Chapter 25

25

Tahlia’s tears had turned to sniffles by the time the cocoa was done. The necklace sat on the counter, still in the open box, waiting for her decision on whether or not she would keep it. Was it appropriate now? Matt was not going to be her boss for much longer, and any shot at friendship they had was blown to dust.

But she wanted to keep it.

The conundrum was no closer to being solved when she poured the cocoa into five mugs. Nor was it when she topped the mugs with marshmallows. The necklace stayed on the counter when she placed the mugs on a tray to deliver them to the living room. She’d heard quite a bit of screaming and laughter moments earlier, so Jed must have pulled quite the trick with the drone. Tahlia checked her phone for the temperature; it was in the twenties, so they would be inside soon.

She was determined that she wouldn’t think about the issues with Matt or the future anymore that day. She was going to live in the present and enjoy Christmas. After adding a box of cookies and fudge to the tray, she picked it up, fortified for more festivities.

When she turned she nearly dropped everything. There he stood in the doorway, black snow-coat and hair saturated with melting snowflakes.

“Matt!” she gasped, very aware that she was still in her robe. “I…I thought…Do the kids know you’re back?”

“I was just with them.”

That explained the excited yelling earlier. Tahlia nodded slowly.

Matt took a stilted step forward, his eyes trained on her face. “I found the gifts.”

Tahlia swallowed and set the tray on the counter. He must have been furious when he discovered the cuckoo clock for him to return to the cabin. She only hoped he wouldn’t fire her on the spot; that wouldn’t do the kids any good. It was hard for her to meet his gaze again but she forced herself. He’d taken a few more steps and now only a foot separated them; his hands were curled into fists, like he was trying to keep himself from reaching out.

“I’m sorry,” she croaked. “It was inappropriate. Only…” Tahlia wrung her hands, her eyes darting away and back. “Only you liked it and home means so much to you…I wanted you to have a piece of it…”

“I was at the airport,” he said softly, “when I found them. It was like waking up from a bad dream. I asked myself what the hell I was doing and…I’ve never run out of an airport before…”

“You ran?” Tahlia gawked. “Really?”

“I really did. Tahlia…” He moved a half-step closer, his eyes widening as if he was afraid. “Did I ruin everything?”

Confused. She was definitely confused and it must have read all over her face.

“I’m sorry,” he continued desperately. “I’m sorry for what I said. It wasn’t a mistake to hire you. It was the best damn decision I ever made. I want you to stay.”

Disappointment and heartache filled her stomach like a bad soup. He simply didn’t want to lose another caretaker for the kids.

“As the nanny,” Tahlia supplied quietly. Matt’s lips twitched.

“Definitely not. You’re a terrible nanny.”

Tahlia scowled, now more irritated than confused. “Excuse me?”

“You’re nosy, loud, opinionated, rude, and…”

“And?” Tahlia urged, ready to walk out right then and there.

“And you’re kind, loving, patient, and you’ve made my kids happier than I’ve seen them in a long time. And…and me.”

The frustration dissipated like mist and Tahlia nearly melted into the puddle on the floor created from the snow melting off Matt’s coat and shoes.

“Oh,” she murmured. Matt edged forward and reached for her hand, taking light hold of her fingers with his. Tahlia looked down, heart racing because it finally hit her where this conversation was going.

“Did I?”

“Did you what?” she asked, stalling to ground herself.

“Ruin everything?”

Tahlia finally looked at him and shook her head slowly. “No.”

A boyish smile lit his face. “Really?”

“Really.” Tahlia grinned. Matt tugged her toward him, eliminating what little space was left between them.

Just like their first kiss, neither one hesitated. His lips were soft and Tahlia could still taste the coffee he’d had that morning, probably gulped as he rushed out of the cabin. She didn’t mind. Her hands slid up his coat to grasp its collar. Maybe this was all a dream and she would wake up to her alarm but when his arms slipped around her, pulling her flush to his body, and he nipped at her bottom lip ever so gently…well, that was very real.

They both, by some unspoken, intuitive agreement, paused. Matt rested his forehead against Tahlia’s as they caught their breath together. While his eyes closed, Tahlia’s stayed open. She gazed up at him, taking it all in. Between the Christmas music in the background, the peppermint cocoa filling the air, and his arms holding her so securely, Tahlia could have sworn she was in a cheesy TV movie.

It was all so perfect.

Except…

“I can’t say no to that job,” she whispered. “It’s everything I’ve dreamed of.”

Matt opened his eyes and pulled back just enough for Tahlia to see the soft smile lifting his mouth.

“When I said I wanted you to stay, I didn’t mean that you should give up your career.”

“What did you mean?” she asked.

He lifted one hand to cup her cheek. “I want you to stay because I…” his eyes drifted away and he paused. “You didn’t like it?”

Tahlia frowned and followed his eye line to the box that held the necklace. “Oh, no. I mean yes, I did. I was worried after last night that…” she blushed. “I didn’t know if you still wanted me to have it.”

His jaw set determinedly, he reached past her, easily done with his long arms, and plucked the box up. Tahlia watched him remove the necklace and unclasp it. With a slow, deliberate movement, he placed it around her neck. His hands cupped her throat afterward, his thumbs drawing tiny circles into her skin.

“I want you to have it,” he murmured. “I want you to work for that company. And I want you to be with me.”

“Be with me,” she repeated in a whisper and rested her palms over his hands. “I want to be with you.”

Matt kissed her again, lightly and lovingly. “Will you?”

A grin spread across her face; Tahlia didn’t think she’d ever experience pure joy but that’s what this was. It had to be.

“Yes.”

This time, their kiss was gentle, but also short-lived, because only seconds after they embraced, a chorus of giggles floated to them from the kitchen doorway. Gasping, Tahlia stepped away from Matt to be met by the happy, grinning faces of the twins, Jed, and Ophelia.

Oh no. Matt was not going to like this. For his kids to find them kissing surely was a major issue. They would need to explain it and there might have to be therapy and…

“Tahlia.”

She swept her eyes back to him. Matt’s crooked smile greeted her and before she could say anything he kissed her again. In front of everyone. On purpose.

At first Tahlia was too stunned to respond, but she quickly melted into the embrace. Sliding her arms around his neck, she smiled against his lips while a cheer erupted from their audience.

From the sound of it, the kids were going to be just fine.