Total pages in book: 83
Estimated words: 79197 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 396(@200wpm)___ 317(@250wpm)___ 264(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 79197 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 396(@200wpm)___ 317(@250wpm)___ 264(@300wpm)
Nodding absently, I said, “I have to tell you, I’ve never been so happy in my entire life, Aiden. I don’t think this year could get any better.”
Aiden turned the truck on and put it in drive. “Really? And what’s made it the bestest year ever?”
“Well,” I said, chuckling at his use of Hadley’s favorite word. “You and Hadley are the major reason for my happiness. And now, being able to play with the symphony? It’s a dream come true.”
He reached for my hand. “Emma, you were amazing tonight. And I know you’re exhausted after five nights in a row of playing. That Beethoven song tonight, was that planned?”
“It was. Doug thought, with most people in the crowd just there to listen to Christmas music, if we could play one piece that might move them to come to non-holiday performances, it was worth giving it a shot.”
Aiden grinned. “Well, you moved me, and I know plenty of others who now want to hear more. You should have heard the people talking about your playing. I was so proud, and so were Hadley and my parents.”
“Thank you, Aiden. Thank you so much for supporting me and letting me give Hadley lessons. She’s so good already, a total natural, and I think she’ll be playing better than me in no time.”
The smile he wore made my heart trip over itself. There was nothing sexier than a father who loved his daughter.
After stopping for gas, Aiden said, “I’ve got one more stop.”
A few minutes later, I frowned when we pulled into a store parking lot. “What are we doing? Nothing’s open, Aiden. It’s Christmas Eve.”
“Dalton needed to give me a report on the roads in the park.”
“Oh,” I said, as I belatedly noticed Dalton’s truck. I waved. He had his window rolled down, and he waved back. Turning my attention to my phone, I pulled up an app to see if the gift I’d ordered for Aiden had been delivered today. I sighed in relief when I saw it had been. I quickly texted Patty and asked her to put it in my apartment so Aiden wouldn’t see it.
After a few minutes, Aiden came running back to the truck. He jumped in and shook his body. “Brrr. Man, it is cold outside.”
“Aiden, look! It’s starting to snow. I’ve never seen it snow on Christmas Eve. Or Christmas Day.”
“Stay with us tonight.”
My head swiveled to look at him. “What about Hadley?”
“You can sleep in the guest room. I know she wants to be able to wake you on Christmas morning. Please, Emma.”
The way his blue eyes sparkled, and his boyish grin made butterflies dance in my stomach, there was no way I could deny him.
“Okay, I’ll stay the night.”
“And if I happen to sneak into your room to say good night, we’ll just have to be quiet."
I gave him a warning look. “Aiden.”
“Emma,” he replied.
“Would it be crazy for me to ask you to pull over again so we can make out in the truck?”
He laughed. “We should probably get to the house. I’m sure Hadley is ready to start all the traditions.”
“Oh, I love traditions. I always dreamed of having my own at Christmas.”
Reaching for my hand, he drew it to his mouth. “Then lucky for you we’re starting some new ones this year.”
I couldn’t help the smile that spread over my face.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
EMMA - TRADITIONS
Aiden pulled up and parked in the driveway. He’d been having me park in the garage so that in the mornings, Hadley and I wouldn’t have to fight with the snow and cold weather. The other bay of his garage was set up with workout equipment. I could definitely confirm that Aiden used the weights a lot.
“So what are some of your traditions?” I asked as Aiden opened my door and took my hand.
“Hot chocolate, s’mores, and we usually watch The Polar Express.”
“What’s the movie about?”
Aiden stopped walking, and I nearly ran into him. “You’ve never watched The Polar Express?”
Laughing, I shook my head. “I haven’t.”
He slowly shook his head. “We are going to fix that tonight.”
With a lighthearted tug on my hand, we quickly made our way in through the garage, entering the kitchen.
I glanced around, realizing the house was quiet. “Where is everyone? Did they go to your parents’ house?”
Aiden frowned and shrugged. “I’m not sure.”
He dropped my hand and headed toward the dining room, then to the living room. The entire house was empty.
“Did you want me to call Patty or Lance to tell them we’re home?”
A thud came from upstairs.
“They must be in the loft,” Aiden said, motioning for me to head up the steps first.
“I think I’ll head to my place and change into some comfy Christmas sweats I bought with Tammy the other day. I got Hadley a matching pair. You think she’ll want to wear them?”