Page 26 of A Collier First Christmas
By the time we made it back to town, people were lining up for Ruby and Bran’s carriage ride.
“I may have to build another carriage at this rate,” Bran teased.
People hung around walking the streets of town, stopping into the various shops and restaurants or just enjoying the lights.
Kate brought out a table and was offering free coffee and hot cocoa to everyone.
The Pack had pitched in and I couldn’t be prouder of them.
“Hey, I’m about to head out,” Peyton said when we stopped by Kate’s table. “Do you still want me to take Cammie for the night?”
“No, it’s fine,” I said without thinking.
I saw the disappointment in Thomas’s eyes.
“We’ll work in another time soon,” Thomas said.
I took a deep breath remembering why tonight was supposed to be important. Just because Cammie had cooperated and given us one night this week didn’t mean we didn’t need some grown up time without her every now and then.
I unstrapped the baby from where I’d been carrying her against my chest and handed her to Peyton.
“You know what, I’m never going to be ready for this moment, so let’s just do it.”
“Are you sure?” Thomas asked, looking at me like I’d suddenly lost my mind.
“I’m sure,” I said.
Peyton was already loving on her niece and grinning. She followed us back to the van to get her carrier and overnight bag. I had packed in preparation for it at least.
I started to give her the run down, but Peyton stopped me.
“Lil, we’ve got this. Go, enjoy the rest of your evening and if you freak out in the middle of the night, just come and pick her up. It’s fine.”
Oliver walked up behind her and put a possessive hand on her waist. He grinned down at Cammie in her arms.
“We’re really doing this?” he asked.
“If it’s a problem…”
“Lily, it’s cool. The girls will love having her.”
I took a deep breath. “Thomas, let’s go before I chicken out or head to the bar and start drinking.”
He chuckled. “Yes ma’am. Thanks guys. We’ll see you in the morning.”
“If not sooner,” I mumbled under my breath.
My knee bounced up and down the whole way home.
“Slugger, you act like this is your first time or something.”
I shot him a look. “I’m not nervous about being alone with you.”
He grinned back at me and I knew he was just trying to calm my nerves.
“If you want to help me really get through tonight without falling apart, you’re going to have to wear me out, or copious amounts of wine. Whichever you prefer.”
He growled as he pulled up in front of the house then jumped out and stalked around to my side never taking his eyes off of me.
