“Why didn’t you? Is their church super homophobic?”
“Got it in one.” Michelle tried to keep her tone lighter than she felt. “It’s been a sore point between us for a while. Kelly and I always refused, but last year, I gave in and went, since I was alone. It was a mistake. So tonight, here I am. Tell me about your day. I’m sure it’s been better than mine.”
“I’m sure it has, although I’m sorry that’s the case,” Audrey said. “We started the morning with my dad’s homemade cinnamon rolls, which areamazing, and then we opened presents. We were in the middle of watchingElfwhen you texted, and I couldn’t wait another moment to hear your voice.”
Michelle touched her cheek, surprised to realize she was smiling. It might’ve been the first time she’d smiled all day. “I’m very glad to hear your voice, too, although I’m sorry for taking you away from your movie.”
“Pfft, I’ve seen it a dozen times. No worries.” She sounded so light, so carefree, and Michelle’s chest actually ached with the need to see her.
“Audrey ...” Michelle pressed a hand to her heart, caught off guard by the strength of her yearning.
“Yeah?”
“I just ... I miss you, that’s all.”
“I miss you too,” Audrey said, sounding unexpectedly serious. “I wish you were here, especially after what you’ve told me about your family. You deserve a holiday full of love and laughter too.”
“It sounds really nice.” And now she was getting choked up. What was the matter with her? She and Audrey had only been sleeping together for a few weeks! It was too soon for these feelings,waytoo soon. “I’m actually going to be here in the UK a little longer than planned, but perhaps we can share some of that holiday cheer once we’re both back in Vermont.”
“Definitely. But why are you staying longer?”
“Well, as you know, I’m spending tomorrow with Kate, but then I was able to arrange a meeting with Daniel, Eliza St. Claire’s great-grandson, before I fly home.”
“Oh, I can’t wait to hear how that goes. Once you’re back, come over to my house, and we can open presents in front of the Christmas tree.” Audrey had already teased Michelle for not decorating her own house, but right now, the idea of sitting with her in front of a Christmas tree felt perfect.
“That sounds nice.”
“Good.” Audrey paused. “Will Muse be lonely, though?”
“Hardly. She’s probably having the time of her life without me this week.”
“I doubt that. I bet you’re both feeling lonely right now, and that hurts my heart.”
Michelle blinked the dampness from her eyes. “I’m not lonely at this exact moment.”
“I’m glad,” Audrey said quietly. “And I’ll be celebrating with you in person before you know it.”
“I’m counting down the days.”
Chapter Twenty-One
Audrey set the lights on her tree to softly flicker. She’d been thrilled when she found lights with different settings so she could set them to white or multicolored, flashing or steady, depending on her mood. The gently flickering multicolored lights seemed fitting for tonight because she felt like a pulsing mass of colors in anticipation of seeing Michelle.
She was supposed to be here any minute, and maybe Audrey had gone a bit overboard preparing for her, but Michelle had sounded so sad on the phone on Christmas Day. It was almost New Year’s Eve now, but Audrey wanted to make sure Michelle had all the holiday cheer she could handle tonight.
Christmas music played softly through the speakers, and two gifts were wrapped beneath the tree in red-and-white-striped paper, topped with shiny silver bows. She’d put a chicken in the oven to roast right after she’d finished baking an apple pie, and consequently her house smelled amazing too.
Now all she needed was Michelle.
Right on cue, she heard a knock at the door. Audrey rushed to answer it. She pulled the door open to reveal Michelle standing there in a green sweater and black jeans, an enormous gift bag beside her on the porch and a small box in one hand.
Audrey’s arms were around her almost before she realized what she was doing. “Merry belated Christmas. You look fantastic.” She pulled back just far enough to press her lips to Michelle’s, thrilled by how enthusiastically Michelle responded to her kiss.
“So do you ... at least, I think so. You didn’t give me a chance to look at you properly yet,” Michelle teased.
“Well, if you insist.” Audrey released her, motioning Michelle inside, then closed the door behind her.
Michelle made a show of looking Audrey up and down, appreciating the red knit dress she wore. “Stunning. Did you dress up just for me?”
