I laugh, a bit breathless. “Double wow.”
We hold each other under the stars. It feels like a dream, but everything about this—us—is real. Thank goodness.
John pulls back slightly. “I almost wish we could stay here forever.”
“Me too.”
John kisses me again. This time is slower, as if savoring the moment.
I laugh softly, unable to hold it in. “When I agreed to a fake relationship, I never imagined it would turn out like this.”
“Me neither. But I’m so happy it has.”
“Same.” This Christmas has given me so much. Not only a new romance, but the home and family I’ve always craved.
“Ready to face the real world again?” he asks.
I take a final look at the stars reflecting in the lake and then stare up at him. “Thanks to you, I’m ready for anything.”
Including facing my family.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
John
I park at the curb in front of Abby’s parents’ house and kill the engine. The silence that falls between us isn’t comfortable anymore. Abby’s knuckles turn white on the door handle, and she squares her shoulders like she’s preparing for battle. I hate that she’s back to seeming so defensive, but who knows what’s waiting inside for her.
I cover her free hand with mine. “We’re here to grab Powerfluff and go. In and out, like a covert operation.”
Abby manages a weak smile, her shoulders relaxing slightly. “Right. Operation Rescue Powerfluff.”
I exit the car. The temperature is colder here than at my grandparents’ house, but it’s not snowing. That’ll make for an easier drive home. Even though I usually spend tonight with my family, they understand that would be asking a lot of Abby.
As we approach the front door, torn wrapping paper and empty boxes spill out of a garbage can by the front steps. I make a mental note to call my grandparents tomorrow and tell them how grateful I am for everything they’ve done and continue to do for me and the family.
Abby glances at the bin, takes a deep breath, and rings the doorbell. “I wish we’d taken Powerfluff with us earlier.”
Me too, but I don’t want to admit that and make her feel worse.
The door opens. Abby’s mother appears frazzled and holds a half-empty glass of wine.
“I’m glad you’re back,” she says, her voice sounding tired. “I was worried you’d spend the night there.”
As we step inside, the air is thick with the pine scent of the candle, and a sports announcer recaps a football game on theTV. Abby’s father snores in his chair, the Santa hat askew on his head. Rachel and Jake are huddled on the couch, staring at a tablet, too absorbed to even look up as we enter.
“We’re here to pick up Powerfluff,” Abby says, her voice almost lost amidst the blaring TV.
Abby’s mother waves a dismissive hand. “That cat’s been under your bed all day. How was your Christmas? Did John’s family like you, Abby? I hope you made a good impression.”
Abby stiffens beside me, her smile faltering. Before she can answer, I step in. “They loved her. My grandmother’s already asking when we’re coming back for another visit.”
Rachel’s head snaps up, her gaze sharp as it locks onto Abby. “Oh, how nice,” she says, her tone catty. “I’m sure Abby fit right in with all those fancy people.”
I bite back a retort. My family might be well-off, but they’re anything but the snobbish stereotype she is insinuating. They’re genuine and warm, qualities that seem to be in short supply in this house.
Rachel squints. “What are you wearing?”
“Clothes,” Abby says dryly.
