Vaughn side-eyes me before quickly kissing my cheek. “Sounds like your year only got better.”
“Yeah… yeah, it did,” I lament.
* * *
Snap.
“There is the golden shot,” Stone says as he examines his screen, as he just took a photo. It’s fun having him around. He moved to Lake Spark like he said he would, which also means he stops by even when Vaughn isn’t around. Believe it or not, he is a baby whisperer too.
It’s Christmas Day, and we just managed to get a calm baby to comply with our photos by the tree.
“The party is here,” Briggs announces, as he must have come in through the back. He’s holding up a six-pack, which is kind of hilarious considering this house is anything but simple.
Briggs sets the beer on the counter then strolls right into the living area to drop onto the sofa on the other end from Stone.
“Where’s your girlfriend?” I ask.
“Ivy will be here in a bit. Her casserole needed a little more time in the oven, and I wanted to be sure that I get enough time with my niece since I have to fly out tomorrow,” Briggs explains.
Vaughn and I stand but leave Nora on the rug so she can admire the wrapping paper that catches her interest.
Stone tips his nose up at Briggs. “Just remember that the better uncle arrived on time.”
Briggs gawks at Stone. “I’ll prove to you that I can out-uncle you…” He snaps his fingers. “In a minute flat.”
Vaughn shakes his head, almost annoyed. “Let’s leave the Hunger Games for another day. What are the chances you can show me your teamwork skills to watch your niece for a few minutes?” Vaughn requests from both.
They both have a stiff look and raise their posture. It’s utterly ridiculous, but they’ll soften the moment they see Nora roll over or shriek in delight.
“On it,” Briggs announces.
Vaughn and I both smile as we walk down the hall where we grab our coats and boots then walk through the garage to the back patio where a fire was already started a little while ago. Vaughn thought we should have options for where we sit today, and he wanted to deep fry a turkey with Stone, which honestly, I don’t see it being a success.
He sits down then pulls me onto his lap. “We get a few minutes alone.” He flashes his eyes at me.
The snow on the ground isn’t light, but still the lake looks breathtaking, even with ice on the shallow water.
“Only if you keep me warm,” I purr into his ear and link my arm around his.
“Are you happy?” he asks, and I notice a glint in his eyes.
My own eyes squint for a second. “Very. Are you even questioning it?”
“Not at all. It’s been a great day, plus we even have a special cheese plate for snacks,” he jokes.
I stifle a sound. “Remember how this all came to be? A ridiculous cheese conversation and your flirting skills.”
“Ah, so I charmed you from second one.”
“Absolutely.”
We both sigh as we sync our breathing and stare out to the view. This is peaceful and quiet, yet completely intimate in a way, as it’s us.
“We’re going at the right pace? You and me?” Vaughn asks.
“Geez, what’s with the interrogation? Are you okay?” Now I look at him with worry.
His smirk appearing means trouble. He has a trick up his sleeve, I feel it in my bones. “May I just throw an option out on the table?”
