Page 104 of Tinsel in Telluride

We spend the morning laughing and smiling as we watch Zach shred open gift after gift. So many that I’m not sure how the heck we’re going to get them all back to New York. Luca assures me it won’t be a problem, but I’m more worried about where I’m going to house them.

Bash disappears only to return with fresh baked cinnamon rolls, and of course, a mimosa flight—with orange, cranberry and pineapple juices as options— for each of us. Because according to him, it’s not Christmas without champagne to celebrate. He’s even got sparkling cider for Zach in a sippy cup champagne flute.

By the time we’re done with gifts and breakfast, we’re well lubricated enough that Enzo, Holt, and Bash provide us with entertainment, singingWe Wish You a Merry Christmas,but with each of them only singing one word at a time. They only make it through one verse before they start making up the words, and by the end of the second, we’re all laughing too hard to continue.

It’s perfect.

Every fucking moment of it.

And I’ve never been so sure this is where we’re meant to be.

I silently get up and whisper in Enzo’s ear, watching as a knowing smile tips his lips. He nods and stands from the couch, tipping his head at Holt and Bash before he goes and crouchesin front of Zach. “Hey little man, want to go outside and see how fast the car can drive in the snow?”

“Enzo,” Luca warns.

“Just on the deck, Enzo,” I reiterate.

“So we can’t see if it fits in a gondola and go cruise the main strip for ladies?” Holt asks, already up and tugging a coat over his pajamas.

“Not this time. Maybe after his nap.”

“Deal,” Bash agrees, slipping his shoes on.

The three of them grab my son and make themselves scarce, leaving me alone with Luca.

I spin around to where he’s sitting on the edge of the sofa, eyeing me suspiciously. “If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you’re trying to get me alone.”

I resist the urge to slide up between his legs and run my hands through his hair. Talking first. There will be time for that later. Hopefully. I told Enzo I needed at least an hour.

Crossing the room, I slip behind the tree and pull out the envelope I’d nestled in the branches last night.

Luca’s shoulders tense the moment he realizes what’s in my hands, but he doesn’t say anything, only watches intently as I stop in front of the fireplace.

I glance down one last time and find exactly zero doubt in my heart when it comes to what I hold in my hands. When I look back up, my eyes track every inch of Luca’s face, and I can’t wait to calm the anxiety in his features.

“Let me start by saying thank you.”

“You know what that phrase does to me.” There’s a hint of hope in his tone, and it only reminds me that this man is the exact opposite of me. Which is why he’s exactly what I need.

“I know.” I smile playfully. “And I hope I get to make you hard by uttering them for a very long time.”

“Leigh.” Luca exhales, his hope wavering. “What are you saying? Because I’m on edge here and I don’t know what I’m allowed to say.”

“I’m saying I was wrong.”

He raises a brow. “Come again?”

Holding steady eye contact, the same way he does when he wants to make sure I’m listening, I inhale a long breath. “I was wrong last night for demanding you look at these.” I lift the envelope, noting the way he frowns. “I was afraid. None of this is what I planned. I didn’t come here expecting to find a family. I wanted to make sure you knew you might have a son and get our work done in time to get home for Christmas. But then you were…you. Frustratingly sweet, annoyingly persistent, and totally fuckable.”

His wicked grin makes an appearance. “I’m going to add those to my resume.”

“Of course you are,” I huff, rolling my eyes.

“But if we’re admitting faults, I was wrong too.” Luca stands and closes the distance between us in four swift steps. “I shouldn’t have gotten ahead of myself. You aren’t one to jump five steps ahead without a fifteen-point plan and a list of to dos. I won’t take it back because, if you’ll have me, I fully intend on marrying the shit out of you. But I promise I’ll try to look before I leap.”

I open my mouth to protest his proposal, as this is exactly what scares me, but Luca continues.

“Calm that pretty little mind of yours. I mean someday, Leigh. Not today. Not tomorrow. But someday, if you’ll have me, the offer will always be there.” He reaches down and takes the hand not holding the results, intertwining it in his. “The question is, Leigh, what do you want? Because I’ve already told you, I don’t need those.” He dips his head toward the envelope.

---