Page 59 of A Ferry Merry Christmas
“Are you sure this is where you want to spend Christmas Day?” Reed asked Avery. They stood in front of the Kirkland home of Kellie Stelter. Flecks of snow gently fell from the sky and the scent of pine mingled with the breeze. “What I mean to say is . . . I don’t want you to give up our day together because you think it’s what I want.”
Avery couldn’t keep from smiling. The minute she saw her brother with Kellie, she recognized the chemistry between them. The two couldn’t take their eyes off each other the entire evening they’d spent together. It seemed while Harrison and Avery had been trapped on the ferry, her brother and Harrison’s sister had gotten along like gangbusters.
Once off the ferry, they’d all enjoyed a dinner of roasted salmon, sourdough bread, asparagus, potatoes, and salad. Harrison and Avery had regaled them with the story of the birth of James’s baby girl, which was their own bit of excitement. Their siblings had chatted nonstop about their own adventures, recalling the Christmas market and the ride on the Ferris wheel. Her brother had laughed when he recounted the mad rush to the ferry terminal only to learn it had been a false alarm.
Every few minutes Harrison would catch her eye and do his best to disguise his amusement. Avery was tickled herself. Clearly the two had enjoyed every minute they’d spent together.
It was after ten before Kellie suggested it was time for her to head home with Harrison. Avery could see her brother wanted to protest and probably would have if Kellie hadn’t yawned. Ithad been a long day for all involved. Kellie’s yawn had a rippling effect, and soon Avery was sleepy herself.
Standing at the door with her coat in hand, Kellie had turned back. “I had an idea . . . I know it’s last-minute and all, but would you and Avery care to join us for Christmas dinner?”
Avery knew her brother well enough to realize she’d be doing the shopping for their Christmas dinner. Everything her brother ate came from Uber Eats or was a frozen entrée. Brother and sister exchanged a look and it was quickly decided.
“We’d love it.”
Avery was delighted by the invite.
“Great.” Kellie’s smile relayed how pleased she was.
Reed had the look of a boy anticipating opening gifts on Christmas morning.
Reed had walked Kellie and Harrison to the elevator while Avery remained behind. The condo was strangely silent after the lively dinner discussion. With them gone it felt as if all the air had left the room.
When Reed returned, he, too, seemed to feel how empty the condo was.
“By the way,” Avery said, teasing her brother, “I have no objection to sharing our Christmas dinner with Harrison and Kellie.”
Her brother’s look was completely blank.
“You didn’t give me the chance to answer earlier.”
His brow furrowed as he seemed to be mentally reviewing the conversation. “I didn’t? Are you sure?”
“Positive.”
He rubbed the side of his face as if confused. “Sorry about that. You don’t mind, do you?”
The original idea was supposed to be just the two of them and the traditions they’d shared with their grandmother. “It’ll be fine,” she assured him.
“Good.” His shoulders sagged with relief.
Now, early Christmas afternoon, as they stood outside the car, her brother seemed to need reassurance.
“You like her, don’t you?” Avery asked, although the answer was obvious.
“I do,” Reed admitted. “Quite a lot, actually. You’re okay spending it with Harrison?” His gaze held hers. “I know you’re skeptical about dating someone in the military. I don’t want you to be uncomfortable on my account.”
“Stop, would you? I’m more than okay. Harrison’s great.” And he was. They’d exchanged texts several times over the last twenty-four hours. He hadn’t pressured her into telling him her decision, and for that she was grateful. He had, however, made sure she understood how much he wanted the opportunity to see her again.
Tempted as she was, Avery remained unsure about whether getting involved with a man in the military was going to work, especially now that she knew he intended to make the Navy his career. Yet, even while aware of his plans, she’d been taken in by his wit and charm. She believed him when he assured her that he wasn’t a player. She’d enjoyed the time on the ferry with him, exchanging banter, as they teased and joked with each other. There was something about Harrison that was hard to resist. Even the way he sensed her hesitation and patiently worked reminded her of his interest.
The kiss they’d exchanged after Noelle’s birth certainly complicated her decision. She recognized the attraction between Reed and Kellie because it looked just like what she was experiencing with Harrison. An attraction that strong was difficult to ignore. Her biggest fear was knowing that if they did become involved, it would mean long absences while he was at sea. Depending on his mission, there would be a complete lackof any communication. If anything were to happen, she wouldn’t know for weeks on end. That uncertainty gave her pause.
Avery didn’t know how those left behind lived, knowing the ones they loved and cared deeply about were in constant danger. Having basically lost everyone important in her life, other than Reed, Avery remained leery and yet . . .
“Hey, you two, what’s the holdup? In case you didn’t notice, it’s snowing. Come inside.” Kellie stood on the porch wearing a Santa hat and gestured for them to enter the house. The front door was decorated with a festive evergreen wreath with a large red bow and silver bells.
“Shall we?” Reed asked, glancing away from Kellie long enough to focus on Avery.
