The next day, I join him on the slope, cheering him on as he slowly regains his confidence on the run. After, I work the tension from his stiff muscles with a massage that ends with us both naked and ravenous.
I can’t push past the feeling that this all feels like a dream. Like we’re trapped in a snow globe while the rest of the world continues to move around us.
After a slow morning, we call Jasmine and Iris on Christmas Eve. The intention was just to call Iris and apologize, but she heard Liam and then it turned into a FaceTime call. We caught up on what we’ve been up to while they tell us about the NewYears masquerade party they’ve been planning with Marty and Alexi.
“Speaking of work, this one has kept me so distracted that I haven’t finished the article,” Liam says, kissing my cheek as he gets up off the couch.
I wrap myself tighter in the blanket. “Um, Jasmine, could we have a moment?” I ask.
“Sure thing.” She nods. “I need to pick up dinner anyway. My girlfriend is craving a good slice.”
This has me raising my brows as Jasmine maneuvers off screen and the muffled sound of a door comes from the other side of the call. “Girlfriend?”
Iris bites her lip. “You know I haven’t been a girlfriend for a long time.”
“I know. I’m really happy for you and really sorry for being an ass when all you ever do is help and accommodate me,” I say.
“Oh, bitch, you’re not the only one with commitment issues here. We’ve been enabling the fuck out of each other. I just let you think you’re the mastermind.”
“You’re so brave admitting that miles away.”
She sticks her tongue out. “So, are you going to open the email or just live in limbo?”
“I did.”
“And.”
“I . . .” I let my face fall for a moment and can practically see her trying to find people to cover her shifts so she can fly out here and comfort me. “Got in with an assistantship!”
“Rude. You had me worried there for a second. I wish I could throw a pillow at you.”
“Payback and you’ll have plenty of time for pillow throwing when I’m back.”
“And the deal with Liam? I mean besides the fact that you have the most severe case of sex hair I’ve ever seen.”
“We’re using all the time we have left here, and I’m trying to pretend I’m going to be fine at the end of this,” I admit.
“I’ll have a bottle of wine ready when you get back and a full day where we can watchSex and the Cityand I promise to listen to all of your fashion commentary like I understand it.”
“But for now. I’m happy.”
“And thoroughly dicked down, thank God.” On the screen we both wear goofy smiles.
That night, Liam and I pack up the snowmobiles and head back to the house. Juniper and Peter are out working, but we spend the night with Ally and Penelope, who gives us a smirk the moment we get inside.
All of this is actually happening. The house with the big windows, giving us a clear view of the snow falling outside, and too many hastily decorated trees. The laughs that bubble out of us as Liam tries to drink hot chocolate and gets whipped cream on his nose asA Christmas Carolplays in the background.
And after, when we pad up the stairs and Liam pulls me into his childhood bedroom. With its walls lined with medals and newspaper clippings, I know for the first time in years, I’ll get to wake up and spend Christmas with someone I love.
27
Liam
Usually, I mind when Pen knocks on all of our doors at five in the morning on Christmas, but usually, I don’t have Henri curled around me. I can’t complain about taking advantage of all the time that we have left.
“It’s still dark out,” she mumbles.
“She’s just trying to be the first family on the entire property to open presents.” I brush a hair off her face as she gazes up at me. “Can I ask for one thing today?”
