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“Oh, we wouldn’t want to intrude.” I’m suddenly bashful about crashing Gabe’s night with his mom. Of course I want to spend time with him, but I’m sure Elena does, too. I’m not the only one who misses Gabe when he’s doing his famous-musician job.

“No intrusion at all, right, Gabe?” Elena glances at him.

He looks straight at me. “Not at all.”

“The two of us were already getting sick of each other.” Elena winks and readjusts her position on the couch. Gabe steps over and arranges a pillow under her leg.

“So sassy, this one.” He grins.

I resist the urge to tell Elena I don’t think it’s possible to get tired of Gabe, smiling instead and eyeing the half-decorated tree.

Elena follows my gaze. “We could use your help with the tree, Beth. Between you and me, Gabe’s decorating abilities leave something to be desired.”

“Rude.” Gabe points at his mom.

I bite back my smile as Elena smirks. I wander over to get a better look at the tree. I close my eyes and inhale the piney scent. I’m instantly transported to Felipe’s fields, and before I know it, I’m reliving the feel of being in Gabe’s arms.

“You two picked a winner,” Elena says.

I open my eyes to find her studying me with a twinkle in her eye.

“I love a real tree,” Ivy says, giving me a chance to unstick my tongue from the roof of my mouth.

“Nothing like it,” Elena agrees. “Now, if you two wouldn’t mind un-bunching some of the garland that Gabe wound too tightly toward the top of the tree, I’d appreciate it.”

“I resent the implication that I’m incapable of decorating a Christmas tree. We’ve been doing this together for years!”

Elena hums. “Unfortunately for me, your abilities haven’t improved much since you were in kindergarten.”

Gabe pouts. “Take it back.”

“You know I’m kidding.” Elena laughs. “I love you in spite of your decorating skills.”

Gabe crosses his arms, and I catch a whiff of him, and I must say he rivals the scent of the tree with the cologne or aftershave or deodorant he’s wearing. It’s a little citrusy with a hint of spice in the mix, and I could take a bath in whatever it is.

“I have other skills, thank you very much,” he grumbles.

And my face is like lava again. Because I can imagine a couple.

Ivy chuckles next to me, but I busy myself with the tree, rising up on my tiptoes to try to reach the beaded red garland Gabe strung near the top. I sink back down into my heels when it’s apparent that I’m not going to be able to touch the strands.

“Here.” Gabe’s at my side with a step stool.

“You reading my mind now?” I murmur as he stretches it out for me.

A slow smile spreads across his face. “You’re my favorite story.”

My eyes flare, but he holds my gaze, the picture of sincerity. I look away first but glance back as I’m stepping up. “Is that a song lyric?”

“Nah, that’s just how I feel about you.”

Be still, my pitter-pattering heart.

“So, Jack, when are your grandparents headed into town?” Elena asks my brother as I fiddle with the garland.

I feel Gabe’s nearness. A peek over my shoulder reveals he’s standing at the base of the stool.

“Just in case it wobbles,” he says without me asking a question.