I swallow with difficulty but hold my ground. When Tristan pulls back, his hands linger for one last moment before dropping to his sides.
“I’ll see you tomorrow afternoon. Will you be here or at your place?” he asks.
“We’re going to church and then they’ll drop me off at home.”
“I’ll see you at the townhouse, then.”
Tristan doesn’t give me a chance to disagree. He simply drives away, the imprint of his hands remaining on my body.
A phantom tingle in my belly reminds me of what is at stake. The children we’ll be raising together deserve stable, caring co-parents. I’m determined to be that for them, even if it means denying my body and suppressing my feelings. The fact that I’m protecting myself from a broken heart is a bonus.
CHAPTER 25
TRISTAN
I bite the bullet and send the strangest group text in the history of Mavericks hockey.
Me:Hey guys. Merry Christmas. Hope everyone is enjoying the break. I hate to do this on short notice but all the stores are closed. I have a big ask. Does anyone have a large gift bow lying around?
Ping-ping-ping, my phone goes, replies flooding in instantaneously.
Gordon:How big are we talking? Like festive shoebox? Or “here’s your surprise tractor” big.
Lance:Merry Christmas to you too. Let me check the garage.
Or you could come for dinner tonight and check yourself.
We’re doing ham and a ton of sides. And Jeremy’s bringingGuatemalan food.
Jeremy:I am?
Connor:Don’t even joke about that, Jeremy. I’m dying for empanadas. Are we wrapping a puppy or a person?
Sergei:Are you buying someone a horse? Americans are so weird with their farm animals.
Gordon:Sergei, you’re the one who made it weird. Is this a sexy bow situation?
Me:Not sexy. Definitely not sexy. Just regular gift energy.
Jeremy:The fact you felt the need to clarify makes it 100% more than regular gift energy.
Sean:My cousin bought a bunch of bows for their engagement party. She even had an arch made of helium balloons and a smoke machine.
Lance:You need balloons too? I’ve got loads of those. I also have a bubble machine.
Me:No balloons or bubbles. Wait, why do you have a bubble machine? Actually it doesn’t matter. Sean does your cousin still have those bows?
Sean:Yeah, but they’re in Wisconsin.
Gordon:Are you giving someone a car? Because car commercials are the only time I’ve seen giant bows. And in my dreams.
Jeremy:IS IT A CAR?
Sergei:What color?
Me:The SUV is black. Bow can be any color. Can you guys help or not?
Lance:That’s peak Hallmark, right there.
