His arms encircled her, driving out all the cold which had threatened to consume her. Home. He felt like home. Her breathing turned rapid, and she pulled him closer, deepening the kiss. A rumble came from his chest, and his arms tightened around her.
“Oh, my! So sorry,” came Inez’s voice, followed by the sound of the door closing.
Sandra giggled, and Eb burst out laughing. “Well, that wasn’t very professional, but I hope she will understand it’s a one-time thing.” He nuzzled Sandra’s nose with his. “We’ll have to save this for when we’re not working.”
“Yes.” She stood and then turned to help him to his feet. Her gaze went up to his mouth, but she took a step back. “And you meant it?”
“I’ve never meant anything more in my life.” With a cough, he went back to his desk. “But youwillcome with me on the Santa Run, won’t you? It’s official business, by the way. But I also want you to be my date at the Christmas Ball.”
“First, shouldn’t you take Rue with you on the run? She’d be thrilled.”
“If you recall, they did a special chair last year, so Nigel could ride with Walt. You remember the sled. The earl is much larger than you are, and he fit in with Walt just fine, so I don’t think there’ll be any problems making room for a little girl too.” Something dark flashed across Eb’s face. “Assuming, of course, she’s still with me.”
Sandra stepped up to the desk and leaned over, pinning his gaze. “The heat should already be mounting on her mother. If she’s sincere in wanting her daughter, Paige will pursue the lawsuit. But, if she’s only doing it to help her image, I won’t be the least bit surprised if she withdraws it.”
“What heat?” he asked, looking uncomfortable.
“I suggested your attorney send Paige a list of the people she’s gotten affidavits from. Just knowing who she’s up against as witnesses for her character—or lack of it—will bring out her true feelings.” Sandra straightened. “And, yes, I’ll be your date for both events.”
“Oh, I want you to be my date for more than just those two. There are still a few days before the ball, and I want to spend every one of them with you on my arm. And not just because of Rue. Will you help me rediscover Christmas?” The loving expression he wore sent her spirits soaring even higher, and it took all her restraint not to throw herself into his arms again.
“I’m looking forward to it.” Sandra blew him a kiss.
As she turned to the door, she was already trying to think where to get a gown. She’d love to have a dress designed by Linda, but there wouldn’t be time.
When she stepped into the reception area and Inez’s desk, Sandra’s cheeks went hot, but the woman was grinning.
“You go, girl.” Inez gave her a double thumbs up.
CHAPTERTWENTY-THREE
Lifting Rue so she could see better, Eb stood at the window of the staff office at the top of the groomed Edelweiss slope. Enthralled, she watched the ski patrol members hand out flares to the skiers who would light the path for the sleigh.
Eb smiled to himself. Since he’d mended things between him and Sandra, everything in his life had taken on a glow. His life now was so full of love that his happiness threatened to break free all the time. Instead of Sandra coming to the evening festivities around town with the Kinkades or the Wyndhams, she met him at Rue’s daycare. Like a little family, they’d visit that day’s advent calendar and then whatever else appealed to them. His girls had even convinced him to take a horse-drawn sleigh ride. His girls. His family.
Family. Even before Rue had joined Eb, the idea of Sandra someday being part of his life had lingered in the back of his mind. It had always felt right, almost inevitable—even if he didn’t believe in fate, and he’d nearly blown it with her.
When Walt had mentioned a three-bedroom condo on his floor going up for sale in January, Eb had checked out the floor plan and then his finances. He’d justified his interest with his need for a home office. But at night, he had dreams of Sandra living there with them. Part of him said it was too soon to be talking of marriage, but his uncle had only known his wife six weeks when they married, and they’d been together for fifty years.
But would it be too much too soon for Sandra? She’d barely finished moving into the condo. Just last night, she’d emptied the last packing box with his and Rue’s help.
Rue. His spirits dropped a little. If the judge awarded Paige full custody, Eb would likely only have his daughter a few times each year. The thought made his heart ache. Rue’s joy was so contagious, and it showed through, even when she turned grumpy and stubborn. Or threw a tantrum in the grocery store. Eb had already missed her first four years; he wanted to be there for all the rest of her growing up.
“You’re awfully quiet,” Sandra said, sliding her arm through his. “Worried about the Run?”
“You mustn’t worry,” Nigel added before Eb could answer. “It is quite the experience.”
“Just don’t scream like the earl did.” Walt chuckled as he clapped both men on the shoulder.
“Do Ihaveto scream?” Rue asked, turning from the window.
“No, sweetheart. Only if you want to.” Sandra kissed her temple. “It looks like they’re ready for your daddy.”
Letting out his breath, Eb nodded, and the three of them stepped into the frigid cold and to the electric-powered sleigh Gretchen had purchased last year. She’d be at the bottom of the slope to greet them and introduce Eb to the crowd. And then he’d have to give a speech. He thought he might throw up first.
He must have stiffened because Sandra gave his arm a squeeze. “Remember, talk to Rue and me and don’t worry about the crowd. For now, just enjoythismoment.” She kissed his cheek and stepped back to give him room to lift his daughter into the sleigh.
Eb turned to Sandra and did the same thing, her eyes widening in surprise. He held her close for a second, and she rewarded him with a kiss. Hoots from the skiers kept them from lingering. After pulling himself up beside her, he found Sandra had already buckled Rue in between them. He rested his elbow on the seat behind her so he could put his hand on Sandra’s shoulder.
