Total pages in book: 59
Estimated words: 58211 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 291(@200wpm)___ 233(@250wpm)___ 194(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 58211 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 291(@200wpm)___ 233(@250wpm)___ 194(@300wpm)
“Us together? We haven’t even spoken to each other about it,” Asher mutters.
“You don’t realize you’re doing it, but you look like a couple. It’s difficult to explain. Sometimes, you see two people standing in line together, sitting in the park, or playing a board game or a sport. They’re not touching or looking at each other, but you know there’s a connection. It radiates from them.”
Dan laughs, shaking his head ruefully. “I can hardly believe I’m saying this, but you two have that energy. Couple energy. It’s nuts.”
“What are you saying?” I whisper, trying to stay steady and sane.
I’ll wake up at Brianna’s house, in Asher’s arms, and tell him about the wild dream I had. I’ll tell him that my big brother gave us the go-ahead. His beautiful speech can become a reality in the dream.
“I’m saying I think I’ve lost my mind,” Dan says. “I’m saying I don’t want to lose either of you. I’m saying that seeing you together and that video has changed everything. I’ve always wanted you both to find somebody. I just never expected it’d be each other.”
Another rueful laugh. “I can’t hate either of you. I was angry yesterday. Who wouldn’t be? I don’t want you to leave the city, though, Asher. I don’t want my sister to settle for being alone when she’s got so much to offer. I don’t want to stand in your way.”
He gets choked up, tears welling in his eyes. When I see his eyes glistening, I know he put up his CEO shield to hide his true feelings.
I walk around the kitchen island and wrap my arms around him. “Dan, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have snuck around. I shouldn’t have lied. I’m so sorry.”
He clutches onto me. “These aren’t sad tears. I’m happy for you, for both of you.”
“Dan, brother,” Asher whispers, croaking as he gets emotional, too. “I swear, your sister will be the most cared-for, protected, cherished, loved woman who has ever lived. If you can find it in your heart to forgive us, you won’t regret it.”
Dan hugs me tightly. “Asher, all I’ve ever wanted is for my best friend and sister to be happy. Now that you are, I can’t be the one who ruins that.”
“You have the right,” Asher says. “I need to make that clear. Even if you want things to work out for us, you have the right to smash this to pieces, as her brother, my friend, the wronged party.”
I sob, sniffling. I know why Asher says this. He wants Dan to be confident.
“I know,” Dan says. “I’m choosing not to use that right. I’m choosing to make this the happiest Christmas we have ever had.”
“You’re a good person,” Asher says.
“The best.” I cling tightly to my brother. “Dan, you’re just the greatest person, not just good. I never expected this. I thought I was going to lose Asher forever. Or I was going to lose you.”
“Look at you, sis. You’ve got so much love to offer. I’m happy for you.”
“You’re a miracle, Dan,” Asher says in awe.
“Maybe you two should do some more sneaking around. I kind of like all this praise.”
All three of us laugh, the sadness and the pain melting away.
CHAPTER 28
ASHER
“Ithink it’s romantic,” Jennifer says. When Holly’s mom smiles, I recognize her daughter in her. “Don’t you, Robert?”
“You’re going to do right by my girl, aren’t you, Asher?” Robert says.
“Yes, sir,” I tell him. “There’s nothing I want more in this world.”
They exchange a look. Robert smiles. It’s the day before Christmas Eve. “Then you have my blessing.”
I cheer, punching the air. They laugh. I can’t help it. There’s too much love in me, too much relief. I’ve gone from thinking disaster will strike to happiness, coloring every moment instead.
Other patrons in the cafe turn and look at me, but I don’t care.
“Thank you, sir, Mrs. Harper. I mean that from the bottom of my heart.”
Management: Happy holidays, everybody. As many of you know, we are hosting a special Secret Santa gift exchange this Christmas Eve. For those who have already exchanged gifts due to prior arrangements, please feel free to ignore this message. For those attending the office get-together, we look forward to seeing you.
“Not much of a secret for us, huh?” my Snowflake says Christmas Eve morning, the sheets wrapped around her naked body, making me salivate even after we just made love. She drops her phone on the side table.
I kiss her on the cheek. “There might be some surprises in store yet.”
“Why do I feel like you’re hiding something?” she says.
“Isn’t that our specialty?” I counter.
“I’m just glad everything seems to be going well: Mom, Dad, Dan. I thought they’d all be so against us. Last night, Mom said I was lucky I found a man who loves me as much as you do.”