“A very pampered pooch,” Noella says, understanding.
But I don’t at all understand what happens next as I continue to call my dog out from her hiding place. Reese carefully shifts some of the boxes and I spot something glinting next to where Pookie sits, wagging her tail proudly.
“Is that the star?” Noella exclaims, palms pressed to her cheeks.
I reach behind the presents and pull out the beautiful silver star. Thankfully, it’s intact and gleaming.
Pookie lunges for it as if she’s a dragon and I’m robbing her hoard.
“Pookie,” Reese and I say at the same time.
Sure enough, there are tiny paw prints in the dust behind the presents.
We put the pieces of the puzzle together, speculating that the star must’ve fallen off the tree and slid down the side. Pookie, spotting something shiny, must have dragged it here. She’s used to luxury, sequins, glitter … I’ve spoiled her.
I apologize profusely to Noella. She speculates that my dog is acting out since this isn’t the type of vacation that she’s used to. The woman dressed as Mrs. Claus winks.
So she does know who I am … interesting. My heart warms with gratitude that she treated me like a normal person.
I tell Pookie that she’ll have to get used to a new way of life. Then again, nothing about the last few days has been ordinary.
“Everything always has a way of turning up and working out the way it’s supposed to.” Noella whisks down the hall to share the good news with the star held aloft.
We follow slowly and I look at Reese meaningfully and think about my career and our future. It’s all going to work out for us, too. I have to believe that.
Those evergreen eyes brighten with hope, maybe. Or the beginning of belief.
Unable to hold it in or risk losing the chance, I blurt, “I’m retiring from touring, from all of it. I’m doing the New Year’s show and announcing it there, and I’m moving to Huckleberry Hill.”
His eyebrows pop. “What?”
“I want to be near my family. Near Brady, his wife, who is like the sister I never had, the boys, and Ruthie. I want to be the kind of aunt who shows up for soccer games and doctor’s appointments. The kind of sister my brother can rely on, talk to.” I take a shaky breath. “And I want to be near you. If you don’t mind.”
“If I—?” He stops, shakes his head like he can’t believe what he’s hearing. “Becca, are you sure? This is your career, your life?—”
“No. This—” I gesture between us. “This is my life. What I had before became noise … like a piano, a life out of tune.”
His gaze hovers over my face, searching for certainty, for truth.
He must find it because suddenly his hands are cupping my jaw and he’s kissing me. Deep and sure and full of promise.
My stomach clenches with want. The world blurs around us. His voice is deep and husky when he pulls back just enough to speak.
“Stay,” he says. “Please stay.”
“I’m not going anywhere,” I promise.
We collide again and linger, lips brushing, heads adjusting, the space between us nonexistent as we continue to kiss. Even though it’s cold and storming outside, this feels like the perfect amount of warmth. It’s a cozy fire in a kiss. A soft glow as our lips work together. Candlelight that never flickers.
The idea for a new song floats into my mind and I can almost hear it playing in the room.
My hands explore the terrain of Reese’s back as he grips me close, fingers strong and sure, capable and gentle at the same time.
The kiss deepens and I can’t help but think we’re writing a story, complete with a soundtrack that’s all our own.
When we part, Reese laces our fingers together and kisses the top of my hand. I know with complete certainty that I’ve finally found what I’ve been searching for all along.
CHAPTER 12
