By the time we migrate back to the fireplace, I’m exhausted in the best way. The kind of tired that comes from a full day of actual living instead of performing.
Noella appears, making her rounds. “We’ve done the evening turndown in all the rooms. Don’t forget—Santa is coming tonight, so be sure to get some sleep!”
She winks, but her words make me suddenly realize something I should’ve thought about hours ago.
Where is Reese going to sleep?
“Um,” I start.
He shifts uncomfortably, seemingly having the same realization at the exact same moment because his eyes widen slightly. “I should’ve asked this morning, but do you have any vacancies?”
Noella smiles apologetically. “The inn is fully booked. In fact, Rebecca got our last room. The storm has everyone staying put. But your suite has a couch, doesn’t it, dear?”
“It does,” I manage.
“Perfect! Well, Merry Christmas Eve to you both.” She bustles away before either of us can respond.
“I can sleep in my truck,” Reese says immediately. “It’s not a big deal.”
“In a blizzard? Absolutely not.” I stand up, brushing cookie crumbs off my leggings. Pookie goes to town, “vacuuming” the floor. Something she never would have done a couple of days ago, but something has changed. She’s a refined pooch, but we’re living on the edge, here. Even more so now with the sleeping arrangements situation.
Shaking my head, I say, “The couch has to be more comfortable than your truck.”
He looks uncertain, and I don’t blame him. “Um, Brady wouldn’t like this.”
“Brady isn’t here.”
“But he’s my best friend and this?—”
This is definitely wandering into out-of-bounds territory. We both know it. My brother was super protective of me when we were younger and anyone who so much wanted to look my way knew they had to clear it with my big bro.
“I’m an adult and have outsourced a lot of my decisions lately. You were kind enough to stay with me today even though you’d worked all night and were probably exhausted. You need a good night’s rest and the least I can do is offer you a warm place to sleep.”
He reluctantly nods as if bracing himself for Brady’s wrath. Not that he needs to. If my brother feels argumentative, he and Lilith can fight and lose over who gets a say in my life because, from now on, I’m making my own choices.
“Come on,” I say. “But first, we need pajamas.”
The gift shop has matching flannel sets—red plaid with little Christmas trees. I grab two pairs in our sizes, then pause at the tiny dog section.
“For Pookie?” Reese asks.
“Obviously.”
I also sneak back while he browses a display of reindeer carvings and grab Reese a small gift—something to remember this Christmas by.
A version of “A Christmas Carol” plays on the big screen in the game room when we pass.
“Should we?” Reese asks.
“It wouldn’t be Christmas Eve without watching such a classic film.”
With bowls of festive popcorn, we settle in with the other guests to watch. I’ve seen this movie a dozen times, but watching it with Reese makes it feel new. He smiles at the funny parts. During moving scenes, his eyes get a little misty. Unlike some people in my industry, he’s not afraid to be a goofball, show his emotions, be real.
He’s genuine, honest. And I’m falling for him. Like the snow outside. Fast and heavy. Like a snowball rolling downhill.
When the movie ends, Noella—still in full Mrs. Claus mode—sits in a large armchair and pulls out a worn copy of Twas the Night Before Christmas. Her voice is warm and theatrical as she reads, and everyone listens with the rapt attention usually reserved for children’s story time.
She stops just before the end, right at “‘Happy Christmas to all?—’”
