Total pages in book: 73
Estimated words: 70444 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 352(@200wpm)___ 282(@250wpm)___ 235(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 70444 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 352(@200wpm)___ 282(@250wpm)___ 235(@300wpm)
I nod. “That’s right.”
“That one’s on me,” Levi tells him, and the kid nods before driving away.
“Ya didn’t have to do that.” I smack his shoulder.
“Your family,” he explains. “Your money’s no good here.”
“What are they doing with it?” Oakley asks.
“We wrap them for travel and send you away with care instructions,” Levi explains.
“Wow, that’s fancy,” she says. “You know, the scenery really has me itching to go to my art oasis and paint,” she tells Levi and me on the way back.
“My offer still stands. The gift shop really could use your magical artwork. You’ll see what I’m talking about when you go in there. The wall behind the front counter is bland and has a big spot waiting for it,” he says.
“I’ll do it on one condition,” Oakley offers, and Levi waits for her to continue. “I need a sleigh ride that lasts longer than ten minutes.”
“Shit, that’s easy. Consider it done.”
Oakley beams wide, and I wrap my arm around her as we squeeze through the crowd. We go to the pickup area, and once our tree is loaded, Levi thanks us for coming.
“Sorry, it’s really hectic.” His walkie-talkie keeps going off because they’re so damn busy.
“Your farm is beautiful,” Oakley explains, giving Levi a big hug. “It was good seeing you, and thanks so much for the tree. We’re gonna decorate the hell out of it.”
He chuckles. “Hope you have a lot of decorations.”
“If not, we’ll make some.” She turns to me. “Art project style.”
“Yay!” I say sarcastically. “As long as no glitter is involved.”
“There will be piles of it,” she mocks.
Levi tells us goodbye and excuses himself before we make our way into the gift shop.
Christmas music plays as soon as we enter, and I immediately smell gingerbread cookies. It’s just as hectic inside as out. I keep a tight hold on Oakley for no reason other than I like her close, and we grab two cups of hot cocoa.
“We should get this,” she says, holding up a turtle dove ornament that says our first Christmas.
“Our first Christmas and first ornament. Lots of firsts together.” I smile. “I love it.”
“Me too,” she tells me as we finish our cocoa and make our way to the counter. As we wait in line, Oakley stands on her tiptoes to get a look at the wall behind the counter, and she gasps.
“They wrapped the wall in Christmas paper. No wonder he wants something there. It’s horrendous.”
I laugh. “His mom did it, and I think the only way she’d remove it is for one of your paintings. He’s begged her for years to tear it down. She’s refused.”
Her face squishes. “I better start on it tomorrow, then.”
After we pay for our ornament, we stand in the flurries waiting for the sleigh ride to return. After we hop on, I press a kiss on her warm lips.
“Thank you for taking me here. I loved every minute of it.”
“Even in the cold?”
She chuckles. “I’m pretty sure my ass is sweating.”
“Told you!” I say with a laugh as she leans into my side and takes in her surroundings.
“So after we decorate this tree, we’re watching Elf from beginning to end, right?” She lifts her brow, and I laugh because she remembered.
“Does it include hard apple cider?”
“Not a chance. You’re not getting out of finishing it like you did with Halloweentown.”
“Alright, deal.” I kiss her cold cheek and inhale the sweet smell of her shampoo.
I can’t remember a time I was ever this happy and am so damn grateful to call Oakley my girlfriend, but one day, I plan to make her my wife.
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
OAKLEY
SIX MONTHS LATER
I’ve been bouncing in my seat for the past three hours, but I can’t help it.
I’m so damn excited to officially meet my niece and see my sister again. It’s been way too long. Although we FaceTime and text regularly, it’s just not the same.
“Babe, you’re shaking the whole plane,” Finn teases as he puts his hand on my knee. “We’re about to land.”
“I should warn you, Auntie Oakley is about to activate. Don’t get in the way of me holding my niece.”
“You’re going to scare that poor child,” he teases.
My jaw drops, and I playfully elbow him. “You’re just mad I introduced you as Uncle Grumpy.”
He rolls his eyes.
We finally make it to baggage claim, and when I spot Easton, I bolt for him.
“Jesus Christ, you nearly toppled me over.” He wraps an arm around me.
“Aren’t you happy to see me?”
“Of course. You’ve grown since the last time I saw you.”
I smack his chest. “I’m not a child! You’re only a few years older than me, remember?”
“More like seven, but who’s counting?”
Finn finally catches up to me with our bags. “Don’t worry, I got ’em.”
I smirk, pulling Finn toward me. “Babe, officially meet my brother-in-law, Easton.”
“Nice to meet you, man.” They shake hands.