Page 76 of 27 Kisses

Garrett scans the room until he finds me. I nod. I want to go to him, but everyone is crowded around. He clears his throat.“Sorry I scared everyone. I didn’t realize the roads would all be covered.”

“It was a bit dramatic, Garrett,” his mother says, “even for you.”

What does that mean? Garrett isn’t nearly as dramatic as his sisters.

He accepts hugs and pats on the arm until I can’t take it anymore, and I push my way through the small crowd.

“Let the man breathe, would you?” When I’m in front of him, I look him over. He seems to be fine. “Everything okay?”

He nods. “I’m fine.” Then, in a softer voice, he says, “I’m sorry if I scared you.” He shrugs his shoulder like he’s not sure what to say. “And sorry for acting weird.”

“Acting weird? That’s what you’ve got to say for yourself?”

I rehearsed what I wanted to say to him. Planned on apologizing. But how can I do that when my emotions are all over the place?

“I just needed some time.”

“You weren’t answering your phone, Garrett.”

“It was dead.”

I nod, tugging on his shirt in the guise of checking him over, but in reality? I just want to touch him. I keep my voice light, not furious like the one in my head. “They found your car on the side of the road. In a blizzard.”

He blinks. “It’s not snowing that hard. Aidyn, look at me.” When my eyes meet his, he says, “I’m fine.”

I nod. “It’s been almost ten years since I lost my Emily. And I miss her every day.”

“I wasn’t thinking. I know it must be triggering?—”

“Triggering? It’s not— I can’t go through that again, Garrett. I can’t lose the love of my life, twice.”

“I know— Wait, what?” His eyes search my face, and I smile.

“Tomorrow’s Christmas, love. And you didn’t get your last official Advent present.”

“You can give it to me later, Aidyn.” His eyes dart around the room. Does he think I don’t want to do this?

“I was terrified I lost you— Stop apologizing.”

His mouth snaps shut, and he nods. But his eyes are alive.

“So no, I don’t think I’ll be waiting for another time. If anyone doesn’t like it, that’s tough. I’m done caring about what others think.” I put my hands on my hips. “Now, do you want your present or not?”

A smile slips out. “I do want it. Very much.”

I place my hands on the sides of his face. “Merry Christmas, Garrett.” I brush my lips over his. I hear a gasp in the room, and I’m fairly sure it’s his mom. The squeal sounds like Lanie. “Now that we have that taken care of, it’s my turn to apologize.”

“You don’t?—”

“Shush.” He stops talking, but his brows rise. “I’m sorry it’s taken so long for me to get my head out of my arse.” He bites back a laugh. “And just so we’re clear on this. I fucking love you, Garrett Bishop.” This time, I don’t hold back. I kiss him with everything I have. We keep it kid-friendly but barely.

“Let’s cover your eyes, Simon.”

“Why, Daddy?”

“I’ll tell you when you’re older.”

I can’t help but pull away then to glare at Isaac. “That’s funny. But I’ve seen you and Adrian going at it?—”