“Apology unnecessary but accepted. I can’t imagine how hard it was for you. I had a great life, until my parents died. Even after. Auntie O was wonderful. I’m sorry you had tough times.” Her heart broke a little just thinking of what life must have been like for him. Her high school years were hard without parents, but her aunt was supportive and strong. To be broke and forced to hunt for food while working two jobs, all while going to school and battling a bad boy reputation must have been worse than anything she’d endured. Much, much worse.
“Hey, those tough times made me strong. My stubbornness got me arrested and shoved into the army. It carried me through physio and rehab too. Everything happens for a reason.”
They both fell silent. They’d both lost so much, and yet, they still had so much. “But you brought marshmallows?” she asked, turning the conversation back to something lighter. No sense ruining a perfect day with a bout of melancholy.
“Regular, mini, colored. There are even chocolate covered marshmallow Santas if that’s what you prefer. The cocoa is either regular or toffee flavor.”
“Wait, toffee hot chocolate is a thing? How did I not know that?” Chocolate-covered toffee was her favorite treat.
His grin was smug, but for some reason, it didn’t annoy her. He’d been doing his homework. Auntie O sent Rill chocolate-covered toffee in her monthly cookie care packages. Cookies, books, and chocolate-covered toffee. She didn’t often find time to read the books, but she devoured the treats. She’d been enjoying hot cocoa and a good book almost every night since she’d come home. But toffee cocoa, that was a dream come true.
“I have my information sources,” he said. “Your aunt discovered it and ordered some because you were coming for Christmas.”
Her aunt was amazing. She always found the perfect gift or treat. It was her super-power. You were never disappointed with an Auntie O gift. She always knew exactly what you wanted or needed. Had she known that Rill would want Owen?
Chapter Sixteen
The sleighs slowedto a stop a safe distance from the fire, and everyone climbed out. Carrie rushed to the fire, chattering about being chilled. Thomas and Ozitta wandered closer, holding hands and looking every bit like a couple in love. Johnathon ambled over with his usual calm precision.
“That’s what I want someday. Long lasting love.” Rill pointed toward the retired couple. Ozitta’s smile was enormous, and Thomas looked at her adoringly. In this light, he resembled an older Shemar Moore. Their obvious caring was moving, it was reminiscent of her of her parents, and how Auntie O had been with her husband before he passed when Rill was young.
Being surrounded by love tempted her. She could easily picture herself with Owen, if she was ready to settle down.
“Me too, I’m looking for long lasting love; someone to love and have children with.” Owen threw the last comment out offhandedly before he led her closer to the fire. “Warm up and I’ll get you a roasting stick. Hot dog or smokie?”
“Smokie all the way. At least for the first one.”
She giggled at his grin. She liked that he didn’t judge her eating. Another point in his favor. He was getting harder and harder to resist. Okay, if she were honest with herself, she’d known that she was totally gone. One hundred percent in love with him.
“Here you go.” Owen passed her a collapsible metal skewer already loaded with a fat smokie, “That one has cheese. Or, you can have this one, without cheese. It’s up to you.”
“Oh, I’ll keep the cheese one. I love how the cheese gets all melty and runny. I haven’t had a smokie in eons.” She clasped his arm and smiled up at him. “Thank you so much for this. You’ve made my day. Probably my week.” The depth of her growing love for him threatened to tumble from her lips, so she clamped them tightly closed.
“My pleasure.” He bowed lightly. “Do you want me to cook it for you?”
She reared back a little and wrinkled her brow in mock horror. “Are you kidding? No way. Half the fun of a wiener roast is getting too close to the fire and feeling like your face is scorched.” Their mingling laughter drifted over the clearing.
