There was something in his tone. A knowledge, maybe discernment. Because out of the two of them and Norah and Landon, Leo did know. He was the only one with experience in that department—even if he wasn’t offering up advice.
“I’m sure compromise does have a lot to do with a successful marriage but letting him choose the bridesmaids dresses? I think that’s a little too far.”
“Yeah, you would,” he said gruffly.
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Her face heated, and she nearly released the top of the dress to slam her fists to her hips.
“Nothing, forget it.”
“You’re the one who’s divorced,” she spat out unintentionally.
He took a step backward. “Wow. Alright.”
Isabella pinched the bridge of her nose, regretting her words. “Leo, I’m sorry.”
“It’s fine.”
“No.” She glanced down at her shuffling feet that still wore the fuzzy, thick winter socks from the night before. “It’s not fine. I mean, at least you put yourself out there. At least you found love. You committed to it and saw it through. That’s more than I can say for myself.”
There was an excruciatingly long pause of silence between them. She chewed on her bottom lip, contemplating her next words. She and Leo would never get back to where they were, how close they were, and she didn’t necessarily want that. But they needed to get along for the sake of family—for Norah and Landon. But how could they do that when they couldn’t be in the same room for more than two minutes before they were either thinking with teenage hormones or bickering until they were both blue in the face?
“Finn and Nina are almost here,” Dad called from down the stairs, interrupting their tension. “T-minus ten minutes until the first day of Eight Days of Christmas!”
“Guess I better let you change out of that dress. It’s almost snowman contest time. The fun officially begins.” His eyes twinkled with mischief, then he turned and walked out of the room.
“Hey, wait a minute.” She rushed to the door
Leo stopped, then spun around slowly. “What is it, Izzy.”
With one hand, she gripped the door jam, and with the other, held the top of the dress. “You’re not planning on joining in the snowman contest, are you?”
“’Fraid so.”
“Seriously?”
“Norah and Landon asked me if I would. What was I supposed to say?” He tugged at the collar of his Henley, like it was choking him.
“You say,thanks, but no thanks.” She threw a hand up. “You say,nope, absolutely not.” She took long strides down the hall toward him. “You say,not until pigs fly. You say,not a chance in hell.” She stood in front of him, her hand still clutching the top of the dress and the other pressed to her jutted hip, her eyes trained on his.
“Why? Because it makes you uncomfortable having me here?”
She stared at him, silently.
“Look, I’ve been a part of this tradition and this family for a helluva long time. Years when you were nowhere to be seen. So no, Izzy. I’m not gonna skip out on today and let them down. Like you’ve been doing for years.”
Isabella gasped, and tears stung her eyes. But she would not let them fall.
She took a deep breath and lifted her chin. “Fine. But just so we’re clear, I don’t need you reminding me of my mistakes, Leo. I live with them every day.”
He arched a brow. “As do I.” He turned for the stairs but paused, his hand tight on the newel post. He scrubbed his other hand over his unshaven face and looked at her. “Listen. Let’s not ruin this for your family. Let’s just go out there like the two sensible adults we are and have a good time.” A small laugh left him. “Besides, now that we’re no longer teammates, I’m looking forward to destroying you in this contest. I can almost taste the sweet victory.” With that, he winked and vanished downstairs.
Oh, oh no. Sensible? Fat chance.
She flung herself around and stomped back to her room, the itchy fabric swishing against her skin. She was going to kick Leo Hoffman’s arrogant ass.
Bundledup in all her winter clothing, including a pair of borrowed snow boots from Norah that were a size too small, Isabella waited in the driveway to hug Finn, Nina, and Ava after they exited their car. Seeing Ava in person rather than on Facetime revealed how much she’d really grown since her last visit to New York. Isabella longed to catch up with her niece and curl up in front of the fireplace, drink spiked eggnog, and visit with her brother and sister-in-law. But that would have to wait. Dad was way too excited to get the first day of traditions underway, even ushering Ava into the front yard after she’d hugged each family member.
“But Grandpa, I have to go potty,” Ava whined.
