Chapter 29

Twenty-Nin e

HENRY

Lucy wasn’t exaggerating, this guy really does put on quite the performance. To an outsider, this passionate display could be fitting for the final scene in a romantic movie. A high school sweetheart flying across an ocean to declare himself on Christmas to the only girl he’s ever loved. Except, from the sounds of it, she’s not the only girl, not by a long shot. Unfortunately for him, this isn’t a movie and it will not end as he hopes. I am the director here, and I will be sure to be the one who gets the girl in the end.

If he truly loved her and wanted to make a real go at it with her, he should have started with an apology, but instead, he stands here and attempts to manipulate her with lies and false promises of true love. Even if I weren’t hoping to win her heart, I wouldn’t want her to end up with a person like this.

John’s reasons for them to be together are only based on the past and his feelings. Not once has he asked if she loves him. He speaks as if it is assumed .

He doesn’t deserve the kindness she’s shown him since his arrival, let alone her affections.

It’s time to make something clear to this man—she comes first. This is her life, her heart, and her decision. With a firm tone, I say, “This is Lucy’s choice.”

Before we spoke last night, I would have followed Oliver’s warning to not get in the way of her being in a loving relationship just for my career and newfound popularity. Now, I know she has moved on with her life and decidedly wants to leave him in the past. It is only because of his irrational decision to board a flight without her permission that she is even acknowledging him at this moment.

She has made a new life here. With any luck, my role in her life will continue to grow. Hopefully, growing to the point I will have many more opportunities to taste those luscious lips of hers.

To show I value her choice, I move to unlock our hands, but Lucy holds on tight. My heart swells, and I feel the smile break free on my face as she meets my gaze. She doesn’t say anything, but I can see her mind racing behind her eyes. She can’t find the words but still manages to demonstrate her choice. I let myself hope that our kiss earlier meant just as much to her as it did to me.

Elated to know where I stand, she picked our relationship over her ex. Fake relationship…fake for now. I shake my head to get rid of those thoughts. Now is not the time. Blurting out my feelings and intentions while she is combating his unwelcome advances is not how I want to do this. She deserves so much more, which I will be happy to deliver .

Turning to John, I offer, “You are welcome to stay until the storm lets up and the roads clear.” I pause and look down at Lucy, then back to John. “There is no reason we can’t enjoy each other’s company until then. But if you do anything to upset her or make her feel uncomfortable, you will be removed at once. I don’t care if I have to lease a helicopter to come get you—I won’t stand for you upsetting her.”

John’s reaction is not what I expect, he’s obviously not taking my threat seriously. He turns back to Lucy, taking a step closer before addressing her directly. “I would never want you upset or uncomfortable, you know that.” He turns back to me. “Thank you, Henry, I look forward to spending more time with Lucy.”

It’s as if he still believes he has a chance with her. My words barely affected him. Maybe he would absorb them a little more if they were delivered by my fists. Thankfully, he knows enough to return to his room for now.

The others begin to clear the table. Finn says to Lucy and I, “You both should take a couple of minutes.”

Hannah follows his lead, trying to extinguish the awkwardness lingering in the air. “Let us take care of the cleanup. The two of you cooked an extraordinary breakfast.”

Grateful for the opportunity, I walk with Lucy’s hand in mine to the living room and pull her down onto the sofa next to me. She curls up against my side as my arm finds its place around her. “Thank you,” she whispers.

Before I can worry if I handled that in the way she wanted, she rewards me by snuggling against me. I’ll never be able to enjoy sitting in this spot again unless I have her in my arms, just as she is now. “He’s exhausting,” I say to her with a low laugh.

“I told you.” Her body relaxes against mine. I wonder if she is aware of the physical cues her body is giving me. Each one increases my hope that she wants this thing building between us.

We sit like this for what must be an hour, quietly coming down from the theatrical performance we were just pulled into.

In a quick text to Oliver and Finn, I ask them to meet with me in my office. I learned years ago not to go around knocking on doors. We are all adults, and privacy is important when multiple couples are under one roof. We have a few items to go over for New Year’s Eve, and I’m sure they will want an explanation about Lucy.

“Close the door, will you, Finn?” I ask, sitting on the edge of my desk. The boys sit beside each other on the large windowsill.

With a deep breath, I go into the fabricated story Lucy and I agreed on last night about our courtship. “I’m sorry I didn’t say more about Lucy and me earlier. It’s just we weren’t sure where it was going and wanted to wait before telling everyone which would bring added pressures.”

“Yes, I suppose that makes sense.” Finn squints his eyes and tilts his head.

“Well, whatever it took, Pop. I’m just happy you got here.” Oliver smiles. I give him a questioning look, and he continues. “It was a little obvious. ”

“What was obvious?” I ask.

Finn chimes in, “That you’ve been obsessed with her since you met her.”

Oliver continues, “You can’t keep your eyes off of her. Everyone’s noticed.”

“Then what was the point of the speech you gave me yesterday, Oliver? About how I better not be leading her on and how you think it’s one-sided?”

Oliver laughs, “I was trying to make you jealous, hoping to push you to finally make a move.”

Finn continues, “But it appears you already made your moves…” and then he winks.

“Yes, well, I think that’s about the extent I’d like to discuss Lucy,” I tell him. “What should we do with her ex while we wait for the snow to settle?” I ask.

Oliver speaks up, “Aside from his history with Lucy, he seems like an all-right guy.”

“We were planning to take a walk in the snow today, maybe make some snowmen. I can invite him out with us.” Finn suggests, “Mia, like every year, put off wrapping the gifts for her family until today, and Hannah offered to help. That would leave time for you and Lucy to have by yourselves.”

“What is the plan for John’s departure? Do you need us to take him back to London?” Oliver asks.

“No, Lucy plans to take him as soon as the weather breaks. I offered to get them a car service. It might be Christmas Eve by the time the roads are cleared. She insists I stay here with you. She plans to return the same night.” Even as I say it with confidence, my stomach still tightens. I’m not comfortable with this plan, but Lucy has asked me to trust her. He’s taken up space in her life for too long—she needs to close this door. She’s been right about him so far.