Page 94 of The Ice Queen in the Corner Office

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

Jill

“Are you sure you can’t stay?” Mom asked.

It was the afternoon of Christmas day, and I needed to be alone. Everyone’s cheery mood was grating like sandpaper on my tender emotions. It was great to have the whole family together, but also loud and obnoxious and suffocating.

I felt like I was a kid again, responsible for the bickering and the messes and ‘just be quiet so dad can sleep.’ I needed my own space.

“I’m sure, Mom. Thank you for everything. I loved my gifts, and the food was delicious.”

She wrapped her arms around me in a tight hug. “I’m so glad you were able to be here, honey.”

“Excuse me.”

Mom and I broke apart to see May’s boyfriend, heavy coat and wool hat on, step into the entryway I’d been trying to escape. “Is May here?”

“Hey, Anthony,” May said.

She’d been in the sitting room playing a new board game with the kids. Her cheeks were flushed from laughing and her eyes danced with happiness that dimmed just a bit at the solemn look on Anthony’s face.

“Just give me a minute,” she said. “I’ll grab my coat and boots and meet you outside.”

Anthony grimaced and turned to Mom. “Hi, I’m Anthony, May’s boyfriend. You must be Mrs. Reynold’s.”

Mom shot a worried look May’s way, before she straightened and smiled. “It’s very nice to meet you. Won’t you come in and meet the rest of the family?”

Anthony agreed rather enthusiastically as Mom took him to meet everyone seated around the big tree in the living room. “You didn’t tell Mom about Anthony?” I asked in a low voice, sidling up next to May.

“We aren’t that serious,” she said, sounding confused. “We’re just having fun.”

“Seems he didn’t get that message.”

She chewed on her lower lip as Anthony made his way back to us.

“I wanted to do this in front of your whole family,” he said. He dropped to one knee and opened a small black box, his expression earnest and fond.

May doubled over laughing.

Anthony slammed the box shut and got to his feet, his cheeks redder than a wet fire hydrant. “I know this is a shock, May, but I really—”

“I’m sorry,” May got out between guffaws. “I laugh when I’m shocked and…Um, nervous.” She grabbed his arm and pulled him toward the front door. “We’ll talk outside.”

I left my bags and returned to the living room, because I sure as hell wasn’t leaving until I found out whether or not she said yes.

“Never a good sign when a woman laughs at your marriage proposal,” Cody said.

“I didn’t even know she was dating anyone,” Mom said.

“She said they weren’t serious,” I said.

“Apparently, he thought they were,” Noah said.

Through the front window, I saw May walking, head down and alone, across the front yard. I could have given her the space she clearly wanted, but I needed to leave before the snow storm hit and I ended up stranded.

I hurried out of the house after May before anyone could ask where I was going. There was no sign of Anthony anywhere.

“So,” I asked, once I was next to May. Her eyes were dry, but she was frowning fiercely, and I realized I’d almost never seen her frown before, she was such a consistently happy person. “Are you engaged?”

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