Page 112 of A Newport Christmess

SEVERAL YEARS LATER

QUINN

I glanced around the crowded counter of Landon’s Newport house—our home, now—forgetting what I was looking for in the dimly lit room. The morning light had barely begun to push the darkness from the sky. “What was I looking for?”

“Your laptop charger.” Landon handed it to me. “And here’s your wallet.”

I shoved them both in my bag. “Thanks. I feel so scatter-brained this morning.” I paused. “Well, I always feel like that, but it’s worse today. I think I’m nervous for the conference. What if I say something stupid while I’m presenting?”

“You won’t.”

I sighed. “And why aren’t you coming again? You’re the one that knows everything about growing a successful social media account.”

“That’s not true. You’re the expert now.” Landon wrapped his arms around me. “That’s why Nikki asked you to put on this conference with her. Just be yourself, and they’ll love you.”

I bit my lip, attempting to be persuasive, or cute, or something that would convince him to come. “They’d love me more if you were there.”

“Who would watch the kids?”

“Julie said she would.” But even when I said it, I knew we wouldn’t ask that of her. Not when she’d just watched them a month ago while Landon and I took our annual week-long anniversary trip, this time a return trip to England where we’d spent our honeymoon.

“By the time I got them there, your conference will be half over. It’s only four days.”

“Four days feels like a long time to be away from you. Maybe I could tell Nikki I’m sick and I can’t make it.”

“And what about Ashlee? I’m sure she’d love to get off the plane in Florida to realize you didn’t show up to a conference she isn’t even attending.”

I shrugged. “I don’t know. She’d probably love a few days in a hotel room by herself, not having to work or act as emotional support to her crazy best friend.”

“Correction: kooky best friend.”

“Right? They’re totally different.”

Landon chuckled and tightened his grip on my waist. “We’re going to miss you, but I want you to try and enjoy yourself. Promise?”

“Fine,” I said, giving him an overdone pout.

Landon kissed me so tenderly it instantly calmed my nerves.

A pitter-patter of pajama-clad feet sent Landon and me glancing to the stairs. Bethany rounded the bottom step and came walking toward us with sleep-heavy eyes.

Landon moved toward her. “What are you doing up already?”

“I don’t want Mommy to go.”

Before I could agree to stay, Landon reached down and scooped her up. Her tiny four-year-old body was swallowed up in his embrace. “Mommy has to go, but she’ll be back soon.”

Bethany frowned. “Can I go with her?”

I ran my hand through her sleep-matted hair. “Who would help Daddy with Oscar if you’re not here?”

Bethany glanced at Landon. “Will she miss the boat parade?”

Landon’s brows lowered. “The Christmas one?”

She nodded.

The corners of Landon’s eyes crinkled. “No, sweetie. It’s only May. We still have a little while before the boat parade.” Apparently, Bethany hadn’t only gotten her blonde curls and blue eyes from me, but her general sense of time—or lack of it.