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Why was he even bringing up the idea of the future? Considering they didn’t have one.

She didn’t want to think about that now, so she changed the subject. “How’d you like the wedding? I think the barn turned out great, don’t you?”

“The wedding was beautiful and, yes, Will and Liam did a fantastic job with this place. I mean, not five months ago when I first saw it, this barn was a wreck. Now look at it. And your decorations were amazing. I predict it’s gonna be a big draw for weddings.”

She was feeling particularly sentimental about weddings today and feeling very much like a bridesmaid. “I guess we’ll see.” Lost in her own thoughts, she went quiet for a few long moments before she said, “Ella looks like she’s having fun.” The two girls were flitting around the room as only six-year-old girls could, giggling and sharing secrets.

“She is. She was thrilled to get invited. And she’s found a friend.”

“That’s Amelia Roundtree. She’s in her class at school.”

“Isshe?” He frowned. “I should know that.”

“You wouldn’t be the first dad not to know your daughter’s friends at school.”

“Yeah, but I’m not just her dad. I’m both.”

“Maybe the puppy will help fill that gap. Have you given her to Ella yet?”

He shook his head. “Doc Alden’s keeping her at his place until tomorrow night. Christmas Eve.” He pulled her closer. “She’ll be glad to know you helped pick her out.”

“So, you’ll wait until Christmas morning then to give her the puppy?”

“I hope it works out that way. One way or the other, that dog will be ours for Christmas.”

“Lucky girl… uh, dog,” she said. “I-I mean, so lucky to have found a good home. You know, so many shelter dogs never… they spend years sometimes and no one wants them. It’s so tragic, really. But now, she’ll have her own little girl and… andyou. I mean, what dog gets a veterinarian”—like you—“for a parent”—she flicked a look up at him—“for heaven’s sake.”

He grinned and his gaze drifted upward as they danced under the chandelier. “Oh, look at that. Mistletoe.”

She followed his gaze upward. “Huh. How did that get there?”

“I don’t know.” Then he wasn’t looking at the mistletoe, but at her lips instead. “But I’d like to thank whoever put it there.” He kissed her, softly.

Not a deep kiss, or one that would embarrass her in front of all of Marietta, but a kiss that promised more. Later. A kiss that sent a warning through her like an electric charge.

It’s too late.

You should have listened.

I already love him.

He broke the kiss smiling down at her. “Hey. There’s something—”

Someone was tapping her on the shoulder. “Cami—”

Blushing, a little disoriented from that kiss, she whirled around to find Shay standing behind her looking anxious. “What?”

“Sorry. I need you. It’s Izzy’s mom.”

“Oh, no.”

“She’s gotten into some kind of debate with the mayor about the pros and cons of climate vs. cattle ranching—mostly the cons—and Izzy begged me to ask if you’d run interference.And rescue him.”

“Oh dear.” This was the downside of her de facto job as mediator in all things family. “Okay. I’ll try.”

Gus was trying not to look disappointed.

“I’m really sorry,” Shay told Gus. “This’ll just take a minute.”