Page 67 of Suddenly Mine

Christian stilled. Then, slowly, he set down his whisky, eyes darkening in a way that sent a ripple through her whole body.

“I really hope so,” he murmured. “But just so you know, once you unwrap me, there are no returns.”

Merry laughed, but it caught in her throat as he leaned forward and slid his hand behind her neck, thumb brushing her jaw, and kissed her. He kissed her like he already knew every inch of her and couldn’t wait to relearn it all, detail by delicious detail.

“You sure about this?” he asked, voice husky.

Merry nodded, tugging gently at the belt of his robe. “I know we’re a few days early, but I think it’s time I opened my present.”

That was all the invitation he needed. He scooped her up in one swift motion and carried her towards the bedroom with a grin that melted her bones. And, as he laid her gently on the bed and leaned in again, all Merry could think was that maybe Christmas wishes really do come true.

Chapter 30

CHRISTIAN

CHRISTMAS EVE

Christian lingered at the foot of the giant Christmas tree for a moment longer than he should have, just watching her. Merry stood at the entrance to Carroll’s in her uniform, her smile brighter than the lights on the branches behind her. She greeted every customer with a warm “Happy Christmas!” which made people beam with joy as they entered the store.

Merry by name, he thought, utterly gone for her,and merry by nature.

He adjusted his tie and forced himself to step away, heading up to the offices. It was his first official day at the helm of Carroll’s and he wasn’t too ashamed to say the nerves were real. Mrs Cradley was waiting in the corridor with her trusty clipboard tucked under her arm and a familiar air of tightly wound annoyance. But she gave him a wink as he passed her and a look that said,I may be watching you,butI’m also rooting for you.

Christian pushed open the door to his father’s office and paused on the threshold. Lewis Carroll was standing by the window, looking out over the snow-covered streets below. It was beautiful and made Fifth Avenue look like a Christmas card. It also made Christian glad of the five-minute walk across the road to work.

He stopped in his tracks at the sight. Not because of the snow, this time, but because of the sweater his dad was wearing. It was bright red, a Fair Isle pattern of reindeer and snowflakes. Lewis had worn nothing but a suit in decades.

Christian let out a surprised laugh. “Okay, who are you and what have you done with my father?”

Lewis turned with a shrug, the red sweater slightly baggy across his thin chest. “I don’t know why I didn’t wear this all the time,” he said. “It’s unbelievably comfortable.” He motioned towards Christian’s tie with a wry smile. “Meanwhile, you look like you can’t wait to rip that off.”

Christian chuckled, loosening the knot. “I’d love to, and if the big boss can wear a Christmas sweater to work, then so can I.”

“I hate to break the bubble, son.” Lewis nodded thoughtfully. “But you are the big boss now, and you need to keep that on. I’m just here for the free gingerbread cookie if I spend over ten dollars.”

He turned and pulled out his chair from the giant desk he always sat behind. Christian smiled, expecting his dad to sit down, to start talking business. But Lewis stepped aside and gestured to the seat instead.

“I think this is yours now,” he said simply.

Christian swallowed hard, a fizz of tears building in his nose.

“Dad, I . . . I don’t know what to—” He shook his head. “Thank you. Really. I—”

Words failed him, so instead, he stepped forward and took the seat. Lowering himself, he felt the familiar leather, worn from years of use. Christian placed his hands on the desk, took a steadying breath and looked up at his father with a grateful smile. “I guess we should get to work.”

Lewis grinned. “Lead the way, boss.”

“First official decision,” Christian said. “We’re closing at four today. Staff deserve to get home early on Christmas Eve to be with their families.”

Lewis chuckled. “I can feel the profit margins groaning already.”

“Good job they’re not your responsibility anymore then, isn’t it?” Christian felt buoyed by the newfound friendship he wasbuilding with his father. It had been a while since they’d joked together and he vowed to do it more often.

A sharp knock sounded at the door and Lewis turned, already moving. “That’s my cue. If I leave now, I think I’ve got time to spend ten dollars and claim my complimentary cookie.”

Christian laughed. “You could just take one, you know?”

Lewis waved him off. “Where’s the fun in that?”