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“I probably couldn’t afford it.”

“Let’s seal this deal,” I said. “With a kiss.”

“Is that legally binding?”

“If I say it is.”

“In that case.” She draped her arms over my shoulders and leaned in, allowing our lips to collide.

Once the kiss took over, all the chaos between us melted away, leaving us with nothing but the undeniable chemistry that brought us together. If it were that simple, there would be no obstacles in our way.

“Thank you,” she whispered against my lips. “I do appreciate you.”

“I hope you’ll see this gesture for what it is and put aside any doubts you have about me.”

“I don’t have doubts about you.”

She held onto me with the need I craved from her. Once she learned to trust me completely, she wouldn’t have any uncertainties at all. I would make sure of that.

After our visit to the tax office, we decided to walk around an inside holiday farmer’s market. The aroma of fresh pine wreaths and holly berry candles filled the space as Ivy and I strolled hand in hand. I had never done anything like this before. But it felt natural with her.

“Look!” She ran over to a table with some sort of decorations on it. “Aren’t they cute?”

“What are they?”

“Ornaments.”

“Oh.” I picked up one that had a fireplace and stockings hung from the mantel.

“You can get it personalized with names,” she said. “And the year too.”

“I see.”

“Okay, so they don’t look like those expensive crystal balls hanging on your big tree, but I like these.”

“I didn’t say I didn’t like it.” I picked up one with a tree and two hearts on it. At the bottom, Our First Christmas was written on it. “It’s just a little different than what I would put on my tree.”

“It’s silly, but it’s an adorable tradition.” She smiled. “When I was younger, we would go to the card and gift shop over on Main Street and I’d pick out an ornament every year. One year, I got bears and another year little kittens. I loved taking my time to select the right one and then going home and hanging it on the tree.”

“Your grandparents gave you a lovely childhood, didn’t they?”

“They really did.” Her face lit up. “I have so many memories of them and all the stuff they did to make things special for me.”

“I’m glad you have those memories.”

“Me too,” she said. “Do you have traditions?”

“Yes, my family loves to celebrate the holidays. My mother still makes us wear Christmas pajamas on Christmas Eve. All the adults and all the kids. She orders them in August.”

“Shut up!” When she giggled, I wanted to kiss her in the middle of this crowded craft fair. “I love that. I wear them too.”

The thought of her celebrating Christmas alone bothered me. Inviting her to spend it with my family was a huge step. I had never brought a woman home for the holidays. Come to think of it, I couldn’t remember the last time I introduced anyone to them. I might have been Ivy’s age.

“Should we look at that table?” She motioned toward the next vendor. “I can smell the candles from here.”

“Sure, but I was thinking.” I took her hand, realizing once the invitation was out there, I wouldn’t be able to take it back. When had I ever second-guessed myself this much? “What if you⁠—”

The ringing of her phone from her pocket halted my next few words. Maybe that was for the best. I should probably agonize over this decision for a few more days. What the hell is wrong with me?