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“Hi. What’s going on in the guesthouse?” I tasted the tea. I could feel it warming my limbs already.

“Did you see the snow started? It’s beautiful.”

“Mom, what is going on?”

I had never seen her so jumpy. She almost dropped her phone when it dinged from a text message.

“Actually, would you mind helping me out there?” She reached behind me and grabbed a bottle of red wine from the rack. “I need this out there and I didn’t have enough arms when I took the towels.”

“Sure, but who is this for?”

“Kaitlyn, stop arguing and just go put this out there. We can talk when you get back. I have laundry to fold.” She shoved the bottle in my hands and brushed past me toward the laundry room.

I placed the mug on the counter, slipped on my sneakers, and crossed the backyard toward the guesthouse. The snow landed on my face, coating my nose and cheeks with big, fluffy flakes. This was the kind of snow that left a velvety blanket wherever it fell.

I always loved spending time in the guesthouse. It was like a retreat away from home. I pushed the door open. The Christmas tree filled the window. Other than the tree and a few flickering candles, the lights were dim. I took a few steps to see what ornaments Mom had used to decorate it with when I noticed the branches were tied with shreds of red and white bandanas. There was a Texas flag, a cowboy boot, a steer, and a metal star mixed in with red and white balls. What?

I turned to see the mantle below the television was lined with cinnamon candles and there was Christmas music playing low on the stereo. I turned on my heels toward the kitchenette. I opened the refrigerator. It was fully stocked: bottled water, cheese, milk, sodas, and beer.

My senses were way ahead of my brain. I knew what all of this looked, smelled, and sounded like but it couldn’t be possible.

“Darlin’? Did I make it in time?”

I whipped around at the sound of his voice.

“Oh my God. What? How?” I ran across the room and jumped in his arms. I didn’t really care what the answers were. The only thing that mattered was that Cole was here.

His lips seared into mine. I didn’t care that we left the door open and that snow was swirling into the living room, or that my parents were just a few paces away. Cole was here. He staggered into the living room, clutching at my back. His lips moved across mine with the kind of fever that melted away all the sadness I had felt since we said good-bye at the beach house. As my breath quickened my hands slid against his neck, pulling him tighter against me.

“I missed you, baby.” He smiled.

“I—I can’t believe you’re here.” My feet landed on the floor and I leaned against the counter to regain control of my heartbeat.

I loved how his eyes twinkled in the dim lights of the guesthouse. I loved everything about him.

“Wait, where’s Grayson?” I asked.

“Already in your parents’ house. Your mom and I talked and decided we should do a room swap?”

“You did?” I stared at him in disbelief. “You talked to my mom on the phone?”

“You have that list of numbers on the fridge. She seemed excited about it.” He stepped closer, wrapping his hands around my waist. “What about you? Are you excited?”

I was never big on surprises. I didn’t like surprise parties or having to wait weeks to find out some great secret. But this. This kind of surprise was the ultimate Christmas gift.

“I’ve never been more excited.” I tugged on the front of his jacket until his lips were a breath away. “We have the entire night to ourselves?”

“Yes.”

“Want to see the bedroom?” I winked.

Cole laughed. “I do, but I think we’re expected at the house for drinks.” He nodded in the direction of the main house.

“Drinks?”

“Your mom and dad want us to have a drink with them. I told them I’d bring you right back with me.”

My shoulders slumped. “Now? Can’t we have coffee in the morning? I can’t even drink. I can’t keep this up.” All I could think about was shredding every piece of his clothing and showing him how much I missed him.