Page 34 of The No Falling Rule
Her brows shoot up.
I chuckle, leaning close. “But if you really want to know what I think about us decorating the tree…” My voice drops. “I can’t wait to help you put the star on top—so I can hold your ass while I do.”
Mia laughs, eyes sparkling. “Who’s the romantic one now?”
“I learned from the best,” I volley back, and she rolls her eyes but gives me a quick kiss.
We decorate the bottom of the tree first, spreading the ornaments evenly around the branches. Then come the garlands and bows, filling out the spaces until the tree shimmers with gold and red.
When it’s time to place the star, Mia gives me a heated look.
“Come on, babe. You need to hang it up,” I say, lifting her onto my shoulder. She balances on one hip, stretching as far as she can until the star settles perfectly on top.
As I help her down, my hands find her ass—and yeah, I give it a hard squeeze.
“Damn, baby. You’re so incredibly hot,” I murmur, brushing a quick kiss against her lips.
“Are you hungry?” I ask.
She smirks.
“No, naughty girl. I mean food.”
“I could eat,” she says, glancing past me. “But could we set up the nativity before lunch?”
I nod, smiling—silently patting myself on the back for asking Carly every Christmas detail from their childhood.
Mia starts arranging Mary and Joseph, baby Jesus between them. I grab the sheep and cows, setting up little herds near the barn where she’s placing the figures. Then I dig through the box for the ducks, the piece of glass, and the blue cellophane paper I’d asked Gladys to bring.
Mia pauses and watches me.
“According to my grandpa,” I explain, “in Colombia they don’t just use barn animals for the nativity—they build a whole scene. Houses, trees, churches, every kind of animal you can imagine.”
I smile at the memory of building that intricate nativity with my grandparents.
“That sounds beautiful. But what’s the glass and paper for?” she asks.
“Well, the ducks need a lake to swim in, don’t they?”
Mia laughs, eyes shining bright with adoration. “Thank you,” she whispers against my cheek. “I didn’t think I’d ever find someone to share my traditions with—and create our own.”
I press a kiss to her cheek and pull her into a hug. She’s opening her heart, and that means everything.
“Mr. Diego,” Gladys calls, stepping into the foyer.
“Hi, Gladys—perfect timing,” I say, standing and helping Mia to her feet. “This is Mia.”
Mia’s eyes shine while she smiles and gives a small wave.
“Are you both ready for lunch? The tamales are finished.”
Mia’s face lights up. “Tamales?”
I nod. “Yes, I asked Carly what you used to eat during Christmas.”
Mia throws her arms around me, whisperingThank youover and over again.
And in that moment, I know—I’ll stop at nothing to make her happy.
