Page 129 of The Rules We Broke
“Thanks,” I whispered.
He tilted his head, voice low and earnest. “Darlin’, I can’t have you unhappy on Christmas.”
“I’m not unhappy.”
He raised a brow, unconvinced.
“I’m happy we’re together.” And I meant it.
A few weeks ago, I couldn’t have imagined this. Honestly, it felt too good to be true—like something out of a fairy tale. Not that I believed in fairy tales. But how often did a forbidden love story get a happy ending?
Ours would.
Wouldn’t it?
Brady leaned in until our foreheads touched, grounding me with that quiet intimacy only he could offer.
“Ellie, I love you,” he whispered. “And I promise—I won’t leave your side tonight. I already warned my momma: if she evenlooksat you the wrong way, we’re gone. And my daddy told everyone he expects you to be treated with kindness and respect.”
Huh. That surprised me. Maybe Mr. Jackson reallywouldbe open to talking. I’d have to come up with a better opening line thanWhy did you cheat on my aunt?
“I love you, Brady,” I said, heart full.
He gave me an award-winning smile. “Let’s go, girl.”
He led me out under the protection of his oversized umbrella, and we ran to the porch, laughing as the rain chased us.
I waited there while Brady went back for the bags. There was no way I was walking in without him.
As I watched him approach, umbrella tilted, arms full, I couldn’t help but admire him. He was the total package—kind, loving, considerate, gentlemanly, handsome, smart . . . the list went on.
I smiled as he reached me.
He set the umbrella and bags down, then pulled me into his arms. “There’s the smile I’ve been waiting for.”
Brady leaned in, his lips barely brushing mine—just before the front door swung open.
“They’re hereandthey’re kissing!” Caroline shouted like she’d just won a prize.
We broke apart laughing, and it helped. The nerves that had been coiled tight in my chest loosened just a little.
I scooped Caroline into my arms, admiring her frilly red dress that nearly matched her hair. “Merry Christmas,” I said, kissing her cheek.
She squeezed mine in return. “I’msoexcited!”
“You are?”
“Yes, silly—Santa’s coming tonight!”
“Thatisexciting.”
“I hope he brings me a puppy.”
I bit my lip. I was pretty sure a puppy wasn’t in the cards. Hopefully, she wouldn’t be too disappointed.
I set her down so Brady could get his hug in, and together, we walked back to the family room, setting out the gifts we’d brought under the grand twenty-foot tree draped in gold and silver, shimmering almost ethereally.
I’d never seen so many presents in one place. Growing up, it’d just been me and Aunt Lu. She always gave thoughtful, beautiful gifts—but she was more about quality than quantity. But admittedly, this was fun, too.
