already awake, watching me. “Morning.”

“Mornin’, Little Dove.”

“I love you.”

The light in his eyes slayed me. “I love you, too.”

I shifted closer, pressing my lips to his. It was just about to get heavy, then I remembered. “Holy fuck! It’s Christmas!”

He chuckled. “It sure is.”

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