“Well, I for one am happy you’re here,” Margot says.
“That’s only because you never stop talking,” Owen teases.
Margot laughs and gives her husband a playful swat, completely ignoring his comment. “How else would we eat all this food?” she asks.
“I got you covered,” Eric says with a wink, going for his second helping already.
A ripple of laughter passes through the table as everyone enjoys the delicious meal. Soon, we’re passing plates and chatting like we’ve been sharing a meal at Christmas Eve our whole lives.
Across the table, Donovan and Chloe enthuse over the perfectly seared steak while Stacy is bravely tasting the tofurky that Co-Co has loaded onto her own plate. Eric’s got at least one of everything on his second plate and my own dish is just as full.
I might have to watch my figure for my modeling gigs most of the year, but I'm going crazy this Christmas—especially because everything looks so delicious. There’s no way I’m passing any of this up.
‘No regrets’ is my motto when it comes to food.
I try my best to make healthy food choices, but I’m not one of those girls who’s going to starve herself for the sake of fashion. Besides, that’s not the kind of image I want to put out there. All shapes and sizes are beautiful and I’m proud that young girls can see photos of me and aspire to my healthy figure.
Speaking of kiddos, I sneak a look at the kids’ table again. Ava and Ryan are daring one another to try all the vegetables like it’s some sort of foreign cuisine. I smirk, remembering how hard it was for my mom to get me to eat my vegetables at that age. Those two really are some sweet kids.
My heart suddenly flutters at the idea of sitting around a table with Eric and our own little cuties, debating the importance of vegetables.
My eyes well with joyful tears. Coming here was such a blessing. It’s making me look at things differently. It’s making me reevaluate my life, but in a good way.
And I have a feeling I’m not the only one.
Every single person around me is smiling. It’s absolutely wonderful. My heart is so full that I almost don’t have room to eat. Almost.
Hot toddies and Co-Co’s cinnamon-horchata cocoa are flowing freely. Christmas cheer is almost tangible in the lovely lodge. I don’t think this holiday can get any more amazing.
As Eric passes me my third herb and cheddar biscuit, he presses a kiss to my cheek. “Is this the Christmas you wanted, babe?” he asks, softly.
I meet his eyes, pressing my hand against his chest. I can feel his heart beating gently under my palm and my own skips a beat. “It’s even better.”
Overwhelmed with happiness and gratitude, I turn toward everyone and then lightly knock my fork against my glass.
Once everyone is gazing my way, I grin out at them. “So I know I’m the diva of the group, but the whole reason I wanted a country Christmas is because the holidays make me a little emotional. I always miss my mom and my simple holidays in Kansas this time of year. But being here with you all has been the best of both worlds. This place is luxurious but cozy, and Co-Co, you’ve made this stay perfect beyond my wildest dreams. Thank you for welcoming us into your family and making me miss mine a little less. This has been the best Christmas ever!”
“To the best Christmas ever!” Eric says beside me, lifting his glass. Everyone laughs and joins in, and as our glasses and mugs clink together, he mischievously adds, “And to a night of Christmas cheer that never ends!”
Eric King
Our glasses clink lightly before we all take sips of our drinks. I sigh and close my eyes, savoring the warmth of the perfectly spiced apple cider that I can’t get enough of. I’ve become addicted to it during our stay. I think I'm going to end up having to beg Co-Co to ship this stuff to me by the gallon when we leave.
It’s almost hard to imagine leaving now. It’s like we’re in our own little perfect Christmas bubble here in Pine Island. The whole world outside ceases to exist. I don’t have to worry about my next show or Morgan’s next modeling event. Everything is just . . . simple. And I can’t shake the feeling that this is how life is meant to be.
I glance over at my girl. Being with her . . . it’s all that matters to me.
“A night that never ends?” Morgan asks when she catches me grinning at her. She takes a sip of her hot toddy and arches her eyebrow slightly. “What mischievous plans do you have for me, my handsome husband-to-be?”
My heart swells at her words. I love when she calls me that. The idea of being her husband is a dream come true. It’s all I want—to be inexplicably hers.
I lean closer, lightly squeezing her thigh under the table, desire coursing through me like lightning.
It’s no secret that Morgan is beautiful, but damn can my girl rock a sexy winter look. Her knee-high boots and curve-hugging sweater dress are even more appetizing than our meal. What I really want to do is excuse myself from this dinner party and carry her upstairs to unwrap the only thing I truly want for Christmas—Morgan May.
But . . . I’m no-longer Easy E. I remind myself I’m a master of self-control and whisper in Morgan’s ear. “No spoilers. You have to wait for Santa just like everyone else.”
She pouts playfully and I can’t contain my grin. I’ve been talking to our generous hosts about some last-minute fun we can fit in before the night ends and the anticipation is killing me.
“What are you up to?” Morgan asks.
I offer Co-Co a subtle nod, giving her the cue to run with it. “I’m glad you’re all enjoying your meal, but
