Page 85 of Only for the Season

The area now boasts two dozen Christmas trees. Two dozen undecorated Christmas trees, which we are going to spend the next hour decorating.

“What do we get when we win this?” Jeremy asks.

“You’re assuming we’re going to win.”

He shrugs. “You’re obsessed with Christmas, and I’m an engineer. Naturally, we’re going to win.”

I giggle. “You’re asoftwareengineer.”

“The principal’s the same.”

“Developing software is the same as building a bridge?”

He doesn’t have a chance to answer before Eli flags us down. “Over here.”

Jeremy strangles my hand as we walk toward the gazebo where all of the contestants are gathered.

“Are you okay?” I whisper to him.

I’m proud to be with Jeremy. Proud for everyone on the island to know he’s my man. For now. At least. But maybe he doesn’t want people to know. Jeremy is a very private person after all.

“I’m sorry.” His grip on my hand eases.

My brow wrinkles. Why is he apologizing? Was us getting together some kind of joke? A dare? Am I the butt of the joke?

“I knew it!” Paisley squeals as she rushes toward us. “I knew you would be the perfect couple. I’m so glad I matched you.”

“Matched us?”

She waves her hand in dismissal. “I sent Jeremy to you when he needed a place to stay.”

“And now she thinks she’s a matchmaker and we should name our first child after her,” Jeremy mutters.

“I’m not picky. You can name your second child after me.”

Are we seriously discussing children? Jeremy and me having children? We literally decided to try for ‘more’ yesterday and now we’ve moved on to children?

“You’re crazy.”

Paisley rolls her eyes. “I’m not crazy. I’ve been tested.”

Eli strolls our way and throws an arm around her shoulders. “Ignore her. She hasn’t shut up about her new matchmaking business all day.”

“I’m confused. I thought you were a woman of science.”

She grins. “Which means I love to experiment.”

Eli slaps a hand over her mouth. “Ignore her. She’s sleep deprived.”

I wag my finger at her. “You’re lucky you have a baby at home. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be responsible for my reaction.”

“I bet I could smuggle chocolate into jail for you.” Jeremy winks at me.

“Don’t tempt me.”

“Smugglers!” Lana claps her hands to gain everyone’s attention. “Smugglers! It’s time to begin.”

Everyone quiets down to listen to the mayor.