Page 102 of Tinsel in Telluride

My jaw drops as he silently rounds the island and grabs another four beers from the fridge. He heads for the door but pauses just before he walks through.

“The dumbass can’t do anything without jumping in with both feet. So good luck training that out of him if you decide he’s worth it. And for the record, I hope you do. I rather enjoy being an uncle.”

I watch as he leaves, staring at the door long after he’s gone.

I’m Luca’s reason.

And he’s…

The first thought that comes to mind sends me into a fit of laughter.

He’s my wrecking ball.

Luca jumping in with both feet is probably the only reason we are where we are. He wasn’t afraid of my walls or my logic. He came at them and with love and persistence, chipping away at them swing after swing with his never ending positivity.

With this new perspective, it’s almost sweet.

Almost.

But it doesn’t completely wash away the fear coiled deep in my belly that someday he’s going to realize it could be easier with someone else.

I can’t offer him the promise of marriage someday, but maybe if he’s willing to meet me halfway and allow me to logicwhere he jumps, I can offer him one day—one moment—at a time.

My eyes fall on the results in front of me.

Tomorrow might just be a Merry Christmas after all.

CHAPTER TWENTY SEVEN

LEIGH

Snow gently falls outside, blanketing the ground in a fresh layer of white.

It’s the perfect Christmas morning aesthetic. Paired with Zach snuggling into my side after I pulled him into bed with me last night, it couldn’t be more perfect. Well, mostly—but hopefully that will change. If I don’t let my anxiety and fear get the best of me.

I glance down at Zach, memorizing for the millionth time his long lashes and tiny button nose. I’ve missed these moments the last few days. Though I can’t deny it’s been nice to have the help or that seeing Zach smile with the boys has made my heart burst.

Still, these moments where it’s just the two of us will always be my favorite.

He begins to stir, stretching his little limbs out like a starfish, signaling my moment of peace is coming to an end.

“Merry Christmas, sweet boy.” I press a kiss to his forehead, and he beams up at me with a lazy, toothy grin.

“Mewy Chwistmas,” he yawns.

I smile right back at him, knowing he’s been working with Bash and Enzo to say those two words for the last few days.

“You ready to go see what Santa brought you?”

“Santa!” he mimics loudly, though I’m not sure he completely understands, but he understands the “go” and it’s clear he is more than ready.

After changing him and slipping myself into a set of appropriate flannel pajamas, we make the long walk from the bedrooms to the main living room.

The smell of coffee wraps me in a warm hug, and I tell myself no matter what happens, at least there’s a hot cup of coffee to feed my soul or catch my tears. Either way, this morning is about Zach.

Practically bouncing with each step, Zach tugs my hand forcefully, mumbling the names of Luca and his best friends in excitement.

I just hope the four of them share the same sentiment. There’s no way of knowing what I’m going to walk in on, if the guys are even awake yet. I considered going to find Luca last night to talk but figured it would be best to let us each have the night to process. God knows I needed it. With the sun came more clarity—and anxiety—but also a weird sort of anxious peace.

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