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Brooke’s eyes gleamed. “Now, that, I can help with. I agree it’s not easy while you’re both acting as children’s entertainers, and I’m a bit loath to curtail that because it’s great to see the children happy, and also I’m enjoying having the help more than I can tell you.”

It was impossible not to like Brooke.

“I suppose that’s one thing you miss about not making it to your parents’ house,” Izzy said. “I expect they love playing with their grandchildren.”

“Yes, that’s the theory. In practice, it’s not that easy. They adore the girls, of course, but I still have to be there, to make sure the children behave. It’s hard work, believe me. I don’t get to read a book, or a magazine, or even watch TV. Now, stop changing the subject. We were talking about you and Jason.”

“You were talking about that.”

“We were considering how to take it to the next level. Our options are limited, it’s true.” Brooke ignored the interruption. “I’d suggest a walk, but you can’t do that because you’ll be found frozen tomorrow and that isn’t romantic. Neither is wearing clothing suitable for the Arctic. It’s so tricky to remove and that’s not romantic, either.” She tapped her lip with her finger and then lifted her hand. “I’ve got it! We need to have a proper, civilised dinner for the grown-ups. All this star making and ribbon tying and horse racing is lovely for the girls, but we need some adult time, too. Yes! That’s it. That’s what we’re going to do.” Brooke looked ridiculously pleased with herself.

“I like the star making and the ribbon tying,” Izzy said. “And I’m not sure I qualify as a grown-up.” She felt more comfortable with the children than she did with Jason, who made her feel awkward and self-conscious. “What are you suggesting?”

“Tomorrow is Christmas Eve.” Brooke thought for a moment. “We always get the children to bed early, because Matt and I have to stuff their stockings and generally do the Santa-was-here act. It’s fun. Also, they need to get to sleep because they wake up indecently early on Christmas Day, and that part isn’t fun. It’s brutal. So tomorrow isn’t great. But tonight—tonight would be perfect.”

“Perfect for what?”

“Dinner. I’ll talk to Mabel and we’ll have a special dinner for the five of us. We’ll dress up and behave as if it’s Christmas. It will give you the perfect opportunity to spend quality time with Jason in a romantic atmosphere. Fairy lights. Candles. Nice bottle of wine. Let nature take its course.”

The last time she’d let nature take its course she’d ended up naked with him on the floor of his apartment.

Was that the outcome she wanted? She’d been avoiding that scenario.

Izzy swallowed. “I really don’t think—”

“Good. Overthinking is a bad habit. I should know. It’s one of my flaws. What do you have to wear?”

Wear? She’d been clear in her mind that she wasn’t going to pursue a relationship, but Brooke’s words had made her question everything. That and every new piece of information she learned about Jason.

Why was she resisting? Was she really protecting him or herself? And if it was herself, was she going to look back and regret that one snowy Christmas that might have been perfect?

She was full of doubt, but that was nothing new. She wished she were more like Brooke, who seemed so sure of everything. She’d known within minutes of meeting Matt that he was the one. Izzy wasn’t sure of anything, except perhaps that she was never sure of anything.

“This is what I have to wear.” Izzy looked down at herself. “I basically brought two outfits. I will be wearing the same for dinner as I wear for breakfast. I could change my tights to black ones?”

Brooke looked horrified. “No, that won’t create the effect we need. Wait there.” She disappeared and was back moments later holding a package. “Try this on. I think it will look sensational on you.”

“It’s gift-wrapped.”

“Yes. It’s for one of my second cousins who always begs me to buy things from a particular store in London.”

“Then why are you giving it to me?”

“First, in case you hadn’t noticed, I’m not going to be seeing my cousin at Christmas, and second, because this is an emergency.”

“Me having a dress to wear is an emergency?”

“If the alternative is your miniskirt and tights, then yes. Don’t be offended. You look cute. But we’re not going for cute for our romantic dinner.”

Izzy’s head was spinning. “We’re not?”

“No, we’re not.”

Izzy undid the bow from the package. “I’m not comfortable wearing someone else’s dress. What if the snow melts on Christmas Day and you get there the day after?”

“I’ll give her money and tell her she can buy something in the sale. Believe me, she’ll be equally happy with that.”

Matt walked into the kitchen to fetch drinks for the girls. “Whatever she is trying to talk you into doing, it’s not worth arguing, Izzy. She always wins. It’s like being run over by a truck wrapped in velvet. It’s much less emotionally exhausting to simply say, ‘Yes, Brooke,’ and agree to whatever she’s suggesting.”