Page 122 of 2204 Hunter Lane
“Would ya look at that?” Uncle Glen slapped his knee, pointing over to his brother. “Your boy ain’t no grinch either.”
“I guess not.” Dex released.
Hunter moved back to his spot, draping his left arm around my shoulder and raised a hand.
“Continue your toast, Payton. You left out Bambi.”
When Payton was finally mobile again, she cleared her throat and broke a smile.
“And to Marley…” she shook her head, eyeing me with crystal blue eyes. “For bein’ at the right place, at the right time, and blessin’ our lives as each day comes.”
Before I could react, the whole family brought their glasses to the middle and began clinking each other’s, repeating “cheers” over and over until everyone was spread out across the room once again.
Hunter placed a gentle kiss on my cheek, pulling me closer. “To many more Christmases with you, Bambi.”
… and the butterflies are back.Truthfully, I don’t think they ever left. How could they? Every single thing Hunter said sent a rush through my spine and pierced my heart.
“So many more.” I responded, leaning my forehead against his.
“I hate to break up this moment,” Dex interjected, standing a few feet away from the couch. “But Hunter, can ya head on over to the store and get some more eggnog and Brandy? Glen’s callin’ for it.”
Hunter rolled his eyes, keeping a firm hand over mine. “Can’t go yourself?”
“Had too much to drink, son. Glen’s shitfaced.”
I raised a hand. “I’ll go, I only had half a glass of wine.”
But Hunter was already on his feet, yanking me upright. “That ain’t a task for you, sweetheart. Grab my jacket over there and walk me out?”
It never occurred to me that guys like Hunter actually existed. When I first met him, I didn’t think he would ever be capable of being a gentleman. Even at Rivertown Bay, when I saw a side of him I hadn’t seen before, I didn’t think it could get better… but it did.Hedid.
I snagged his coat and followed him to the door where he was already slipping into his boots.
“You okay to drive?” I asked, handing over the black flannel.
“Course, baby. I limit myself to one beer during these things.”
The cold air slapped me in the face as he opened the door, hooking his truck keys off the wall rack.
“Forgetting somethin’, Bambi?” He cooed, pointing towards a mistletoe hanging above the door frame.
Rolling my eyes, I grabbed hold of the collar of his coat and pulled his lips to mine.
“Tastes like fuckin’ candy.” He placed another gentle kiss on my nose and stepped outside. “You been eatin’ those starbursts without me?”
“Never.” I lied.
“Liar.” He guessed.
I shrugged my shoulders, waving him off as he got into his truck and blew me a kiss. “I’ll pick some up on the way back. Love you, baby!”
And I watched him go, pulling out of the driveway and disappearing onto the narrow road.
My man, my whole heart, my happily ever after.
Chapter Forty-Six
Hunter
