Page 112 of 10 Things I Hate About Mistletoe

“Thank you, I’d appreciate that,” Delilah said, and Anthony almost sighed in relief. Not that she had agreed to take the information, but that she was open to options besides moving out of town and leaving him. They were just getting started.

“Anthony said you are looking to move back here?” Delilah asked.

“Yes, we’re putting our house on the market up there,” Bradley said.

“We want at least a three bedroom,” Audrey added to the conversation, reaching out to take her husband’s hand. “With a little land to give us space from our neighbors. We’re not flashy people, but it’s nice to get what you want.”

“I’d say the duplex I’m renting is coming up for sale, but it’s only a two bedroom.”

Anthony frowned. “Your rental is being sold? When?”

“Uh, I got a letter yesterday. I have thirty days to find a place.”

His surprise melted into frustration that she’d been holding on to this for over a day and she didn’t want to tell him. Why? Because she was still considering leaving and didn’t want him to talk her out of it?

“Why didn’t you say anything?” Anthony asked.

“I’m still in shock, I guess,” she murmured. “I’ve been there since I moved back after college, but I’ve got options.”

Anthony wanted to ask what her options were, but he felt his brother and sister-in-law watching them closely. He didn’t want his questions to sound like an interrogation.

“It’s good to be open to new opportunities,” Audrey said, releasing Bradley’s hand. “When I graduated from college, I was living with four roommates in a three-bedroom house. Bradley was my next-door neighbor and got sick of not being invited to our awesome parties.”

“First of all, I got tired of the loud music when I was trying to sleep.”

“Tomato, potato,” she shot back with a grin. “You were just jelly because you wanted to be one of the cool kids, you nerd.”

“Seems like it worked out for you,” Delilah said.

What about us, Lila? Is everything going to work out for us?

“Yes, I was coming home from work one night and my car broke down.” Audrey turned her attention to her husband, her expression softening. “Bradley stopped and offered me a ride. And that was all she wrote.”

“I think there was a little more to it than that.” Bradley smirked. “I remember begging you to go out with me and you said I was too uptight.”

“You were uptight,” she laughed, getting up out of her chair and leaning over to give him a lingering kiss. “That’s why I knew you needed me. I loosened you up.”

“That’s true.”

Audrey straightened, transferring her attention to Anthony and Delilah. “Anyone want something to drink while I’m up?”

“Water, please,” Delilah said.

“A Coke if you have it.”

“I’ll be right back,” Audrey said, trailing her fingers over her husband’s hand as she left the room.

That was what he wanted with Delilah. A future with a home, kids, and reassuring touches. Talking about their past and how they first met with fondness.

Anthony reached for Delilah’s hand and squeezed it, giving her a warm smile. She returned it with a hesitant one and Anthony hated not knowing what was going on in her mind. Suddenly, he couldn’t wait to get her alone and find out how he could help.

“Your brother and his wife are really nice,” Delilah said several hours later as they left the Airbnb.

“They are.” Anthony and Delilah followed the walkway out to the sidewalk, where Anthony took her hand and twirled her into his side. “I’m glad you and Audrey hit it off. I know Bradley and I talking about the Broncos and the Seahawks got a little heated, but we were just goofing.”

“Honestly, I expected another brawl to break out.” She shook her head. “I will never understand getting so aggressive about a sport.”

Anthony shook his head in disbelief. “It’s the Broncos. This is important,” he said, opening her door and holding out a hand to assist her. “Just wait. Next year I can’t wait to see you in a Broncos jersey, screaming your head off every Sunday. I will make a fan out of you yet.”