Ronan
I’ve been fightingmy attraction to Poppy for the entire three months since we first met, and the two months since she became our nanny. Throughout that time, I worried that if I gave in to my base urges, it could somehow destroy everything.
But I was wrong. It didn’t ruin a thing. It only made everything so much better. And it won’t hurt Belle because Poppy cares about her, regardless of what happens.
We couldn’t get enough of each other last night, and I didn’t want to leave. I wasn’t used to that. Normally, I don’t spend the night. Even with Belle’s mom, who lasted a little longer than most.
But with Poppy, close wasn’t enough. I always wanted more. Being with her felt like coming home, not to any home I’ve ever known, but to the very best idea of it. It felt like hope. It felt like joy.
And when I was with her, I didn’t want our time to end.
Not our nights. Nor our days.
The next morning, when the thin early light streamed in through the curtains, Poppy and I made love again, not having our fill of each other the night before, even though we’d barely slept.
We spent the morning in bed until it was time to get Belle.
We pick her up from Sasha’s house to find her dressed in a Christmas sweater with a red beanie over messy, unbrushed hair.
“I’m ready for sledding!” she says. “Did you see the snow out there?”
We drive home, and after taking turns sledding on a small hill at the back of our property, we make a very ugly snowman and then walk back to the house. Belle runs up ahead. I grasp Poppy’s hand to steady her when she slips. When I don’t let go, she looks at me, startled. But I hold firmly. I know I shouldn’t, but I can’t help it.
Belle turns and sees us. She doesn’t say anything, just runs back and grasps hold of my hand on the other side. I look down at her, and she smiles as bright as the fresh white snow glinting in the sun, while we all walk up the steps hand in hand. It’s corny as hell, but I feel like the Grinch whose heart grew three sizes that day.
I wonder what would happen if Belle and I came back to Snowflake Harbor to visit when I get a break in my schedule in January. I have another movie lined up, but I plan to call my manager to see if I can get out of it so that Belle can enroll in school. It would beat having to have another nanny and tutor, following me to yet another set. I might not want to take a break in my career indefinitely, but I’ve been working nonstop for the last decade. I could take some time off.
“Want some hot cocoa, Belle?” Poppy asks.
“What about me?” I say. “Do I get some also?”
“Nope. But there’s a delicious green smoothie waiting for you.” Her eyes twinkle.
“Daddy, you can have some of mine,” Belle says, looking at me with a worried expression, as if not having a cup of cocoa would be a travesty.
“Thank you, pumpkin,” I say, touched.
We make it to the house and take off our boots, laughing and arguing good-naturedly, when I get a call from my manager.
“Ronan, we’ve got a problem,” he says, sounding grim.
CHAPTER30
7 DAYS TO CHRISTMAS
Poppy
I knowit’s bad the instant I see Ronan’s face. He’s often quiet, sometimes grumpy, but rarely angry. His still waters are so deep, you aren’t sure what’s under the surface, but usually it all feels placid on top.
Not now.
I try to catch his eye to ask if he’s okay, but he’s entirely focused on the phone call as he walks out to the porch to talk.
I’ve promised Belle cocoa, and I need to order the pizza we planned, so I get started on heating the milk and place an order on the food delivery app. I know everyone’s favorite toppings, though it’s fifty-fifty whether Ronan will eat that many carbs and fat.
As I finish making the chocolate, I try to eavesdrop on his conversation, just a little, but all I can make out are various swear words. I think I hear something about tabloids and paparazzi.
I herd Belle into the living room with our cups and turn on a Barbie Christmas movie. As she settles in, I check my phone for the first time today to distract myself.
