“Thirty-two today and more beautiful every minute.” Nick inched closer to kiss me, his scruffy jaw warm against mine. Hisgaze caressed my face. “Have I told you happy birthday yet, Mrs. Kinsley?”
“Only about thirty-two times, Mr. Kinsley.” I kissed him back, reveling in this man. This moment.
This holiday.
“How’s the camp going, Nick?” Axel asked, tugging his shirt over his trunks. He still had one AirPod in his ear, reminding me of the first time we’d met him. He’d talked Chloe into staying in school to finish her business degree, which she agreed to—much to Dad’s surprise. Now she had a great part-time job in California and Axel had passed the bar.
“Great!” Nick moved to a sitting position, brushing sand off his legs. “We’re set to soft launch right after New Year’s. Thanks to a certain redhead and her marketing prowess, I already have a waiting list for applicants and have been working on grants to expand. More teens, more directors, more cabins…”
“That’s amazing.” Kat dipped her head at Nick. “Those kids are going to be lucky to have you.”
“Thank you.” Nick reached over and gripped my hand. “I can’t wait to finally start the camp. It’s been a lot of red tape and work, but it’s time. We’re ready.” He met my eyes and smiled. “For everything.”
Oh, he just thought he was. I grinned back.
“Picture time!” Mom, in a red sundress, tugged the tripod out of the wagon. “Everyone, gather in front of the water.” Her silver hair blew back from her face and tan shoulders. Florida looked good on her, though maybe the extra brightness in her smile was due to all us kids being together again so soon.
Dad whistled to wave in the family that had strayed farther down the beach, and they switched directions as Nick and I gathered with the others.
We all bunched into a tight group as Dad fiddled with the timer on his phone. Devin bounced a giggling Caleb in one arm, while Axel stood slightly behind him, mimicking the same motion with Angel. Chloe leaned over to check her toenail polish, which Mom assured her was fine. Olivia and Paul wrapped their arms around each other, while Janie and Mason engaged in a game of rock-paper-scissors.
“Ten seconds!” Dad hurried barefoot across the sand and scooted into a spot next to Mom. His Hawaiian shirt flapped open over his white tank, and he grinned. He’d taken up fishing and golfing, and he was tanner—and more relaxed—than I’d ever seen him.
Seemed like everything was working out for all the Sinclairs.
“Hey, Nick?” I faced forward, still smiling for the camera.
“Yeah?” He grunted, clearly trying not to move his lips.
Eight seconds.
“Janie, Mason, stop dancing and face the camera,” Olivia called between gritted teeth.
Six seconds.
The radio playing down the beach switched to “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” and I laughed out loud.
Five seconds.
A seagull swooped near our wagon of food. Axel yelled at it, startling Angel, who barked. Chloe took her and shushed her. “You gotta be quiet. There’re no dogs allowed on the beach.”
So theydidrealize. Good to know.
Three seconds.
“What were you going to say?” Nick kept smiling at the camera.
Two seconds.
I linked my arm through his. “I think you were maybe a little too late with that soda.”
Click.
The camera caught the exact moment Nick looked down at me, eyes bugged and face bursting with joy as I reached up on tiptoe to kiss him.
Christmas miracles abounded.
