Page 42 of Merry Mix-Up

"It's because of everything that I think that, Jade." Newt held me tighter, and I curled against his chest.

I never expected him to even want to talk to me again after what I put him through, and here he was, holding me after the most incredible sex of my life. My heart felt so full and my body felt so relaxed.

"You live so far away, though…" I mumbled, thinking of how he'd have to go back to Chicago for his business after the holidays were over. How I'd be stuck here in Danville and he'd be so far away.

"Let's talk about that tomorrow… Okay?" He kissed my forehead and said, "Now, I want to ask you again. I'd like for us to be exclusive, Jade. No other people, just me and you and getting to know one another."

I smiled against his chest and kissed his breastbone. "You aren't hip on sharing." I snickered, and he tickled my side.

"I can share… my cocoa." His fingers dug into my ribs, and I laughed so hard, I thought I'd pee myself before he pulled away. "I meant, just me and you… What do you say?"

I looked up at him and admired the dimple in his chin. "I say yes. I'd love that."

Newt kissed me long and deep, then pulled me into his chest again and covered us with the blanket. My heart finally felt calm and hopeful again. It was Christmas Eve, we were together, and I didn't see any other reason for us to be separated. Not even Newt's mother, who gave me nasty eyes that morning at breakfast, could say a word. She knew Amber was dating, and I knew she didn't approve. Now everyone would be okay with us, and everything would work out.

I didn't see how I'd be able to survive a long-distance relationship, but I'd make it work. Newt was worth it.

28

NEWT

Christmas Morning

When I woke before either of our alarms, Jade was still sleeping. She looked so peaceful with her hands curled around the edge of the blanket and her hair strewn out over the pillow. There was just enough light coming in from the bathroom door left open after our last romp that I could see the purple streak in her hair and smiled at it. My first impression of her wild side was entirely wrong. I loved that she was so expressive now.

I thought of waking her, of kissing her face and curling her dark hair around her ear to see her face more clearly, but I also thought of how tired she must've been. The last glance at my phone before we dozed off said three a.m. I knew her alarm was set for eight so she could make it to her parents' house for their family breakfast and exchanging of gifts. I wanted her to rest as much as possible.

So I slipped out of bed and found my clothing in a tangled mess by its foot. I dressed quietly and grabbed my phone and charger, shoving them in my pocket. Then I found the little notepad with the lodge logo on it on the desk across the room and a matching pen, and I scrawled a note for Jade when shewoke up, asking her to meet me at the park at five for a date. I left the note on my vacant pillow and let myself out, sure to tell the lodge staff Jade would be checking out around eight thirty.

For pre-dawn in Danville, the town was bright. Every single business and home had lights strung around them, and even bushes were illuminated. The city power bill would be outrageous, but for one glorious night, the world shone with twinkling lights and a message of hope. In the darkness of the world around us, one season can shift your perspective and change your world.

I slipped into Mom and Dad's house before seven, thinking they'd still be sleeping, but Dad was at the stove making pancakes. He greeted me with a grunt and a cup of coffee.

"So?" he asked in a questioning manner. His one eyebrow was higher than the other, and I could see the curiosity in his eyes. "Naomi told us everything. You might as well spill it. Mom's going to go nuts now. She can’t wait for grandkids."

I chuckled at his frankness and sipped the black brew. "Well, Amber wasn't Amber, and she wasn’t cheating, and all I can say is, there won't be grandkids until Jade is ready to settle down. She has big dreams, Pop."

"So you got it all figured out?" he asked as he turned to flip the pancakes. He was a smart man, and if Naomi really did tell them everything, he'd understand how much I cared about this woman.

"I think so. And if it's alright, I'd like to just take my time and enjoy savoring every moment. No pressure to get married and pop out babies." I moved toward the stairs with the intention to get a shower before breakfast was ready. Dad said nothing, so I went on my way.

When I was clean and dressed in a warm sweater and crisp jeans, I made my way back downstairs. Mom was seated at the table and Dad served up a gourmet feast of pancakes, waffles,French toast, bacon, and sausage links. We indulged, and I made it almost all the way through breakfast without Mom saying a word.

It was only when I had a few pieces of bacon left that she said, "I'm sorry I didn't point out what was happening sooner, Newt." The way she'd treated Jade Friday morning at breakfast made sense now. She probably knew about Amber and thought I was going to be hurt.

"It worked out exactly how it should have, Mom. No hard feelings." I popped the last slice of bacon into my mouth and wiped my lips clean. Mom stood and collected the dirty dishes. Dad and I helped, and in no time, we had the table clean and we were seated around the living room waiting for Dad to pass out a few gifts. It felt odd not having Naomi here for this, but her honeymoon was more important.

Our morning gift-giving ritual was typical. Dad got new socks and a power tool. Mom got a new bathrobe and some bulbs to plant in her garden in the spring, and I got a sweater and a tie and the knowledge that the woman who'd crashed into my life for the good would meet me later for a date in the frigid park. Jade texted me a good morning message and a few emojis, and my heart was full.

Around a quarter to five, I took a few pairs of gloves, a few hats, a carrot, some charcoal from Dad's summer grilling stash in the garage, and a scarf and I headed to the park where I told Jade to meet me. It was only a short wait for her, and when she pulled up and parked, we were the only two people there.

I climbed out of my car with my duffel bag full of goodies and she gave me an awkward smile. "Why are we here?" she asked as she rubbed her bare hands together. She wore her pink puffer coat, but her long, dark hair was free to roam, not contained under a hat. So I opened the bag and took out two hats and two sets of gloves, giving one set to her.

"Hat and gloves before I tell you." I grinned and decided it was high time she learned to love the outdoors. If we were stuck here in Danville for any amount of time, we had to get used to it.

"Okay?" she said, chuckling. She donned her hat and gloves, and I put mine on, then set the bag on the hood of Dad's truck. "Now what?"

"Now, we make a snowman together." I bent to begin a small ball which I'd roll through the snowpack, and she grumbled a little.

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