“If I’ve earned the committee’s approval, all that’s left is to present it to Gil.”
“Oh, you’ve earned it. I’m tempted to say let’s get this to his office right now, but he’s gone out of town on an emergency. The second he’s back, we hit him up. And leave all those other architects in the dust.”
“Why, Calliope Jones.” He plucked the papers out of her arms and hauled her against him. “That sounds rather competitive of you.” He kissed her quick to soften the accusation. “You’re not suggesting...”
“I’m doing more than suggesting. I’m saying it outright.” She held onto him and looked into his eyes. “In the immortal words of Charlie Bradley, you’re going to kick their butts. Now, how about we go to the bonfire tonight to celebrate?”
* * *
THE CROWD CHEERED as another cord of wood was thrown onto the burning pyre. Blue tipped flames exploded up, sending sparks of excitement and the promise of the season into the chilly night air. Xander had to admit, it was a pretty spectacular way to officially ring in the Christmas season.
Careful not to spill either cup of hot chocolate he’d obtained from the self-service set up near the stairs, Xander navigated through the sand back to Calliope. The treat was free, but for anyone wanting to show their gratitude, a collection jar was already filled to brimming and designated for the teen youth center expansion. In the spirit of the season, Xander had done his part and offered a smile to Kyle Winters who was overseeing the fund-raising.
For the past few hours they’d watched Luke and his deputies manage the setup, eating turkey sandwiches, nibbling on offerings from Calliope’s garden, and drinking homemade apple cider that had a bit of a kick. Stella had disappeared almost the moment they arrived, running and playing with Charlie, Marlie, Simon and a lot of other kids he didn’t recognize.
He spotted Paige and her deputy husband Fletcher laughing and enjoying the fire with Lori and Matt Knight. Luke, still on duty as Sheriff, had bundled up his pregnant wife Holly to the point she looked like a giant pink marshmallow. Jason Corwin was cuddling with Abby a bit away from the rest and Xander felt his cheeks warm when he caught sight of them kissing.
The Cocoon Club, the ever-growing group of town seniors, had lined up beach chairs along the sidewalk to watch the festivities from above. It was as if all of Butterfly Harbor had opened their doors and spilled out under the moon and onto the fire lit beach.
But it was the sound of his sister’s caught-on-the-wind laughter as she chatted with new friends Willa and Ozzy that filled his heart with the most joy. He lost count of the faces and voices who smiled and toasted him as he passed while the faint sound of “Jingle Bells” being sung added yet another layer of holiday cheer.
He hadn’t thought anything could compete with the ski trip and gingerbread-building competitive holidays with his family, but listening to the cheers and amusement echoing up and down the beach as the residents of Butterfly Harbor reveled, he had to admit, this was pretty darned perfect.
But it wasn’t home, he had to remind himself. No matter how tempting, no matter how magical, real life continued to call in the back of his mind, reminding him he couldn’t allow himself to lose sight completely. But tonight wasn’t made for thinking or worrying. Tonight was all about being alone with the only person he was interested in. Tonight was all about Calliope.
Even before he sat back down he could see Calliope rubbing her arms as she shivered. “We can move closer.” He offered her one of the cups, looked over his shoulder for a free space by the bonfire.
“No.” She beamed up at him, her smile as warm as the cocoa in his cup. “I like it here. It’s a bit quieter. I like to hear the waves.”
“In that case.” He set his own cup down and retrieved the quilt she’d brought from home. He dropped down, not beside her, but behind her and drew her back against him. He wrapped the quilt around them and counted himself lucky when she didn’t resist, and instead, snuggled into him. Oh, yeah. Definitely a perfect evening.
The wind trapped a tendril of her hair and he caught it, tucked it securely behind her ear before pressing his lips to the soft skin of her neck.