Page 78 of Tangled

He glanced at the clock on the wall, no doubt calculating exactly how much time they had before they had to reconvene. Abruptly, he rose, taking her hand back in his and hauling her up alongside him.

“We’re headed out,” he announced. Conversation stopped, and everyone looked at them. Even Eleanor and John, Cody and Tia’s cat, raised their heads from where they’d been sleeping under the Christmas tree.

“Oh, I recognize that face,” Cody said before turning to his parents. “You’re taking Taye so they get sexy alone time, aren’t you?” he accused, eyeing them.

Anthony shrugged. “We’re simply taking our grandson home to spend some time with him. How Brad and Scarlett spend their time is up to them. Although I wouldn’t say no to a second new grandchild by this time next year,” he added, flashing Ava a smile.

Beth elbowed him. “What?” he demanded. “You were the one who suggested it.”

“I did no such thing,” Beth said, although even Scarlett could tell she was lying.

“On that note,” Brad said, “thank you, Cody and Tia, for hosting, and to everyone for the food you made.” He dragged her around the table as he spoke, stopping behind Emi. “Be good for Grammy and Grampy, Taye. We’ll see you in five hours and thirty-seven minutes.” Then he kissed his son’s head.

Scarlett did the same, inhaling his sweet scent before straightening and looking around the table. Brad tugged her hand, but she held her ground, if only for a moment. “Thank you all, for everything. For welcoming me, for loving us. For, well everything. This is the best Christmas I’ve ever had.”

“And about to get better if my brother has anything to say about it,” Mitch muttered.

She smiled and winked at him. “He hasn’t disappointed me yet,” she said, making the table fill with chuckles. “And you never know, maybe by this time next year, we’ll have two more little ones.”

Anthony let out a “woo-hoo,” and Alma and Manvir graced her with an indulgent, happy look. She didn’t hear what anyone else said, though. Intent on making the most of their five hours and thirty-seven—thirty-six—minutes alone together, Brad was already dragging her out the door.

And she had no intention of complaining. Not even a little bit.