Page 132 of Run, Run Rudolph
She was met with a chorus of ‘Ew’s.
“So, everything’s still fine around here since Christmas Eve?” Char asked me quietly as the other three started gossiping about something else.
I nodded. “Thanks again for letting me use your credits.”
So far, there’d been no bill from Estelle for the wishes I’d made on Christmas Eve. I had thought that, even if banished, I might have to pay for her magical services if Char’s credits didn’t cover it all.
“Of course. And how are things with your families?” She lifted her eyebrows meaningfully. “Is Mrs. Powell still hugging you every time she sees you and saying ‘welcome back’?”
I laughed. She was. And probably secretly knitting baby booties. I hadn’t expected her to be so delighted. Honestly, she had the best reaction out of everyone.
In my family, my mom was excited, my dad indifferent, and my Oma said she was happy that I was happy. And that was about it. Done deal. Carry on with life.
The Powell side, however, had reacted a bit differently. When we’d told Haden’s family, his mom had squealed in excitement, Mr. Powell had looked alarmed at his wife’s response, and Kade had stalked out of the room. Both Haden and I had tried to go after him, but Mrs. Powell, with a determined look, had pushed us both aside and gone to speak with her youngest, herself.
“And Kade?”
I scrunched my nose. “He’s still getting used to the idea.”
The next time we’d seen Kade, a few nights later, he’d been quiet, barely daring to look at us through his hurt. But he’d mumbled that he was happy for us. Honestly, it could have been worse. With time, I figured he’d warm up to the idea, especially since I’d heard he and Jannifer had gone on a second coffee date.
“Knock, knock!” Haden’s warm, deep voice filled the room as he shut the front door.
Char winked at me as I leapt from my spot. “Speak of the devil.”
I jogged to the entry, where he caught me, holding me in his arms. The cold from his coat seeped through my sweater as he gave me a long hello kiss.
Bliss.
“What did I miss?” Haden asked, still holding me close. I adored the way his eyes were always unguarded around me now. I could look at him and see inside, warmed by the knowledge that I was the one he loved, had waited for, and then finally been able to choose. It was a wonderful feeling.
“Just me.” I gave him another long, slow kiss over his huff of amusement at my bold statement. Yes, that was right. I was going to be that kind of girlfriend—mushy and cheesy—so he’d better get used to it.
He released me, unzipping his coat. He was in my favourite flannel shirt. The soft red and green one he’d been wearing on the night we’d fallen in love. He’d learned I liked it, and I adored the fact that he was going to wear it to bring in the new year.
“So,” he whispered, “yesterday I got this dreamlike feeling that I’m supposed to fix your barn roof?” He raised his brows. “Am I?”
“Oh…” I waved off his concerns. “The magical world fixed it when they tried to erase everything else. But thanks.” I shook my head with a smile. “Is it weird that I kind of miss Blitzen and his antics?”
Haden’s eyes lit up and his head fell back in laughter. “That drunk little rangifer tarandus.”
“Latin, huh?” I slipped my arms around his neck. “You sexy science nerd.”
“I try,” he said, snugging me closer.
“Well, it’s working. It’s sexy. Very sexy.”
He’d drawn me close, his nose nuzzling mine, his lips angling to line us up.
“Are your friends in there?” He gestured toward the kitchen with his chin, his lips centimetres from mine.
I kissed him as they erupted in laughter, making their presence known.
Haden’s arms tightened another notch, and his kisses roamed down my neck. I angled my head to the side with a sigh.
“Give me the rundown on them again?” he whispered between kisses.
“You’re procrastinating.”
