Page 110 of Offside for Christmas
"Exactly," Ellie said, exasperated. "Difficult."
The table erupted in laughter. Her cousin Jake was grinning. "So it was love at first sight?"
"More like mutual annoyance at first sight," Cole said.
"That evolved into love," Ellie added.
"Slowly," Cole agreed.
"Very slowly," Ellie confirmed.
"You two are adorable," Sophie said from down the table. "Disgustingly adorable."
"When's the wedding?" Cousin Jamie asked.
Both Cole and Ellie choked on their wine.
"Jamie!" Caroline scolded. "They've only been together a few weeks!"
"So? When you know, you know." Jamie shrugged. "I'm just saying what everyone's thinking."
Amber was grinning wickedly. "This is better than reality TV."
"Can we please change the subject?" Ellie said, her face burning.
But under the table, Cole's hand found hers and squeezed.
After dinner, before dessert, Ellie and Cole escaped to the back porch.
It was a family tradition—after the meal, before the sweets, take a break. Get some air. Recover.
The porch overlooked the backyard, which was covered in snow and strung with lights. The temperature had dropped, and Ellie's breath came out in visible puffs. Cole immediately shrugged out of his sweater and draped it over her shoulders.
"I'm sorry if that was overwhelming," Ellie said.
"Are you kidding?" Cole pulled her close, wrapping his arms around her from behind. "That was incredible."
"Really?"
"Really. Your family is... they're everything. Loud and nosy and in each other's business. I've never had that."
"Well, you have it now." Ellie leaned back against his chest. "Fair warning: they're going to adopt you whether you like it or not. My mom's already planning next year's Christmas dinner and you're definitely on the guest list."
"I like it. I like it a lot."
Cole was quiet for a moment, and Ellie felt him press a kiss to her hair. She turned in his arms to face him. "Merry Christmas, grumpy."
He kissed her, soft and sweet, and Ellie thought that this—this moment, this feeling, this man—was the best Christmas gift she'd ever received.
"Okay, lovebirds!" Amber's voice cut through the moment. She was standing in the doorway, grinning. "Time for dessert! And presents! Get your cute butts inside!"
Secret Santa was another Winters family tradition, and this year, by some miracle (or Amber's meddling), Cole had drawn Ellie's name.
When it was his turn, he handed her a package wrapped in silver paper.
"You wrapped this yourself," Ellie observed.
"Is that bad?"
