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Grant guided me around one and drew me close.

The big stone fireplace had kept the lobby warm all evening. Beside it, the Christmas tree still looked beautiful, its white lights reflected in the dark windows. I’d become so used to seeing it that I didn’t like to imagine the room without it.

Jack and Ivy were dancing nearby, although mostly they seemed to be standing in one place kissing.

“They should get a room,” I said.

Grant glanced at them.

“We can do better.” His hand settled at my waist. I rested mine on his shoulder, letting him lead.

I wasn’t ready for the month to end.

“What?” Grant asked.

“Nothing.”

“You’re looking at me.”

“I’m allowed now.”

His hand tightened around mine.

“Yes, you are.”

I rested my cheek against his chest for a few steps. Beneath my ear, his heart was beating fast.

I tipped my head back.

He was watching me with a strange expression. Tender, but serious enough that I stopped smiling.

“Everything okay?”

“Everything’s good.”

“You sure?”

He nodded, then bent to kiss me.

It was a soft kiss, familiar now. Still enough to make me forget the people dancing around us.

When he drew back, I caught his hand more tightly.

“One more.”

He gave it to me.

Somewhere near the fireplace, Rhett said something that made Holly laugh. Jack and Ivy had stopped dancing, but I barely noticed. I was thinking how much I liked having Grant to myself in the middle of a crowd.

For years, I’d been grateful for whatever time I could get with him. A conversation after a show. A seat beside him at dinner. A few minutes on the phone that I would think about long after we hung up. Now I could ask him to kiss me again.

The song ended.

I expected him to lead me back to the sofa. Instead, he kept hold of my hand and glanced toward the DJ.

The music stayed off.

“Could I have everybody’s attention for a minute?” Grant asked.