Page 108 of A Newport Christmess

His hand went to the door. “You ready?”

I nodded, but before the door opened, I put out a hand to stop him. “One last thing.”

“What’s tha—”

Before he could get his question out, I wrapped my arms around his neck and drew him to me. The kiss was supposed to be a quick reassurance, but the moment our lips touched, his hands slid around my waist, and I momentarily forgot everything but how it felt to be adored. And treasured. And crazy, head-over-heels in love.

Now, both our breathing came out in quick bursts. “Anything else?” he asked, a mischievous twinkle in his eye.

“I’m staying for Christmas, if that’s still okay with you?”

His hand brushed across my cheek, sending my insides into a state of torturous, wonderful commotion. “Christmas with you sounds absolutely perfect.”

This time, I allowed him to open the door, and when we stepped into the gorgeously decorated lobby—my gingerbread houses sitting as focal points amongst the luxurious greenery and flowers—a muted cheer erupted. My gaze flew to the heart-shaped staircase where the entire bridal party was lined up, their collective expressions of amusement on us, as they waited for Nikki to arrive so the procession could begin.

Kade stood near the closed salon doors and sent us a knowing grin before his gaze slid to the top of the stairs and his eyes glistened with tears. My gaze followed his to where Nikki stepped into view, looking like an absolute vision in her white dress. She stepped next to her dad and waved at us, and no one’s smile was brighter than hers. Then her gaze met Kade’s, and their shared look was filled with so much love and intimacy, I had to look away.

“By the way, I think you were right,” I whispered as Landon and I started toward the group. “Your sister intended to set us up all along.”

“Oh, I’m certain of it.” Landon took my hand in his. “And I’ll forever be grateful for her meddling. But don’t tell her that.”

My quiet laughter melted into the sound of organ music starting.

“Sandra has a seat saved for you right up front on the bride’s side,” Landon said, gesturing to which side that was. “I’ll see you after the ceremony.”

I gave Landon a quick kiss and slipped through the closed doors into the salon where the rest of the guests waited for one of the most anticipated weddings of the year.

TWENTY-SIX

LANDON

I knocked quietly on the door and peeked my head inside the familiar room—the room that had been mine when I’d lived at home with my parents. Quinn’s muffled groan made me smile, and I squatted down next to the bed. “Hey, Sleeping Beauty. Merry Christmas.”

She cracked an eye open and gave a tired smile. “Hey, you! What time is it?”

“Almost six.”

Her other eye opened, but she pulled the comforter under her chin like she had no intention of getting up. “Are Chloe and the boys awake? It’s still so quiet.”

“Not yet. I wanted to include you in one of my favorite traditions—if you want to join me.”

She lifted herself onto her elbows. “You bet I do. What is it?”

“Come, and I’ll show you.”

She pushed the comforter off and stood, our matching plaid jammies—a Christmas Eve gift to everyone in the family from my dad and Sandra—looking much better on her than they did on me. She yawned and lifted her arms up above her head to stretch, the tiniest bit of her stomach showing. But it was enough of a glimpse to chase any lingering sleep from me.

I stepped toward her, slipping my arm around her waist and pulling her toward me. Before our lips touched, she turned her head and offered me her cheek. “You don’t want to kiss me until I brush my teeth.”

“Wanna bet?” I took hold of her face and pulled it toward me. She tightened her lips as I pressed mine against hers, her giggling thwarting her efforts to wriggle free.

She swatted at me. “You’re going to wake up the kids.”

“Fine.” With a playful huff, I released her and nabbed the comforter off the bed. “Ready?”

Her gaze moved to the blanket draped over my arm before it dropped to my bare feet. “We aren’t going outside, are we?”

“No. The blanket’s for cuddling.”