“It seems it could be a long night.” Carlisle glanced out the window and the now heavily falling snow. “I wouldn’t advise you to take him home tonight in this weather. As you know, we have plenty of bedrooms, if you don’t mind staying here.”
“Thank you.” Merry couldn’t help giving a dark chuckle. “What a crazy night. We’re all dressed up with nowhere to go.”
“You’ll want to change into something more comfortable.” Carlisle’s expression turned thoughtful. “The only clothing that will fit you are mine, and they would be quite large on you. Let me see what I can find. Are you all right with her?”
“I’m always all right with Grace.” Merry didn’t believe her feelings were only ones when she had compassion for a child. She loved this little girl.
When Carlisle returned, he’d changed from his tux into flannel pajamas and a robe. He carried another pair of pajamas.
“These have a drawstring at the waist, so I believe you should be able to keep them on.” Carlisle held them up, the corner of his mouth working.
“Well, thank you for that.” Merry glanced down at the now sleeping children on her lap. “If you’ll set them on that chair, I’ll change when I can move.”
Carlisle hesitated, looking like he wanted to say something. But he didn’t, instead lifting his daughter’s legs and sitting on the couch. He then settled them on his lap.
“Would you like me to put on a movie or something? I had our belongings from storage delivered a few days ago. I know it’s a little old-fashioned, but I have quite a DVD collection. Or we can stream something, if you prefer.”
“What kinds of movies do you like? You can learn a lot about a person by the kinds of movies they like to watch.”
Carlisle glanced at her. “And how do you know this?”
“I read an article about it. I’m sure there are differing opinions, but it was interesting.”
“So, tell me what you learned.”
“Well, let me think. People who like comedy tend to be more open and creative.”
“What was their justification for that conclusion?” Carlisle leaned his head back against the couch. He turned his head toward her, his face relaxed, looking happy despite the sick child’s legs on his lap.
“They said it was because humor tends to be more original and unpredictable. Humor is often used to challenge our thinking.”
“Fascinating. Tell me more.”
“People who are into horror films can be more contrary. And I think the article said they were more likely to be neurotic, though there was conflicting information about that one.”
“How is it you remember so much about this article?”
“Because we talked about it in the salon when business was slow. For a while, we were asking all of our clients about their movie preferences and everyone was analyzing each other.” Merry laughed softly. “It kept us entertained for weeks.”
“I’m not much into horror films myself, but I do enjoy action movies,” Carlisle said. “What does that say about me?”
Merry had to bite back a pleased smile. “It means you’re conscientious, hardworking, more likely to be emotionally stable, and more open.”
“Really? Did it say why?” He glanced at her again. “Not that I’m disappointed, mind you.”
“They said it comes from preferring familiarity. Action films have a certain predictability because of similar plot lines, but they also combine it with original content.” Merry chuckled at the face he made. “I know.”
“Tell me what your favorite movies are.” Carlisle surprised her by taking her hand.
Her pulse sped up, and her mother’s words came back to her. Merry had to work to keep her voice steady.
“No surprise for you there. I always look for the romance, even in an action movie. I’ve been like that since I was a little girl. The article said hard-working people favor romances but so do more neurotic people. They find romance comforting because of the happily-ever-after.” Merry let out a long breath. “I think I like the happily-ever-after because sometimes real life is just so hard.”
“You don’t find those to be unrealistic?”
“I don’t think so. My life with Ray wasn’t perfect, but life doesn’t have to be perfect to be beautiful.”
“That’s a lovely description. It was like that for Cressy and me. It’s the very thing which gives me confidence to know I can love again.” Carlisle brought her hand to his lips and kissed her fingers. “I love you, Merry Hurst, and I’d like to discuss a compromise.”
