Page 37 of The Christmas Arrangement
“Um, hello?” I say. “Remember me?”
Every member of my family, including my brand-new brother-in-law look pointedly at me, then Dash, then back at me. And I, of course, blush furiously. Dash is all smiles.
The celebration continues—more toasts, more stories about the secret ceremonies, more plans for parties. I smile and laugh in all the right places, but something’s shifting inside me.
Holly took a risk. She married Jack knowing they’d be apart, that it would be hard, that there are no guarantees.
Dad and Noelle did what felt right to them, traditions and expectations be damned.
Merry, well, she’s infamous for jumping into the unknown and trusting she’ll land on her feet.
Everyone’s being brave. Everyone’s taking leaps. Everyone’s choosing love over fear. Everyone but me.
I’ve spent my whole life being the quiet one, the careful one, the one who doesn’t make waves. The peacemaker. The safe choice. And where has it gotten me?
I glance at Dash. He’s listening to Jack describe the courthouse ceremony, asking questions, genuinely interested. He fits here. He’s relaxed and happy and more himself than I’ve seen him.
What if I took a risk? What if I told him I don’t want boundaries after all?
It’s only a week. But what if?—?
“Ivy?”
I snap back to attention. Dad’s looking at me expectantly.
“Sorry, what?”
“Your three things?”
Oh. Right. I’ve been so busy processing everyone else’s reveals that I forgot we hadn’t finished the ritual.
“Um. I’m grateful that Dash is here experiencing this.” I feel him turn toward me but keep my eyes on my dad. “I regret being too cautious sometimes. And tomorrow”—I take a breath—“I’m going to take a risk.”
“That’s the spirit,” Merry cheers.
Dad nods approvingly, and Noelle gives me a shrewd look. She knows. Somehow, she always knows.
“Dash?” Dad prompts. “You’re up.”
Dash shifts beside me. “I’m grateful you included me tonight. Thank you.” His voice roughens, just a bit. “I regret making Ivy taste my matcha wheatgrass latte in exchange for my presence.”
“You didn’t?” Merry gasps.
I elbow him gently. “It wasn’t that bad. No, yeah, it was.”
When the laughter dies down, he continues. “And tomorrow, I’m going to make myself useful. Pop into some of the shops in town, meet more people, maybe charm some of the inn’s guests. Might as well use my celebrity status to help out while I’m here.”
Dad beams. “That’s generous of you, son.”
There’s that word again. Dash’s face tightens with emotion before he hides it behind his Negroni.
An hour later, Dash and I are walking back to the cottage. The temperature has dropped, and our breath makes clouds in the air. I pull up my parka hood to cover my cold ears.
“Your family is so welcoming,” Dash says.
“They’re a lot.”
“They’re perfect.” He’s quiet for a moment. “Watching your dad and Noelle, seeing how happy they are, and knowing that Holly and Jack took such a huge leap even though long-distance is terrifying shows how much they support you all give each other. It lets them take risks, you know?”