Michelle’s response was to stand up from the sofa with a sort of grace Audrey would never possess in a million years. She crossed the room and knelt on the blanket in front of Audrey. Her hands cupped Audrey’s face as she drew her in for the kind of kiss that made the temperature in the room seem to skyrocket.
Slowly, Michelle guided Audrey to the floor beneath her. Her hands were busy, roaming and caressing, building friction between them. She murmured an endless stream of “Yes, darling” and “You’re so beautiful” and “I need you” as their clothes came off. Audrey had never seen this side of Michelle before, equal parts gentle and ravenous. They made passionate love in front of the Christmas tree, and Audrey thought she might never get over the beauty of Michelle’s bare skin against the backdrop of colorful twinkling lights.
Afterward, they lay together, staring up at the tree with their arms around each other. In the kitchen, the timer beeped, letting Audrey know the chicken was ready, and she groaned good-naturedly, not ready to move just yet. She also didn’t want to put her dress back on. “How do you feel about enjoying the rest of our Christmas celebration in our pajamas?”
“One hundred percent in favor,” Michelle answered without hesitation. “My mother would be scandalized by the very idea.”
“Do you mean you’ve never opened presents in your pajamas?”
“That’s exactly what I mean.” Michelle’s face was pressed against Audrey’s chest, her words spreading warmth over Audrey’s skin. “I’d say I’m long overdue, wouldn’t you?”
As it turned out, Michelle loved opening presents in pajamas, or at least, she loved preparing to open presents while nestled in a cozy hoodie, lounge pants, and thick socks. She and Audrey had enjoyed a delicious dinner—also in pajamas—and now they sipped mulled wine as they settled on the sofa together.
Michelle could practically see her mother’s disapproving glare but immediately pushed the thought away. She was forming new traditions, and she was enjoying herself in the process.
“Hey, before we get started, how did it go with Daniel?” Audrey asked.
Michelle smiled. “We had a really nice conversation. Apparently, it’s always been known within the family that Eliza and Ada were a couple. They were the loves of each other’s lives, and they never hid that from their families. In fact, after Ada passed away, Eliza would tell stories to her grandchildren about how they met and fell in love. She was proud of who she was, but she lived before the world was ready for that kind of pride. Daniel thinks ... well, he thinks she would want me to tell her true story and include her relationship with Ada in the book.”
“Oh, Michelle ... that’s wonderful. I know you’re going to do her proud.”
Michelle’s phone rang, interrupting the moment. She reached over to silence it, not wanting anything to take her away from Audrey, but when she saw Kate’s name on the screen, she hesitated.
“Answer it,” Audrey said. “We’ve got all evening together.”
Michelle considered that. Her mother would have scolded her for taking a call from a friend during the festivities, but ... “You’re sure you don’t mind?”
“She’s your best friend, Michelle. Of course I don’t mind.”
“All right. I’ll just say a quick hello.” She connected the call.
“How was your flight?” Kate asked. “Missing London already?”
“It was fine,” Michelle responded. As for missing London, Michelle was surprised to realize the answer was no. For once, she was glad to be right where she was. “I’m actually with Audrey, having a belated Christmas celebration.”
“Oh, how lovely!” Kate exclaimed. “I won’t keep you, then. But first, I’m dying to meet Audrey. Please say yes.”
Michelle’s phone beeped, and she looked at it in confusion. There was a FaceTime request from Kate on the screen. Michelle never madevideo calls. Frowning, she showed it to Audrey, who immediately pressed accept with a cheeky grin.
Kate’s smiling face appeared on the screen. “Hello! You must be Audrey. I’m Kate. I’m sure Michelle talks about me all the time.”
“She does, and it’s great to meet you.” Audrey moved closer to Michelle on the sofa. Her hand rested on Michelle’s thigh, a casually intimate gesture that warmed Michelle from the inside out.
“You two look awfully cozy,” Kate said.
Audrey tugged at the collar of her flannel pajama top. “The pajamas were my suggestion.”
“And I approve wholeheartedly,” Kate said. “I’m in my pajamas, too, although it’s a lot later here in London than it is in Vermont, but I think you two have the right idea. Christmas celebrations should be comfortable, if you ask me.”
They talked for a few more minutes, and it was surprisingly nice. Audrey and Kate seemed to hit it off, which, if Michelle had given it any thought ahead of time, she might have anticipated. It made her happy to see two of her favorite people laughing and chatting together.
When they ended the call, Audrey pressed a quick kiss to Michelle’s lips. “Kate’s great. I’m so glad you have a friend like her in your life.”
“I am too,” Michelle agreed. “Now, time to open presents?”
There were four gifts beneath the tree, two for each of them. Michelle didn’t often open presents, and when she did, she rarely felt excited about it. But right now, she was filled with a tingly sort of anticipation over both giving and receiving gifts with Audrey. What had Audrey wrapped for her? Had she made something on her pottery wheel? And what would she think of Michelle’s gifts for her?
Michelle’s phone chimed with an incoming text. It was from Kate.You two areAdorabletogether. I don’t know when I’ve seen you look so happy. I’m thrilled for you!
