Page 17 of Christmas at Valentine Inn

I did know that about her. I envied her for it, but not in this situation. “Do what you can. Kiss her breathless if you have to.”

Drake’s green eyes lit up at the possibility. “That could work.” He strode off.

“My mom and dad kiss waaay too much,” Jameson complained.

“Sorry, kid, you’re probably going to have to get used to that.”

“I think he’s going to put sperm in her.”

I pressed my lips together, trying not to laugh. Charlotte and I had been very good about teaching him correct anatomy terms. Charlotte had to explain how babies were made once Jameson found out he had a real dad and wasn’t conceived by fireworks. Ever since then he’d been fascinated with the concept of sperm and the eggs inside of women.

I cleared my throat and ruffled his hair. “Probably.”

Jameson screwed his face up at the thought before his eyes widened. “Maybe I’ll get a brother or sister.”

“Would you like that?”

“Yeah.” He smiled.

“I’d like that too.” I needed another niece or nephew. “How about we get our groove on?”

“Yes! Let’s get low!”

This kid owned my heart. Was it a good thing he loved “Low” by Flo Rida? Probably not. Thankfully he had no idea what the lyrics meant. All he wanted to do was get low, low, low.

I couldn’t help but glance toward the entrance. Drake was conversing with Rory, who looked like the happiest kid in the world. Charlotte was chatting up Patrick and Bridgette. I cringed to think of what she might be saying. No doubt she was hatching some plan. I lingered too long and Patrick glanced my way, catching my eye. He shook his head and quickly turned away.

I pretended like that didn’t hurt. “Ready to dance?” I asked Jameson.

He vigorously nodded.

I hurried over to the alcove where we kept the sound equipment and plugged in my phone. I pulled up the song and clicked Play. Soon the ballroom was thumping. I didn’t care that we had an audience; I was going to dance with my nephew. Who knew how many more nights I had of this? Even if they weren’t moving, I knew Jameson would one day find me and our dance parties uncool.

I came out swinging my hips. I didn’t hold back and smacked my booty to match the song.

Jameson mimicked me and gave his little bum a big ol’ smack.

I loved him so much. I laughed while we shimmied down to the floor, getting low, low, low, low.

Unexpectedly, Rory slid in and joined our party. The kid had some moves. It looked like he had watchedStep UpandStep Up 2a few times. Though no one had watched those movies as much as I had. Especially the first one. Was I embarrassed by this fact? Uh, no. Have you seen Channing Tatum? The better question was, was he still available? I should ask Drake if he knew. My birthday was coming up, and Channing would be the perfect gift to get a future sister-in-law he hoped to win over.

Rory started doing the sprinkler, making me laugh. Jameson copied him.

Charlotte came over and grabbed me. “Let’s show these kids how it’s done.”

I noticed Patrick and Bridgette approach. Of course, Drake was front and center. He loved to watch Charlotte get her groove on.

For a second, I felt self-conscious knowing Patrick was near and watching, but it wasn’t the first time he’d seen me dance. We’d danced together at the New Year’s Eve party we had attended so long ago. He’d actually had some pretty good moves back then. My favorite was when he’d held me flush against him and swayed slowly to the beat of the sensual music while his hands ran down the curve of my body. The things he’d whispered in my ear still made me blush. I doubt he thought those things now.

But I wasn’t one to let anyone dictate how I behaved. I followed Charlotte out to the middle of the floor, and we got down like we were wearing Apple Bottom jeans and boots with the fur. Drake, Jameson, and Rory cheered us on. Several guests popped in to see what the fuss was all about. A few of them even joined us, some in their pajamas. It made it feel like we were at a slumber party.

For a moment, I felt so light and free—happy, even.

In the chaos of it all, Patrick moved closer. I caught a glimpse of him watching me with wide-eyed wonder as I dropped it low. I wanted to say, “That’s right, buddy; I’m still limber.” Sure, I would need some Advil tonight, but he didn’t need to know that. And I didn’t need him.

I smacked my booty in atake thatkind of move. I would be ashamed about it later.

Rory found his way over to me, doing the running man. He reminded me so much of his dad in that moment. I could picture Patrick doing the same cheesy move, making me laugh until my sides hurt. I wondered if Patrick had taught his son his old nineties dance moves.

---