Page 73 of All's Fair in Love and Christmas
Jeremy took the container and presents out of her hands anyway.
She rewarded him with a grateful smile and buttoned her coat. “Thank you.”
When they reached the bottom floor and exited the building, he put a hand to her elbow to steady her in case of any ice. She’dbeen wobbly enough when she’d had on skates; if she stepped on ice with regular shoes, her feet were liable to fly out from under her.
“What are you grinning about?” she asked.
Was he? “Just remembering you on the ice rink.”
She groaned. “Not my most graceful moment.”
“Which worked in my favor.” His grin turned into a full smile.
“How so?”
“Because then I had an excuse to hold your hands.” He winked.
Her mittened fingers covered her cheeks. “I wonder if I’ll ever stop blushing around you.”
“I hope not,” he nearly growled.
“Really?”
They reached his SUV. He had to let go of her elbow to open the door for her. “Your blush has become my favorite color.” He chuckled as she scooted past him to get into the passenger’s seat. He wouldn’t tease or flirt with her if it truly made her uncomfortable, but the opposite seemed to be true. She’d shake her head, give that shy smile of hers, and let her body relax to take a full breath.
He hurried around the vehicle, careful of where he placed his feet so he wouldn’t eat asphalt. When he slid into the driver’s seat, he handed her packages back to her.
Twenty minutes later, they pulled into the Heritage Hills parking lot and were greeted as soon as they crossed the threshold of the entrance.
“Mackenzie, I’m so glad to see you. Your mother is in the common room. A group has come to sing Christmas carols with the residents, and she’s in there, adding her voice to theirs.”
“Thank you, Gabriella.” Mackenzie handed the nurse the kitchen container. “I made the staff some cookies. Merry Christmas.”
Gabriella lifted the lid, revealing an assortment of holiday treats nestled together. She picked out a red-and-white-stripedcookie in the shape of a candy cane and took a bite. “Mmm. This is so good. Thank you.” She turned and stopped another nurse passing by, telling her she had to try one.
“Let’s drop the presents off in my mom’s room, then find her with the carolers,” Mackenzie suggested.
Jeremy followed her down a labyrinth of hallways. He was glad Mackenzie knew where she was going, because he’d have a hard time finding his way back if left to his own devices. She slowed at a door he assumed belonged to her mom and was about to turn the handle when a woman called out her name.
Mackenzie turned, and Jeremy followed.
Caroline Graham smiled as she gripped Alejandro’s arm. She patted his elbow as she beamed at Mackenzie. “This is my daughter that I was telling you about. Wasn’t I right? Isn’t she pretty?”
Alejandro mouthedsorryto Jeremy. “Very pretty, Mrs. Graham. And my friend Jeremy here quite agrees.”
Her clear eyes moved to take Jeremy’s measure. She looked back at Alejandro. “Are you friends?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
She stared at Mackenzie. “Areyoufriends?”
Mackenzie balanced her presents in one arm and took Jeremy’s hand. “More than friends.”
A telltale sheen caused Caroline’s hazel eyes to twinkle. “And I get to meet him on a day my mind has decided to show up for work. Praise Jesus.” She pulled Mackenzie into a hug. “My Christmas wish came true.”
“You wished that your daughter got a boyfriend for Christmas?” Alejandro smirked.
“No.” Caroline Graham’s laugh sounded like a missing note in a bell choir. “All I want for Christmas is my mem-or-y,” she sang. “And I have it, for now at least.” She turned to Jeremy and ushered him into her room. “Come and tell me all about yourself. And don’t hold it against me if I forget everything you say. I have a good excuse, you know.”
