Page 70 of Say It Isn't Snow
“God, I wish,” she laments.
“New Year’s resolution?” I suggest.
“Only if I find someone who’s hot, rich, and gives me princess treatment,” she fires back with a scoff.
There’s a deep murmur from someone nearby. Her voice muffles to shush them. I lift a brow, wondering who she’s with.
“Anyway, what’s up?” she asks.
I pad into the front of the shop, fluffing the pillows on the window seat and adjusting the decorations.
“Oh, I’m just calling because I was wondering if you might be around. I thought maybe you’d want to come stay with me for a couple of days before we…”
The front door opens, making me trail off. Caleb returns with two filled trays of coffee—and his sister.
“Layla?” I stare from her to my phone, the call still connected. “You didn’t tell me you were in town.”
“Surprise.” She wiggles her fingers with a beaming grin, then hugs me.
Caleb holds the door open and I’m stunned into silence as more people walk in. My brother ambles through the door, absorbed in his phone. He nods to me nonchalantly with his chin. Then my parents and sister, followed by Mrs. Adler.
“Hi, sweetheart.” Dad kisses my cheek.
“Hi. You’re here,” I stammer.
“Of course we are. This’ll be fun,” Hazel says.
“There’s plenty of coffee for everyone,” Caleb says.
“Let’s get this party started,” Layla announces.
Hazel removes the sign I made for the door and goes into the back. Layla hooks her arm with Leo as he heads for the kitchen behind my sister. My parents and Mrs. Adler follow them. I overhear Leo delegating tasks.
“When—how did everyone know I needed—?” I turn to Caleb, knees weak at his handsome features set in a sincere expression.
“I called in reinforcements for you,” he murmurs.
“For me?” I reply faintly.
His cheek dimples with the curve of his mouth. He draws me close, cupping my cheek. His warm green gaze bounces between mine, dancing with boundless affection that steals my breath.
“For you, sugar. Because I’ll always do anything for you.”
He brushes his lips against mine, making my heart flutter from the tender kiss. I sway into him, hugging my arms tightly around his waist. When we part, I blink away the tears watering my eyes.
“Thank you for always knowing what I need. Somehow, you have a super power to do it before I’m even aware of it,” I say in awe.
His smile broadens. “Because I pay attention so I can take care of you. I’m here for you, and so is everyone else. Not because that’s what the holidays are all about, but any time you need. Whether you reach out or not, I’ll catch you.”
I bite my lip, chest swelling at his sincerity. He’s given me the greatest gift by removing worries from my plate with his thoughtful support.
Bright, twinkling happiness rushes through me, overflowing endlessly.
“I love you, Caleb,” I say.
He exhales in contentment, closing his eyes. “Say it again?”
Tugging him down by his collar, I speak against his lips. “I love you.”Kiss. “I love you.”Kiss.“I love?—”
