“Oh,” she sighed happily at the cozy sight before her as Ash followed her in.
Maya was asleep with her head on Allie’s mom’s lap, with Allie’s childhood copy ofTwas the Night Before Christmason the coffee table in front of them.
Allie’s dad sat in his favorite chair by the fireplace with a mug of tea in his hands. And Tripp was in the old rocking chair, his eyes on the fire.
“Did you two have fun?” her mom asked quietly.
“Hello, Ash,” her dad said.
“We did have fun,” Allie told them.
“Oh my goodness, what’s that?” her mom asked, gesturing to Allie’s hand.
The little diamond twinkled and winked in the firelight like it was laughing, and Allie moved closer to her mom, holding her hand out so she could examine it.
“That’s really lovely,” Mom said approvingly to Ash. “And it suits her.”
“Thank you,” Ash said. “Maya helped.”
“Of course she did,” Mom said fondly, gazing down at the little girl in her lap.
“Let’s have a look,” Dad said.
Allie obediently moved to him and held out her hand.
She noticed that Tripp hadn’teven looked up.
“Spoiled already,” her dad said, but he winked and smiled so she would know he was only teasing. “I wouldn’t have it any other way for you, my only daughter.”
His voice was a little gruff on that last remark and Allie’s heart tugged with guilt.
I wish it were real. Maybe it will be eventually…
“Are you two heading into town for the fun tomorrow?” Mom asked.
“Yes, ma’am,” Ash said. “Allie let me know about everything tonight, and I think Maya and I are going to love it.”
“We’ll be there too,” Dad put in. “And we’d be glad to watch her if you two want to do some shopping for the little lady at any point.”
“Thanks so much,” Ash said, brightening. “That’s a great idea, actually. We just might take you up on that.”
“Hope you do, son,” Dad said.
Allie couldn’t help glancing over at Ash. She was surprised to see that he looked visibly moved at her father’s words, even though they were spoken so casually.
“Well, we don’t want to overstay our welcome, and tomorrow’s a big day,” Ash said, moving to scoop Maya up.“Hey, pumpkin. You don’t have to wake up.”
“I don’t want to go,” Maya whimpered, not even opening her eyes. “I want to keep playing with Tripp.”
“I’ll see you later, sweetheart,” Tripp whispered to her, finally looking up from the fire to smile at Maya.
“We’re going to see everyone again tomorrow,” Ash murmured to her. “Won’t that be great?”
“Mmm,” Maya hummed, snuggling into his neck ashe carried her to the door and slid his feet back into his boots.
“Don’t bother bundling up again,” Ash said, stopping at the door and turning to Allie. “We’ll see you tomorrow. Text me the details.”
“Okay,” Allie said, feeling a little sorry now that she hadn’t let him kiss her before.
