Page 39 of Wicked Love

I neared the threshold. “Yes?”

“I hate when we fight.”

I sighed. “I don’t like it either. And I don’t like it when you’re sad. Are we okay, or are you still mad at me?”

She said nothing for a long minute, and I believed she had fallen asleep. Then she replied, “No. None of it is your fault.”

“Okay. Good night, Grace.”

“Joe?”

“Yes?”

“Can you sleep in here tonight?”

I cleared my throat. “You sure?”

“Sometimes, I’m afraid of the dark.”

I entered the bedroom and neared the bed. I removed my jeans and my socks but kept my T-shirt on. “Scoot over. I’ll watch over you.”

On my back under the covers, I opened an arm, and Grace lodged herself against my chest. My fingers brushed her hair back. In the dark, all the complications of our lives didn’t exist.

“Joe? Please don’t fall in love with someone else, okay? Not until we untangle the mess we’re in.”

I swallowed. “Not my intention.”

Her breathing evened, and her head grew heavier on my chest.

Once I made sure Grace was fast asleep, I relaxed and surrendered myself to my dreams. Never before had my emotions been so conflicted.

* * *

Stardust Inn kitchen overflowed with people this morning. After we woke up entangled together, I told Grace my plans for the day, and she agreed. Now dressed in matching snowmen onesie pajamas that we picked up on our way here, we sat at one of the tables. Red tablecloths, white napkins, and golden plates, this was a very chic Christmas brunch. An assortment of pancakes, waffles, eggs, bacon, and grits filled the table. I had asked Lea if she needed help with anything, but she told me to sit and enjoy the food and company.

A man played Christmas music on the harp in a corner of the room, next to a grand piano. My fingers itched to play with him.

Before I could ask Lea if I could maybe join on a song or two, Thomas and Julian, the boys we met at the tree lighting ceremony a week ago and who were sitting at a far table, waved in our direction. “Look, Mama. It’s the pretty princess,” Thomas said, pointing at Grace. “Can we go and say hi?”

Their mother said something, and they both nodded. They jumped to their feet, but before they could get too far, I heard her warn them. “Careful, don’t run and break any of Lea’s snow globes, boys.”

I turned around, and that was when I noticed the display of snow globes on the shelves behind us. Dozens of them.

“We won’t,” Julian said, grabbing his little brother’s hand.

“Hey guys, how is it going?” Grace greeted them, scooting closer to me on the bench to leave room for them beside her.

“Awesome,” Julian said. “We built ornaments with stuff we found in the recycle bin yesterday, and we’re going to the ice-skating rink later today. Did you visit the castle?”

“Yes, we went to see what the fuss was all about last week,” I said. “You were right, guys. It’s pretty cool.”

“Are you gonna take part in the gingerbread contest next week? Last year, we finished first in the little kids’ category. This year we’re big kids, so we’re gonna decorate a house with icing and candies.”

“I’d love to go.” Grace smiled. “Will you team up with me, Joe?”

“Anytime, princess.”

Their mom gestured to them to join her.