Best Man Under the Mistletoe

Chelsea stood, as well. “That sounds serious. Is everything okay?”

“We’re fine,” he assured her with his smile, one that matched their father’s. “Does seven work for you?”

“I’ll be there.”

When he blew out a breath and looked into her eyes, she knew they weren’t done with their heart-to-heart.

“You know I love you and just want what’s best, right?”

Chelsea circled her desk and wrapped her arms around her great protector. She’d always looked up to him, always admired his opinion, and loved how he continually put her first.

“I feel the same about you,” she told him then eased back. “Now, get out of here so I can finish this program for the accounting department or we’re going to have a whole host of angry employees when their checks are messed up.”

Daniel kissed her on the cheek and left her office, closing the door behind him. That talk had gone better than she’d thought. She wasn’t quite sure how he’d react to Gabe’s very public display of affection. Hadn’t Gabe been the one to want to keep things under wraps? Yet when she was threatened, he hadn’t cared one bit. He had to have some feelings for her...didn’t he?

Regardless of what Daniel thought, or anyone else for that matter, Chelsea was going to enjoy this time with Gabe. Once the wedding was over and they were done working together, they wouldn’t see each other as often. Maybe she’d get lucky and the desire would fizzle out.

The likelihood of that happening was about as great as her getting Gabe to fall in love with her—and that was never going to be a reality. He didn’t do love, didn’t do long-term, and even though she didn’t know the full details of the case involving his partner’s death, she had to respect his desires.

That didn’t mean she had to like them.

Blowing out a breath, Chelsea went back to her computer. There was no sense in worrying about this now. She had so much work to get done, surely she could block Gabe and focus.

The second she pulled up the program she’d been working on, her cell vibrated on her desktop. She glanced at the screen only to find a simple message from Gabe: Tonight you’re mine.

So much for focusing on work.

* * *

Chelsea let herself into the main house at Crescent Moon. She’d grown up here, and returning as an adult always felt like coming home. She loved her house in Pine Valley, but Crescent Moon held such a special place in her heart.

She made her way through the open foyer. Erin’s laughter filtered through the first floor and Chelsea could tell her brother and his fiancée were in the back of the house. When she got to the enclosed four-seasons room with three walls of windows overlooking the stables, she smiled. She’d always loved this room. She’d spent hour upon hour reading her favorite books in the corner chaise, which had since been replaced with another in a pretty pale yellow.

Erin slid her legs over the side of the chair and offered a bright smile. “Hey, glad you could make it.” Coming to her feet, Erin closed the gap between them and wrapped her arms around Chelsea.

“A dinner that I didn’t have to prepare?” Chelsea said, easing back. “I’m always up for that.”

Daniel crossed to the minibar in the opposite corner. “Can I get you a drink? Dinner should be ready in about fifteen minutes.”

“I’d love a glass of wine. White, please.” While Daniel busied himself getting her wine, Chelsea glanced at Erin. “I’m sorry I’ve been so scarce lately. This wedding planning, plus work, has taken up a good bit of my time.”

“And Gabe Walsh?” Erin asked, her brows rising as her smile widened.

Why deny it? The man had kissed her in front of nearly the entire town at that party. Her brother had already speculated about their connection and Brandee knew the truth. There wasn’t much of a thread of secrecy to hold on to at this point.

“He has occupied a good portion of my time.” Mainly the nights, but there was no need to get into that. “So what did you guys need to see me about?”

Daniel handed her the glass and clutched his own tumbler, most likely filled with bourbon. “We’re pregnant.”

Chelsea gripped the stem of her glass. “’Scuse me?”

“Way to go, Daniel.” Erin shook her head and rested a hand over her stomach. “We are expecting, but I’d hoped to deliver the news in a little more of an exciting manner.”

Chelsea sat her glass on the table and pulled Erin into another hug. “I’m so thrilled for you guys! I’m going to be an aunt.”

She eased back and glanced down at Erin’s flat belly. “How far along? Are you feeling okay? What can I do to help?”

Erin laughed and patted Chelsea’s shoulder. “I’m fine. I went to the doctor today and I am six weeks.”