“Too many kids and dogs,” he murmured, tugging her gently, “so I need you alone for a moment.”
Laughing at how completely unsubtle he was, she slipped away with him to the kitchen, which was warm and lit by the under-cabinet glow. On the island were the remnants of their empty pizza box and scattered paper plates that had been abandoned for the fun of tree decorating.
As soon as they were alone, Marshall pulled Gracie close and kissed her.
“Oh…” She whispered against his lips. “That wasn’t in…the plan.”
“Yes it was.” He chuckled and kissed her again. “Then my plans for alone time morphed into a family night.”
Drawing back, she searched his face. “I don’t actually mind it?—”
“I love it,” he said. “But I didn’t want to forget that tonight was supposed to be a date.”
“Rain check?”
“As many as you want.” Once again, he leaned down and kissed her, this time not rushed at all but full of affection and connection.
When he lifted his head, she sighed into him.
He brushed his thumb along her cheek. “You know, I thought tonight would be the two of us with wine but…” He glanced toward the muffled sounds of giggling from the living room, “somehow this is just as perfect. Maybe more.”
She nodded. “Yeah. It really is. Those two are so easy and fun. And smart.”
“The kids are good, too,” he cracked, making her laugh. As her smile faded, he slid a warm hand under her hair, holding her head in his large palm. “I just had to bring you back here to tell you something.”
She lifted her brows, waiting and wondering. Also melting into his arms.
“I’m crazy about you,” he whispered. “I really think this could be something lasting and real.”
Her breath caught. “Marshall…”
He kissed her lightly. “Not pushing. Just telling you the truth.”
She rested her forehead against his. “I like the truth.”
Before she could say anything else, Olivia shouted from the other room:
“Dad! Benny’s trying to hang the glitter snowflake upside down!”
“Not upside down!” Benny yelled. “Artistic!”
Marshall groaned. “We should go rescue the tree.”
“Probably.”
They stepped back into the living room to see headlights pulling into the driveway.
“You expecting someone?” Gracie asked, but even as she said the words, she had a bad feeling about who this could be.
He just shook his head and walked to the door, leaving her in the living room with the kids, waiting for?—
“Bianca.”
Waiting forthat.
A second later, Bianca swept into the living room in a whirl of cold air, high heels, the scent of expensive perfume, and enough attitude to freeze the fireplace.
“Oh…you’re all here,” she said, her dark eyes sweeping over Benny and Gracie. “Well, good, you can be my witnesses, since you’re so connected to that lodge.”
