I nodded. "My brothers have been working on it all afternoon."
Angela pointed at me. "I knew you were up to something."
I grinned. "Hopefully, you like it, and it was worth it."
Ayla pulled on her coat and her boots.
Morgan and Maverick stood just inside the door.
Maverick inclined his head toward the living room where the puzzle was on the coffee table, and there were empty mugs of hot chocolate. "It's warm and cozy in here. I think you had the better end of the deal."
I grinned. "I think I did too."
Morgan punched my arm as I walked past him. "You owe us."
"I do," I readily agreed. It was worth whatever they wanted to see Angela and Ayla’s excitement about the surprise we'd planned for them.
I opened the door first, then paused. "You should close your eyes so you get the full effect."
Angela took Ayla's hand, and they both closed their eyes.
I moved to Angela's side, guiding her across the porch, then telling her to take the two steps down.
Then we were on the grass, facing the house.
The lights were already on, and the house looked festive, warm, and inviting. "Now you can look."
I turned my gaze from the lights to their faces.
Ayla squealed and ran toward the porch to get closer.
Angela's eyes widened. "I can't believe you did this."
My chest felt tight. "Do you like it?"
"It's amazing. Thank you." Her voice was soft, and I could hear Ayla talking excitedly to Maverick and Morgan about what they'd done. But my focus was on Angela.
"You don't think we overstepped."
"I wouldn't have been able to do this, and look how happy Ayla is." Angela gestured at Ayla, who was looking up at Maverick as he answered her questions.
"It was worth it then."
"You made us lunch and kept us busy with the puzzle so that this would be a surprise," she said, her gaze shifting to me, and suddenly, I wished we were alone.
I cleared my throat. "I didn't want you to see it until it was finished."
"I've never had anyone do something like this for me."
She was fiercely independent, and I was glad she let me do this for her now. "These lights are the kind that you can change color. So you could leave them up and do orange for Halloween or red for Valentine's Day."
"Oh, how fun. I don't know what the future renters will want, but it certainly makes it feel more like Christmas while we're here."
My stomach sank. I hadn't meant to remind her that her time here was limited. I wanted her to stay. Why should she move into that tiny apartment above the shop when she could live here in this house?
I liked the idea of her living here where I knew she was safe and protected. Ayla clearly enjoyed the larger space and backyard. This is where they should stay. But I didn't have any say over their lives.
Angela reached over and squeezed my hand. "Seriously, this is amazing. Thank you."
