Page 28 of A Newport Christmess

“Landon.” Nikki’s gaze flicked to me. “I didn’t realize you were coming.”

He looked less than thrilled to be here, and his eyes remained fixed on Nikki. “Neither did I. Kade refused to drop me off at home after the board meeting.”

Kade stepped forward with a mischievous smirk. “This forced-vacation thing has been rough on him. A night out is just what he needs.”

“I suppose he can stay if he behaves himself.” Nikki let out a puff of visible air. “How was the meeting?”

“Uneventful,” Landon answered.

Kade chuckled. “He’s just grumpy because I got the last prime rib at lunch. But in Landon’s defense, bell peppers stuffed with kale and quinoa would make anyone irritable.”

Landon leveled him with a scowl. “Almost as irritable as when I’m pulled from a project to attend a meeting where my presence isn’t required—at all.”

Kade’s eyes danced with humor. “Not true. Roger asked you to report on the project in L.A.”

Landon crossed his arms, unamused. “It took less than a minute to explain we got the permit approved and are on track for the build. And everyone there likely already knew that.”

I freed my hair from behind my ears, hoping it would act as a blanket to the sides of my face. Another shiver jolted through me, and despite my best efforts, my jaw chattered this time, and my shoulders shook.

Landon’s gaze finally turned in my direction. “We should start walking.”

“Good idea.” Nikki took hold of my arm and led me forward, leaving the men to follow. “You’re going to love this place. It’s like stepping back in time to a quaint little village. Every year, we’d come here to shop for our siblings’ Christmas presents. It was one of my favorite traditions.”

I leaned into her warmth. “What are some of your others?” I asked, desperate to keep my thoughts on something besides the cold and my disconcerting awareness of Landon behind me.

“In the beginning of December, there’s a tree lighting we’d go to here at Bowen’s Wharf. There’s the Christmas boat parade, which we also missed this year. And cutting down our own Christmas tree.” She smiled at me. “But my favorite one was building gingerbread houses with my mom and my grandma before my mom died.”

I stared at her, trying to find words. “I didn’t realize you’d lost your mom. I’m so sorry.”

“Last year was our first Christmas with her gone.” Nikki bit at her lip. “And there’s a part of me that dreads this one. It’s just not the same without her, especially because my dad is now remarried. Sandra’s a really wonderful woman, and I’m glad my dad is happy, but she’s not Mom.” Nikki sighed. “Christmas was my mom’s favorite holiday, and she’d go above and beyond to make it magical for us kids—even when we were adults.”

“Is that why you’re having a Christmas-themed wedding?”

Tears formed in Nikki’s eyes, and I worried I’d been insensitive or pried too much when she nodded. “I don’t want to get caught up in the day’s bustle and forget to think about her. That happens more lately—a whole day passing before I realize I was too busy to spare her a thought. And a part of me knows that’s normal, but I don’t want that on my wedding day. I want to remember her. I want to make her a part of it.” Nikki batted at a tear that escaped. “Sorry, I still can’t fully control the waterworks.”

“You never need to apologize. Feeling is what makes us beautifully human.”

She pulled me in closer. “I always knew we’d be friends in real life.”

Despite the cold, the thought warmed me. But then again, Nikki was friends with everyone.

We passed a sign that read Bowen’s Wharf and emerged onto a cobblestone street dusted with snow. The setting sun was nearly down, and the bluish hues of dusk only added to its dreamlike appeal. A tall Christmas tree decked in white lights was nestled snugly into the background like a painting. My pace slowed, and I stared in wonderment.

Nikki’s arm tightened around mine. “I told you that you’d love it.”

“It’s beautiful. It really looks like it came straight out of a Christmas storybook.”

“Landon?” Nikki glanced behind her. “Can you get a picture of me and Quinn?”

He kept his hands in his pockets and stared at his sister.

She scoffed. “It’s a picture. Don’t tell me you’ve sworn off taking pictures now, too?” Nikki huffed when Landon didn’t respond to her chiding. “Fine. Kade, can you take it?”

Kade grabbed the outstretched phone. “I’m only not offended I was your second choice because Landon has mad photography skills.” He backed up several feet. “Ready?”

“Here.” Nikki repositioned me like I was a store mannequin, tilting my head and angling my body correctly. She tipped my chin up slightly and cleared the hair from my face. “Perfect.”

Careful not to move, my gaze involuntarily flicked to Landon. Our eyes met briefly before he glanced away. Whatever I’d said or done the other night, he obviously had no plans to let it go.