Page 17 of A Holly Brown Christmas
It wasn’t until Shmoop barked that she remembered he needed to go out. Stopping in her tracks, she turned to Lucas. “Would you mind if we talked downstairs so I can let him out?”
“That’s fine.”
So, they made their way down to the basement level, but they continued to hold hands. Holly told herself not to read anything into it, but it was kind of a significant moment and she knew she was going to think about it for a long time. His hand was so much larger than hers and it made her feel a little delicate comparatively.
And she liked it. It made her wonder what his hand would feel like on other parts of her body, but she quickly pushed that thought aside because he was clearly having a bit of a crisis. She could continue her sexy thoughts later, when she was home alone.
They both stepped outside to let Shmoop out, and that’s when Lucas let go of her hand.
“I can turn on one of the heat lamps and we can sit out here if you’d like?” he suggested.
“Um…sure! That sounds nice.”
Within minutes, they were each seated on separate patio sofas. “It’s okay to be upset about your parents, Lucas,” she began carefully. “Especially if this all was a little out of the blue. Obviously, I’m not privy to what your home life has been like, but it always seemed like your parents were very happy together.”
“They were. I honestly never remember them arguing about anything major. My father used to get annoyed when she went overboard on shopping, but it was more like a token argument. They’d be laughing and joking with each other within minutes.” Groaning, he slouched down against the cushions with his head thrown back. Holly had to fight the urge to lean over and kiss his throat.
Ugh…I’m a mess!
“It’s just…the holidays are my downtime, you know?” he went on. “Now I’m dealing with the two of them fighting, and they’re both putting me in the middle.”
“Really? Why?”
“Because I’m a lawyer and they’re both trying to claim me to help them. I deal with corporate law…not that anyone cares.” Another groan. Sitting up, he looked miserable. “I know your heart’s in the right place with this party, but mine’s just not in it, Holly. I’m sorry.”
And just like that, it was over.
All of it.
The party, the cozy conversations, the time alone together…just…gone.
Her heart raced as she held his gaze and a dozen different comebacks and scenarios played over and over in her head, but was forcing him to do this the right thing? Was she really going to throw in the towel so easily?
But when she looked at the pained expression on his face, she was torn. She was an empath and therefore totally felt his pain, but the thought of him having absolutely no holiday spirit and being here alone made her heart ache.
She knew what she had to do.
“Lucas, I know it all seems pointless, but…” Pausing, Holly knew she needed to find a positive spin on this whole thing. “But…I think you need this party more than you realize.”
One dark brow arched and she did her best not to sigh dreamily.
“This party means something. Not just to me and the people we work with, but to you. Maybe putting it all together ourselves will help you sympathize with your mother in a way you normally wouldn’t have. Get your sisters involved. Make it a family effort. If your parents see all the hard work you’re all putting into this, it will have to bring them together.”
“Okay, but…what if that’s not the right thing?” he reasoned. “What if the right thing is to let their marriage end? I know I said everything seemed normal, but let’s face it. I’m not with them all day, every day. I have a life of my own. Maybe there’s something more to all of this than anyone realized, and this is the logical solution?”
“The party?” she asked hopefully.
“No. The divorce.”
“Oh.”
Think, Holly! Think!
“Then maybe this party is the perfect distraction! It’s a way to show them that they can’t ruin the holiday!”
“Holly…”
“Look, Lucas, we need a party. You need involvement. We’ve got the decorations, a lead on the tree, someone to hang all the exterior lights, a caterer…everyone we need. And I am more than willing to act as the party hostess!”
