Page 50 of Christmas Treasures

Charlie looked down at her hands, then back up again. “Were you serious? About making memories with me?”

Max’s brow furrowed slightly. “Of course I was. Why do you ask?”

“I’m afraid to have too much hope—that someone like you would ever want to spend time with someone like me.”

“Why wouldn’t I? You’re amazing. For lack of a more interesting word.”

Charlie folded her hands in her lap. “I think you’re amazing too.”

“It’s all right to hope for love, you know. I didn’t think I could feel anything real for anyone after losing Lucia. But now, things seem different. Because of you.” He glanced down at the sleeping child between them. “But I’m complicated. Bianca makes me complicated.” Max’s gaze drifted to the fire. His voice was lower when he spoke again. “Camilla told me today she’s going home tomorrow.”

Charlie looked up. “Already?”

“She said she thinks Bianca’s adjusting well and that she’s ready to be with me full time. She said the longer she stays, the less likely it is that Bianca will fully adjust to her new life.”

Charlie’s heart softened. “It’s very wise. How do you feel?”

Max exhaled, long and slow. “Terrified.”

“It’s totally normal to feel that way. However, you’re a natural with her.”

“It’s because we know each other. Deep down, anyway. I love her. And I promised Lucia I’d take care of her. But I don’t know what I’m doing. Half the time I’m winging it. I just don’t want to damage her in any way.”

Charlie leaned forward slightly. “You’re doing great. She feels safe with you. That’s more than a lot of kids ever get. You’ve turned your whole life upside down for her.”

He met her gaze then, the firelight reflected in his eyes. “I wouldn’t have made it this far without you. But I don’t wantto burden you. It’s not just me now. Bianca and I are a package deal.”

Something warm and excited pulsed through her. “I’m here because I want to be. I don’t see that changing. She’s easy to love.” She paused, drawing in a deep breath. “Could you really fall for someone who hates Christmas? And is kind of grumpy, in general?”

He draped his arm around the back of the couch, playing with her hair. “I already am. Anyway, I don’t find you grumpy at all.”

Charlie blinked. “Already am what? Falling?”

Max smiled, stroking her cheek with his outstretched hand. “Hard.”

She looked into the eyes of a man who had once seemed too charming, too easy, too lighthearted. And now, sitting here beside her, he felt like something solid. Like a place to land. Like someone to build a life with.

Bianca stirred in her sleep, shifting slightly but not waking.

“Then let’s make some memories,” Charlie said. “Lots and lots of them.”

“I’m in.”

A little while later,Max lifted Bianca carefully from the couch, her small body heavy with sleep, her arms instinctively wrapping around his neck. Charlie followed them to the door, hugging her arms around her waist as they stepped out into the still night.

With the child in his arms creating a barrier between them, he leaned close and kissed her. “I’ll take you out. Just us. Soon, I promise.”

“I don’t need that, but thank you.” She hesitated, glancingtoward the horizon. “I would like something, though. I want to go ‘owling’ like the family in the book we got Bianca.”

Max blinked, grinning. “Really? That’s what you want?”

“It seems so peaceful. And tomorrow’s a full moon. The weather app said it’s supposed to be clear.” She’d thought of it that morning when she’d checked the weather. Somehow, like a Christmas miracle, it had popped into her head as something special to do with them.

“If that’s what you want, then I shall make it so.” He kissed her again and then said good night, carrying Bianca down the porch steps.

Snow had begun to fall again, light and powdery, brushing down in slow, drifting flakes. Charlie stood on the porch, arms folded against the cold, watching them.

He buckled Bianca in, then tugged a knit cap over her head. Protective. Attentive. Her father had been that way too. She missed her sweet father so much. If only she could have one more day with him.

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