McKenzie Cousins Box Set 1

After placing it in the player, I settle on the sofa and gently tug her legs across my lap. “What do you think of my choice?” I ask as soon as the movie starts playing.

Her eyes light up. “The Christmas Card.” She sighs. “I adore this movie. I watch it every December…except this one, up to now.”

“I knew you’d love this one.” I smirk, running my hands over her legs.

“Mmm, you were right, I just don’t think it’s a good idea to keep doing that.”

My hands stop their journey over her skin. “You’re right. Don’t move them though.”

“I won’t.”

She settles into the cushions and turns her face toward the television; the movie distracting her while my eyes stay on her face. My memory of her doesn’t do her justice because she’s breath taking, and I know the minute the storm stops and I can get into town, I’ll be out of here.

69

Charlotte

Stretching in bed, I roll over and face the window. Outside the sky is blue and I realize the snow has stopped. There's a sense of stillness as I roll from the bed and look out at nothing but whiteness. All the outbuildings, which I hadn’t seen last night, are covered and are hardly visible. I do notice some deep tracks out front that look as though a tractor, or some other heavy machinery, made them.

Turning my head toward the bedroom door, I hear someone downstairs, maybe in the kitchen as it sounds like pots and pans clattering. Smiling, I feel my heart flutter at the thought of seeing Tanner.

Last night could have been awkward between us, however, I did refrain from teasing the man. The feeling that he’d wanted to lead me toward his room had overwhelmed me. Instead, I’d reached up and kissed his cheek, wishing him a good night’s sleep. I did want to snuggle down into bed with him, but it was safer if we slept apart. For now, at least.

My excitement

grows as I quickly put his sweats and over shirt back on before leaving my room. The first thing I smell is freshly brewed coffee as I get closer to the kitchen, except I freeze when I realize its Tanner’s father.

The man turns and I have to blink a few times to hide my disappointment. He smiles and offers me a cup of coffee. “Tanner told me we have a guest.” He leans forward, smiling. “I’m his father, Derek. I do believe we met at a wedding.”

I shake his outstretched hand and then take a sip of the warm beverage that is a welcome from the coolness of the morning. “I’m sorry to barge in like this.”

“Nonsense. You’re more than welcome.” Derek tosses some bacon onto the griddle along with pancake batter. “I hope you’re hungry. Tanner said you’d need feeding when you woke.”

“Thank you.” Curious, I ask, “How did you get here with the storm outside?” because all I can see is vast whiteness as I glance out of the kitchen window.

“Made it into town before the storm and got waylaid. By the time I’d finished up the storm had gotten bad, so I stayed in town. Got a lift on the snowplow first thing.” Derek smiled. “It’s been a long time since I’ve ridden one of them.”

Derek turns to the stove while I take a seat at the breakfast bar and watch him work.

“So,” he grins placing food in front of me, “how is your sister and my friend? Their baby is due soon, right?”

“Sirena is due in about two months.” I smile. “Garrett is beyond excited and spends more time than ever at home with her and their son, Elias.” Sighing, I add, “I’m so glad she found Garrett. He's such a good man and loves her completely.”

He nods. “Garrett is a good man, has been for as long as I’ve known him.” He joins me and looks slightly uncomfortable. “Doesn’t it bother you that your sister is married to my best friend, who happens to be my age, and you’re in love with my son?”

I’m shocked at how outspoken he is, not to mention with the change of subject. “I don’t…”

“He hasn't said anything, but I saw the way you looked at each other at the wedding. He’s been unhappy since he’s been home, and you’re here now. I’m putting two and two together, and getting four.” He grins. “I love my son, Charlotte, and I want what’s best for him.” He pauses as he searches my face, weighing me, and continues, “And, I do believe, that’s you.”

“Thank you for saying that,” I whisper, trying to swallow food around the lump stuck in my throat. “I didn’t know what to say to you, really. I’m usually the confident business woman but here, and for matters of the heart, I’m a wreck.”

“Eat up, need to put some meat on those bones.”

I smile. “Where’s Tanner?” I frown looking out of the front window.

“He’s taken the large tractor up to the main road with the plow attached to help with the clearing. Could take a while, but he’ll be back for breakfast soon.”

“So, you can get into town if you needed to?”