Page 118

Claire nodded.

His hand settled lightly at her waist as he leaned toward her. Claire had expected a quick peck for Emily’s benefit, but Noah lingered just long enough to make her forget that they had an audience.

The kiss was soft, lingering just long enough for Claire to register the warmth of his lips and the gentle brush of his fingers against her side.

When he pulled back, she was still smiling.

“Honestly,” Emily muttered, turning dramatically toward the trees, “think of the children.”

Claire laughed, still close enough to Noah that their shoulders touched.

“You did this,” Noah reminded Emily.

“I immediately regretted it.”

Claire and Noah continued looking at trees, away from the rest of the family. Claire ran her hand across a branch, then looked around. “I get it now.”

Noah glanced at her. “What?”

“Why people come here instead of buying a fake one. It’s not just the tree. It’s the experience.”

Noah grinned mischievously. “Oh. I thought you meant why you want to kiss me for the rest of your life.”

Claire blinked. “Yes—wait, no. Ugh, I—what?”

His grin widened.

“That is not what I said.”

“No, but you did say yes.”

“Because you caught me off guard!”

“Still counts.”

Claire stared at him, completely betrayed by the amusement on his face. “You’re the worst.”

“And yet, apparently, very kissable.”

She opened her mouth, then closed it again.

Noah laughed. “Wow. I actually broke you.”

“I hate you.”

“Sure, you do.”

Claire turned back toward the trees before he could see just how warm her face had gotten.

Noah let her pick the tree. When they were sure of it, he called the rest of the family over to look at it.

“It’s perfect,” Ainsley declared.

“Definitely the one,” Maggie agreed.

“For sure.” Emily nodded.

Will was the only one who disagreed.