Page 59 of Christmas at Valentine Inn

She looked up at me with this childlike wonder in her eyes. “At least your lie is the truth, and it’s helping someone.”

Was our lie the truth? Did Patrick tell her that he was all for making this a reality? She was acting like she was pretty all right with it. I gave her a squeeze. “You’re a good kid.”

She shrugged and ran through the door her dad was holding open for all of us.

As I walked by, he kissed my cheek. “You look great with my kids.”

I hoped they thought so, too. I was becoming quite fond of them.

Once in the lobby, Patrick looked back to make sure Dave was nowhere to be found. “That man is utter rubbish. I will see him eat crow even if I have to shove it down his throat myself.”

“Wow. Tough talk. It’s kind of a turn-on.” I grinned.

“I should probably speak more gently around you.”

“Nope. I like it.”

Patrick rewarded me with another kiss.

The rink was already thumping with “Girls Just Want to Have Fun.”

Was I ever ready for some fun.

Jameson came skating out with Charlotte trailing behind him, before I even had the chance to shake the snow out of my hair. “Come on, Aunt Iz, you’re late. You promised to do the limbo with me.”

“I already paid for everyone.” Charlotte smiled at the scene. She was in a dither about the situation and the fact that we were coming tonight and making a public appearance. I noticed she’d added me to the inn’s guest registry with Patrick today. Next to our names she’d drawn a heart. The scary part was, she hadn’t been wrong yet.

“Yes, I did.” I tapped Jameson’s nose. “Just let me get some skates.” I was definitely going to need some Advil later.

Jameson was off again, with Charlotte chasing him. “See you in a minute,” she called.

Patrick’s left brow popped. “Limbo? I have to see this.”

“I think you should do it, too.”

“I would prefer to watch.”

“Okay. I’ll give you a show.” There he went, bringing out my playful side again.

His mouth fell open.

I tipped his chin back up. “Easy there, tiger.”

Rory rolled his eyes. “You guys are gross. I’m going to get some rollerblades.”

Bridgette followed him.

I tensed up. “Sorry. I’m not used to the dating-with-kids thing yet.”

“Don’t be. It’s good for them to see a normal, healthy relationship. I want my children to know what real affection is.”

“I want them to know that too.”

“Thank you, Isabelle.”

“I better get out there. You are going to join me later, right?”

“I wouldn’t miss skating with you for all the world.”

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