Nash’s hand flexed in hers.She could feel the worry through their connection.It took a moment, but then Nash nodded.“I’m sure she’d appreciate your help.You’ll just have to promise to be smart and follow her instructions.”
“Thanks, Dad.You know I will.”
Nash nodded as the boy raced over to where Sylvia chatted with Knox and Thea.
She leaned her shoulder into his.“He’s growing up.”
Nash nodded.“He is.Which is great, but it scares the shit out of me, too.”
Olivia brushed her free hand over Ella’s hair.“I know what you mean.”
Nash leaned down and brushed his lips softly over hers.“We’ll figure it out.”
Delight filled her.“Yes, we will.”
Nash grinned as he helped Charlie, Gray, and Amber find the right spot for the Christmas tree they’d bought for the No Phailed Apples Inn.The ground was frozen now, but they’d plant it in the spring.
Charlie looked around the property with all the seriousness in his ten-year-old soul.Although he’d be eleven in a few months.That much closer to a teenager.
Nash’s heart thumped a bit at the thought.It had been more than a decade since he’d lost Charlotte.And with her death being the same as Charlie’s birthday, it was always going to be a day that filled him with the entire spectrum of emotions.
The thought of falling in love with Olivia while still being filled with love for Charlotte no longer scared the hell out of him.
Gray’s hand landed on Nash’s shoulder.“Thinking deep thoughts?”
He nodded as they watched Charlie and Amber consider the height of the building and the amount of sun a blue spruce required.“Thinking about Charlie’s mom.”
Gray nodded.“And Charlie.Olivia, too, unless I’m mistaken.”
He nodded with a small smile.Claus had always been intuitive.He said it was a requirement of being Italian.Proving it, he continued.“My Mamma always said the heart isn’t a fixed size.It expands with every person you love.It’s not like you have to stop loving one person to love someone else.There’s always room for more.”
Nash’s eyebrows shot up.“Not for the first time, I’m thinking you’re a hell of a lucky guy to have had Rosina Santoro as your mamma.”
Gray laughed.“I agree.And I’m sure she’s nodding and smiling down at you right now.”
Nash smiled as he considered his friend’s words.“Is it weird that I think my Charlotte would have loved Olivia?That she would approve of her.And of how I feel about her.”
Gray shook his head.“Not weird at all.She loved you and you loved her.I think Charlotte would hate it if you locked your heart away for the rest of your life.She’d want you to live and love fully.It’s not like you love her any less because you love Olivia, too.”
Nash expelled a breath slowly.“I’ve been thinking along those lines.It’s good to know that I’m not just feeding myself a line of bullshit.”
Gray laughed.“Not this time, anyway.”
Charlie and Amber walked their way, nodding.“Dad, Amber and I think that their Christmas tree could live on their front porch for this year.It’s not too big yet.Then we found a great spot for it to live once it’s time to plant it in the spring.We can decorate it for Christmas every year, and it’ll be right where the guests can see it from the dining room.What do you think?”
Nash nodded and sent Gray a grin.“I think you’re right.It’s a great idea.”
They set the tree on the porch and then headed down the driveway as another truck pulled in.When he spotted Garrett and Kimi in the vehicle, he grinned and looked for Olivia.He didn’t want her to miss the moment.
He spotted her playing with Ella in the snow beside the farmhouse.He whistled to draw her attention.With a grin, he pointed at the truck.
Her smile was instantaneous, and she scooped up her girl with a laugh.
Beside Nash, Charlie grinned.“It’s Kimi and Garrett.Maybe they brought me a dog.”
He knew his son was kidding and putting in another plug for a pet.He couldn’t wait to see his reaction when he found out he was right.
Olivia met them near the truck as their friends climbed down.Garrett grinned.“Hey, everyone.Great day, isn’t it?”
