Of course Ethan is doing the real work, but Mia is absolutely convinced she’s the powerhouse behind this. Cas, Dex, and even Jude encourage her.
“You got this, princess,” Cas says.
“That’s it! You’re stronger than Ethan,” Dex nods.
“Look at those muscles,” Jude adds, and I swear it’s the first time I’ve ever seen him full-on smile.
Josh and Ethan cut, Mia guided by Ethan’s hands, grinning proudly the whole time.
The trunk cracks.
The tree falls exactly where Josh predicted.
Cheers erupt.
Ethan straightens and lifts Mia before coming to stand beside me. His shoulder brushes mine again as we gather around the tree, and when his eyes catch mine, just a fraction too long, with that playful glint, my pulse skips. I look away, blinking at the cold.
The family is busy arguing over who stands where for the photo when Ethan slips an arm around my shoulders and pulls me close. Warmth rushes through me, spreading far too easily.
I push it down. Hard.
He’s just being nice, Summer. Get a grip. You arenotgoing down this road. Not again. Not with anyone.
The camera clicks.
The moment the flash fades, I step out from under his arm and don’t look back.
???
Back at the ranch, warmth hits like a hug. Pine and roasting chicken fill the air. Lily’s cinnamon bread smells heavenly, and faint Christmas music hums from the record player. The tree stands in the corner, still flecked with frost.
“Lights first! Don’t tangle them!” Lily calls.
“Too late,” Cas groans, somehow already wrapped in glowing wire.
“Don’t worry, bro, it’s called artistic expression!” Dex claps him on the shoulder.
“You look like a freaking Christmas tree,” Ethan laughs, making everyone crack up. Cas groans louder.
I step closer to the tree and start hanging ornaments with care. Ethan moves nearby, too nearby, adjusting a branch, his chest brushing mine. I pretend it’s nothing and focus on Mia hanging a glittery snowman.
I will not notice him.
I will not feel anything.
“You missed a spot,” he murmurs near my ear. Goosebumps prickle straight up my arms.
“Where?,” I shoot back, doing my best to ignore the way my chest tightens.
He grins and brushes a stray strand of hair off my shoulder. His fingers linger for half a breath too long and then he points to a branch above my head, his scent engulfing me “Right here” his smile is playful, knowing.
I take a step back, steadying myself, keeping my expression flat.
Around us, the brothers bicker. Tinsel flies. Penny hands out ornaments. Mia squeals at every shiny thing she touches. The room is chaos, warm, loud, joyful chaos.
And in the middle of it, Ethan is always near.
Playful.
