He pulls me into him and kisses my cheek. “Relax, Caroline. It’s just a house, gorgeous, but it’s just a house.”
I press the doorbell and then Dr. Lee answers. “Hello, Caroline, come on in. Come on in.” He sees Parker standing behind me and smirks. “Oh, and who is this handsome man with you?”
“This is my boyfriend, Parker Ames.”
“Hello, Parker. I’m Eric Lee. My wife Tara is around here somewhere, but I’ll introduce you shortly. Please come in and take off your coats.”
His adorable daughter pops up beside him with curiosity. “Hi, Ms. Caroline.”
“Hi, Em. Merry Christmas, kiddo.” I pull the small gift I brought for her out of my coat.
“Oh my goodness. You got me a present. Thank you.” She gleams and smiles up at her dad and then back at me. “This is awesome.”
“You don’t even know what it is.”
She tilts her head and smiles knowingly. “It’s book shape and texture. Either it’s a journal or a book, so it’s awesome.”
“Emily, please take their coats, sweetheart. You can open your gift later with your mom around so she can see it too. She loves watching you open presents.” Dr. Lee turns to us and says, “This is our only child, Emily, so she’s a bit spoiled.”
“May I,” she asks, holding out her hands for jackets.
“And they’re a little heavy,” I say. “I’ve got it.”
“Thank you.”
Parker gives him a bottle of wine with a bow on it. “Wow, this is a great vintage. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. Merry Christmas.”
“Oh, Tara, there you are, honey. You remember Caroline, and this is her boyfriend Parker.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you Parker. Caroline, it is great to see you again.” She gives me a hug. “I love your dress. Oh my gosh, it’s so pretty.”
“He brought us a bottle of wine, babe, and it’s a nice one. We might have to stash this baby for us,” he says, winking at her.
“Thank you. Some of our guests have already depleted our selection,” she teases.
“I’m so glad you guys could come. So, just so you know, I had to invite Anne as well. She overheard me invite you.”
“I thought she’d left.”
“No, she had forgotten something in the office. And she’s here with her date, Tom. Although, he looks like he went through a war. Apparently he got into a fight with somebody.” I stiffen up really quickly.
Parker’s at my side, holding onto my waist and reading me like a book. “Are you okay, sweetheart?”
I pat his hand that’s resting on my hip. “I’m fine, I’m fine.”
“Let me get you two a drink.”
“Something non-alcoholic, please.”
“Absolutely.” Tara raises her eyebrows and looks right at my belly that is flat. Taking my hand, she drags me away from Parker. “Ooh, do I get juicy gossip?”
“Not that I know of.” I giggle, shaking my head.
“Oh. Just wondering.”
“Well, Parker doesn’t drink either, but we figured there’s going to be some guests consuming wine.”
