In her more sensible moments, she reminded herself that the obvious answer was he wasn’t interested. She imagined a politely worded note of “thanks, but no thanks.” Despite the fact that she’d said he didn’t have to respond, she’d never seriously considered there would be nothing.
She reminded herself there was still a week to go. A week in which she could dream and hope. But come January first, she was going to go on those two diets she’d promised herself. One for the extra weight and the other for Kenny. She would figure out how to deal with both. And she was determined to be successful.
Chloe leaned into her and yawned. “Is Kenny coming over tomorrow?”
“I don’t know.”
Because Bailey hadn’t said anything to Chloe yet. When her daughter asked, she said he was busy with the holidays. If there was even the slightest chance of it working out, then better for her daughter not to suffer needlessly.
“He has to. We have presents for him under the tree. And you have something from him in your stocking.”
“Do I?”
She’d forgotten about that. What had he gotten her? And if he walked out of their lives forever, should she return it?
They turned the corner and started up their street. Snow continued to fall. Neighbors walking home from the church service waved to each other. Calls of “Merry Christmas” filled the night.
“I love our new house,” Chloe said sleepily. “And my bedroom, and my bed.”
“I’m glad. I love it all, too.”
Chloe looked up at her and smiled. “I love you, Mommy.”
“I love you back, sweetie.”
They walked to their house and started up the driveway. On the porch, something moved. Bailey stared, not sure what—
Kenny rose and took a couple of steps toward them. It was dark and the porch light was behind him so she couldn’t see his face.
A thousand questions crowded into her brain. Why was he here? Was it good news or bad news? Surely he wouldn’t break her heart on Christmas Eve, would he?
He looked good, she thought, greedily taking in everything about him. If felt as if she hadn’t seen him in years, instead of days. He had on a long, heavy coat. Snow clung to his head and his shoulders. He held a Santa hat in one hand.
“Kenny!”
Chloe broke free and raced toward him. He caught her and lifted her up into his arms. Chloe hung on so tightly, Bailey wondered if she would ever let go.
“We went to the live nativity and there was a poodle in the manger! Then we saw the Dance of the Winter King, which was so great. And then we went to church and now you’re here. We’ve missed you. You’re coming over for Christmas, aren’t you? Mom wasn’t sure, but you have presents.”Kenny kissed her cheek, then lowered her to the ground. He stepped toward Bailey.
She stayed where she was. Snow fell all around them. She was probably freezing, but she couldn’t feel a thing except for the hope rising inside of her. The world was still, except for the beating of her frantic, hungry heart.
“You were right,” he said quietly, staring into her eyes. “About all of it. I am afraid of what I could lose. How could I go on without you or Chloe around?”
She wasn’t sure if she was supposed to answer, so she simply waited. Chloe came and stood next to her, but was also silent.
He turned the Santa hat around in his hands. “I don’t bring much to the table. I’m kind of beat up from playing football. My knees are bad and my track record with relationships isn’t much better.”
She wasn’t sure how those two thoughts related, but she was happy to keep listening. Because to her, it didn’t sound like he was saying goodbye.
“The thing is,” he continued, staring directly into her eyes, “I’m in love with you.” He dropped his gaze to Chloe. “With both of you. And I need to ask you something.”
Ask what? To date her? To have dinner with her? To—
He returned his attention to her. “Bailey Voss, will you marry me?”
Bailey felt all the air rush out of her lungs. Chloe shrieked and began jumping up and down.
Kenny raised one shoulder. “There’s a lot we have to work through, I know. Details about where we’ll live and family stuff and—”
“Yes,” Bailey said as she stepped into his embrace and kissed him. “Yes.”
She held out one hand and Chloe joined them. Kenny wrapped his arm around the little girl, as well. They stood in the snow and hung on to each other.
Later, they went inside. It was all a blur to Bailey. The actual movement and the removing of coats. Somehow they were piled together on the sofa, Bailey on one side of Kenny, Chloe on the other. The tree lights were on and there was a fire in the fireplace.
“This is nice,” he said.
She laughed. “Yes, it is.”
He glanced at Chloe. “Someone needs to get to bed so that Santa can deliver presents.”
Chloe smiled. “There is no Santa, but I’ll go to bed anyway. I’m tired.” She wrinkled her nose. “You two want to have some grown-up time.”
Bailey thought about the magic that was Kenny’s kisses and knew that grown-up time would very much be welcome.
She walked her daughter upstairs and helped her get ready. When Chloe was tucked in bed, Kenny joined them. He sat on the edge of the mattress and stroked Chloe’s cheek.
“Will is always going to be your forever dad,” he said quietly. “I’m going to stand in for him, but I’m not taking his place.”