“It’s all I want.”
The rest of the market goes by in a blur of hockey talk, more hot chocolate, and brats for dinner.
Grabbing a picture before we leave, I smile at the memory now saved in my phone. I want to cherish this night. Revisit it whenever I want. Seeing how happy everyone is has my heart close to bursting.
When I said all I want is for Lydia to be happy, it’s the truth. Now, that happiness extends to these two people who have etched themselves into our lives.
It feels like the two of us are starting to build the foundation to something bigger.
As Troy and Lydia say goodbye to one another now that bedtimes are fast approaching, Derek leans in close to me.
“I’ll see you tomorrow night for our pre-Christmas celebration?” Derek whispers in my ear. His warm breath sends ripples through my veins. The barest hint of a touch and my body is reacting to this man in ways I’ve never felt before.
“Yes.”
“Good.” Derek moves away from me, lifting Troy into his arms. “I’ll see you then.”
“Okay.” I bite down on my bottom lip to try and hide the enormous smile from splitting my face wide open.
“Bye, Miss Sutton!” Troy waves at me.
“Bye, Troy.”
“Bye, Mr. Derek! Bye, Troy!” Lydia chirps from beside me.
Derek gives us one last look before disappearing into the crowds. Linking my hand with Lydia’s, I steer us toward the parking lot down the road.
“Mommy, I really like Derek.” Lydia swings my arm back and forth.
“You do?” I ask.
“Yeah. He’s really nice. Troy is too. He’s fun to play with. I like all of his toys.”
I pull Lydia closer to me to let a passing family walk by. “Do you like him for more than his toys?”
She nods vigorously, almost as if her answer will determine if they get to keep playing together. “Yes!”
Finding my car in the parking lot, I unlock the door and start buckling Lydia into her car seat. “I’m glad you think so.” I press a kiss to her forehead. “Do you want to keep playing with Troy?”
She nods, her hair bouncing up and down. “Yes! He’s so much fun. And I want to beat him at hockey.”
I laugh at the excitement in her words. “Let’s learn to skate first and then we can talk about beating Troy later.”
“I’m going to be the best ice skater ever!”
Closing her door, I walk around the car to get into the driver’s seat and head toward home. Lydia’s excited chatter about skating carries us the whole way.
It’s infectious. Her excitement and happiness. With the Christmas season upon us, I’m ready for everything to come.
Chapter Sixteen
SUTTON
Checking my makeup one last time in the mirror, I swipe another coat of gloss on my lips before flipping the visor closed.
After Lydia’s dad picked her up today, Mom left for her own Christmas celebrations with friends, leaving me on my own before heading to Derek’s.
I tie my black trench coat tighter around me as I push open the car door. The porch light is on, beckoning me forward. My heels clatter against the concrete sidewalk.
