“I just love you both so much,” he rasps. “You both deserve the world.”
“So do you, Aiden.”
He drops his head, his nose brushing mine.
“Then, I guess it’s good we found each other—so we can build a world of our own.”
“I think we’ve already started,” I say, smiling as his lips touch mine.
For the first time since we all came together under one roof, there’s a sense of balance. The tiny lit tree in a nook in the hallway wall flickers.
We’re finally finding solid footing with all of this.
And for the first time, I had nothing to do with it.
forty-two
CHLOE
I’m ready for a break.For each thing that works out the way it’s supposed to, at least two or three things fall apart.
And I could use a win.
“I understand. I hope you get better soon, Mr. Clark. I’m going to have soup delivered for you tonight, okay? Yes, of course. I’ll tell her you said so. Feel better. Good night.” I end the call and lean forward on the counter, resting my head in my hands.
I’m just going to sit here and wallow until a solution comes to mind. Because therehasto be another option.
“Everything okay?”
I blink up at Aiden, idly wondering how long he’s been standing here.
“No, not really. But it’s silly,” I say, shrugging. “It’s not a big deal.”
I take a deep breath, reminding myself this season is anything but normal.
We’ve rolled with the punches for weeks, so it only makes sense to continue. Normally, I can. But this is theonething I’ve managed every year, no matter what life throws our way.
The idea of missing out this year makes me queasy.
“Try me.”
There’s a clink of ceramic as he replaces the lid on the cookie jar, and my mood lifts a fraction. I caught the cookie thief red-handed.
“Fine.” I push off the counter to stand. “I always take Phoebe to see Santa.”
He nods. “As do most people.”
“The last two to three years, I’ve had Santa come to me. I take pictures while she tells him what she wants. It’s our thing. It’s what we do.”
“Okay,” he says around a bite of cookie. “That sounds like a fun tradition you started. I’m trying to find the problem.”
I twist my mouth. “I had this year’s visit scheduled, and then Phoebe got sick.”
He nods, and as silly as it seems, I’m grateful he’s at least pretending to follow along.
“So I called my contact and asked if he’d be willing to come to the farm for a private fee. Maybe shoot a few extra sessions with me.” He opens his mouth, and I lift a hand. “I still feel terrible about all the people I had to refund, and I was trying to fix it.”
“You gave everyone options, Chloe. Stop.” He shakes his head. “It’s their own fault for not choosing to take photos out here in God’s country.”
