Christmas Ever After (Puffin Island 3)

“A little. I found you very attractive, and I didn’t trust the feeling. In the summer I was rude to you—”

“You were keeping me at a distance.” She understood that now. She understood all of it.

“I used to think that being in a committed relationship meant sacrifice. That it forced you to make difficult choices. Then I spent time with you and realized that it’s not about choosing one life over another. It’s about sharing that life with someone you love. You were the one who showed me that was possible. I want that someone to be you.”

She listened, still afraid she was dreaming. That this was another one of those scenarios spun into reality by her creative brain. “When I was with you, I was me. Because I wasn’t trying to impress you, I didn’t feel the need to be anyone other than who I am. I didn’t care if you judged me, and it turned out that you didn’t. You taught me to accept who I am. You taught me that having a passion and wanting to pursue it is valid. You were never impatient about what I did. You made me so happy.”

“I was so scared of hurting you.” He groaned the words against her lips. “I don’t ever want to hurt you.”

She wrapped her arms round his neck. “I’m not some vulnerable flower, Alec. I’m not going to blow over in the wind or wilt if you leave me at home unwatered.”

“I know. I discovered that on that night when you threatened to put your stiletto through my balls.”

She grinned. “In the circumstances, that was very rude and ungrateful of me. I’m surprised you didn’t leave me there.”

“I would never have done that.”

“I know. You refused to leave me.” It choked her to think of it. “You behaved like a real hero.”

“Don’t put me on a pedestal.”

“I’m not. I know who you are, Alec.” She touched his face gently. “I know you’re single-minded and focused when it comes to your work. I know you have bursts of enthusiasm for what you’re doing that makes any intrusion from the outside world unwelcome. When you’re working on a project that’s all you think about. You give yourself totally to it and even the thought that something or someone might intrude on that makes you irritable. I know you think that’s selfish, but I think it shows focus and commitment and a drive to do the very best you can, and I understand that. It doesn’t irritate me. On the contrary, it’s one of the many things I love and admire about you.” She paused, trying to explain. “If I’d been on my own that night … well, it wouldn’t have been pretty. You did what needed to be done, even though it inconvenienced you. I think that’s heroic. And you were kind. You didn’t even like me, and you were kind.”

He inhaled deeply. “I liked you. In fact I liked you a little too much. I liked your fire and energy and your ability to laugh at everything, even yourself.”

“You took me to your home, even though that must have been the last thing you wanted to do.” She swallowed. “I think I fell in love with your family before I fell in love with you.”

“It was mutual. They love you back. They’re going to love you even more now.”

“Let’s call them. I want to tell them. And after that we’ll call my parents.”

He eased away from her, his gaze searching. “Are you going to tell them not to cancel the Plaza for June?”

“No. We’re not getting married at the Plaza. We’re getting married on the beach. A lobster bake, catered by the Ocean Club, followed by ice cream from Summer Scoop. All of our friends and the people we love. Guests can arrive on the Captain Hook and we’ll ask John if we can decorate it.” She hesitated, wondering if she’d misread him. “Unless you’d rather have the Plaza?”

“A beach wedding sounds perfect to me.” He lowered his head and kissed her. “You,” he said slowly, “are the most generous, unselfish, beautiful person I have ever met.”

There was a sound behind them and both of them turned.

All four of their friends were hovering in the doorway.

Emily’s cheeks were wet, Brittany was blinking rapidly and Ryan was grinning at him.

Alec rolled his eyes. “Is anything around here private?”

“Not much.” Zach moved to one side as Lizzy wriggled through.

“Can we open our presents now? That pile there is for you, Sky.”

Still dizzy from everything that had happened, Sky looked toward the tree. “You all bought me presents? Oh.” She was immensely touched but then she saw Brittany shake her head.

“That pile is from Alec. All of them.”

“A bit over the top if you ask me,” Ryan muttered. “Puts pressure on the rest of us.”

Emily slid her arm into his. “Is that your way of saying you forgot to buy me a present?”

“I might have bought you a couple of things. Token gestures. But nothing like the Mount Everest of gifts Alec has produced, so don’t get your hopes up.” But Ryan was grinning and Lizzy was dancing on the spot like a flea.