She gave a mirthless laugh. “I think we can both agree it was bound to happen. I just didn’t expect it to happen like this.” She groaned and then wiped away some stray tears. “I need to fix my makeup, and then we’re going back out there to eat, dance, and socialize.”
Carter took a step toward her. “Are you sure? Because we can go. We can leave right now and just…I don’t know, not be here.”
But Emery shook her head. “No. This is me not running away. I’m sure people out there know what happened tonight and they may want to talk about it. And if they do, I’ll let them. This situation has kept me running and hiding long enough. I’m not happy to deal with it here tonight like this, but…again, I’m not surprised that they managed to ruin my night without being here.”
“Baby,” he said softly, “they’re not ruining it. You’re brave and strong and…” His gaze raked over her. “You’re incredibly sexy. Have I mentioned how much I love you in red?”
She blushed and Carter reached up and caressed her cheek.
“You’re not letting them ruin anything. You’re willing to walk back out there and show everyone what a class act you are. You’re amazing.”
He kissed her then—and it was deep and wet and had her wanting to wrap her legs around him and beg him to take her right there.
But there’d be time for that later.
She smiled at him. “Give me five minutes and then let’s go eat.”
He chuckled. “There’s my girl.”
Emery turned to leave the room, but then looked back at him. “Any other culinary surprises I should be on the lookout for? Any other sneaky uses of gouda?”
His hands slid into his trouser pockets. “There may be. But I promise to let you know before slipping any onto your plate.”
“That’s all I ask,” she said with a wink, and then she was out the door.
* * *
“We should go get a tree today,” Carter said. It was after midnight, the house was dark, and Emery was naked in his arms.
And all was right with his world.
“Nope,” she said simply.
“What do you mean, nope? Why not?”
“I’m not putting one up this year.”
Okay, now he was curious. “Why?”
She pushed up on one elbow and looked down at him. The only light in the room was from the moonlight, but he could see her perfectly. Her hair was tousled and the sheet dropped just enough that he could see her breasts; he had to hold his hands still and not reach out to touch her yet.
“Because I don’t want to celebrate Christmas here. The house is on the market, we’ve had some offers, and I’d rather pack things up than deal with decorating and having to rush to take it all down. It’s not worth it to me.”
With a dramatic sigh, he did reach out and pulled her back down against him. “Then it’s a good thing I have a plan,” he said quietly.
“You do?”
Nodding, he explained. “Our house in Montauk is available again and I’ve booked it through the end of February, but if I don’t find a place to buy, I may extend the lease.” When she went to straighten up again, he held her firm. “So, I know tonight was all about the fundraiser and the work you and my mom did, but I had some stuff to share and didn’t want to take away from your night.”
“What are you talking about?”
“The restaurant. I’m going to want to live in Montauk for at least the first year it’s open. I’d rather invest in a house than keep renting. It just makes sense.”
“Oh, right. I guess I never thought about that.” She paused. “But…that’s not really anything new, Carter. Has something else happened?”
He told her about meeting old Joe Mallin and about his pub. “I’m buying it.”
This time she did straighten. “What? I mean…how? Why? You’re building a place already, Carter!”
“I know, but… So much about the project hasn’t felt right with me, and when I walked into Joe’s place, it was like everything made sense. It all fell into place. Everything about it felt right—the atmosphere, the location, the menu. I’m going to make some changes but I’m over the whole idea of trying to reinvent the wheel. I want to just get back to the joy of cooking good meals for everyone to enjoy.”
“Not just those who like gouda?”
Laughing, he hugged her close. “You have to get over that one. Although…you are going to love his fries.”
“His fries? You’re keeping his menu?”
“Not all of it, but at least half. He and I discussed it and he’s going to stay on with me part-time as we transition, and he’ll help me tweak the menu and figure out what to add.”
“Hey, I thought that was my job?”
“You decided working for my uncle was a better deal,” he teased and kissed her again. “But don’t worry, I’m sure we’ll let you try some of it when you’re not too busy wowing the Montgomery corporation.”
Now it was her turn to laugh. “Knock it off. You know this offer from your uncle was just to bridge the gap until I find something else. I’ll be freelancing and working remotely, so…wherever you go, I go.”
“Nothing could make me happier,” he said, and he meant it. Knowing things were heading in the right direction finally gave him a sense of peace he hadn’t known in a long time.
If ever.
And for the first time in years, Carter had something to look forward to that wasn’t about his business, it was about his life. He was looking forward to Christmas in a way he hadn’t since he was a kid. The thought of spending it with Emery already had the wheels in his mind spinning with all the possibilities. He wanted to make it the best one she’d ever had.
Beside him, she yawned broadly. “I’m exhausted. It’s been a long day and an even longer week.” She placed a kiss on his chest. “I missed you.”
“I missed you too,” he said softly. “What have you got planned for tomorrow? Anything?”
“No. I had planned on taking the day as a mental health day. After getting myself so worked up over what might or might not happen at the fundraiser, I thought I would need it.” Then she laughed softly.
“What’s so funny?”
“Before I left here tonight, I vowed to call you and straighten things out.”
“Oh yeah?”
“Mm-hmm.”
“And what were you going to say?”
“I was going to tell you what a colossal jerk you are and how you better come back here and apologize. Pronto.”
He chuckled, loving how she was trying to sound like she was tough. “Pronto?”
“Yup. Pronto.”
Slowly, he maneuvered them until Emery was on her back and he was stretched out on top of her. “Hmm…very bossy of you, Em.”
She nodded in agreement. “It helps get things done.”
“And that’s important to you, huh? Getting things done?”
Another nod. “Absolutely.”
“I just have one more question,” he murmured, lowering his head until his lips were a breath away from hers.
“Just one?” she whispered.
“Yes. Are you really hung up on the whole pronto thing? Because I prefer to take things…slow. I’m thorough like that.” And then he began to move against her until she was panting and begging for more.
Yet another thing he loved about her.
“Carter?” she said breathlessly, as his hands and mouth traveled along her silky skin.
“Hmm?”
“You’re killing me.”
“But what a way to go, huh?” he said between kisses along her thigh.
She sighed his name again right before telling him how much she loved him.
Yeah…he’d never get enough of hearing her say that. Just like he’d never get tired of saying it back to her. And he did, ove
r and over as he loved her.
And much later, when they were both nearly asleep, she said his name again.
“Yes?” he asked.
“If I don’t remember to say it later, thank you for making this the best Christmas ever.”
He frowned. Best Christmas ever? It was only the first week of December. “Em, sweetheart, we still have a few weeks until Christmas.”
Slowly, she shook her head. “I already got the best Christmas present ever. You.”
She may think he was the best Christmas present ever, but he had a few tricks up his sleeve to change her mind.
Well, maybe not change it, but he already had some plans in motion to guarantee Emery would remember this Christmas forever.
Epilogue
“You know, I’m really not trying to sound snarky, but…just what is the deal with your family?”
Carter looked up from chopping vegetables and smiled at Emery—who was wearing the new cashmere robe he’d given her as an early Christmas present. “What do you mean?”
“I mean these Christmas family newsletters are a bit insane. No one should have this much good news to share!”
He couldn’t argue with her. It was true. Things were especially good in the Montgomery family, it seemed, and Christmas was the perfect time to share that. Besides the abundance of Christmas cards he received this year at their new address in Montauk, each one had contained some form of family news. Luckily, his aunts managed to consolidate it all in newsletter form. No doubt his own mother had done the same.
“Okay, like this one from Uncle William and Aunt Monica.”
“What about it?”
She held up a finger and read it out loud to him. When she was done, she looked at Carter. “I had no idea families were really like this.”
He nodded and shifted the vegetables from cutting board to bowl before tackling the next batch. “Did you read the one from Aunt Janice?”
Emery shifted through the stack of envelopes and pulled it out. “I only glanced at it, but I figured it was more of the same.”
He chuckled. “No doubt. But read it out loud. I was distracted earlier and didn’t get to read the whole thing.”
Emery took a seat on one of the upholstered bar stools and read it to him. Putting the paper down, Emery sighed.
“What? What’s the matter?” he asked.
“It’s just a lot to take in. I’ve never experienced anything like this. Even with two sisters of my own, we don’t celebrate like this, we don’t share or gush over family news like yours does.” She flipped through the stack of Christmas cards again. “I think your mother’s came today too.”
“Really? Why would she send one when she’s coming here? That seems a little crazy.”
“Relax. So she wasted the cost of a stamp. It’s not a big deal.” After a minute, she found it. “Got it!”
With a dramatic sigh, he cleaned up the food he was prepping and said, “Go ahead and read it. Let’s hear about how fabulous my siblings are.”
Amused, Emery reached for a carrot he had missed and munched on it before she read the final bit of Montgomery news.
When she was done, she slammed the paper down on the counter with a hint of outrage. “I had no idea she did that on purpose!” Emery cried. “She helped me out in hopes of setting us up?”
Smirking, Carter wiped down the countertop. “And you’re surprised why? You’ve heard all about the crazy matchmaking that has gone on in this family.”
“But…doesn’t it bother you?”
“Hell no! Look how it all worked out. We’re here together in this fabulous house, deliriously in love, and planning our future. I say we buy her more Christmas gifts to thank her!”
To her credit, Emery wasn’t upset for long and soon she was stacking the cards back up again. “I guess…since we’re deliriously in love, I guess that makes it okay.”
“Damn right.”
She looked around the kitchen. “Anything I can help you with?”
“No. Everything’s prepped for dinner tonight. But…” Spotting the envelope he was looking for, he reached for it and handed it to Emery. “This one came today for you.” He knew the instant she figured out who it was from, and before she could say a word, he grinned. “Relax. They just wasted the cost of a stamp, right?”
The angry glare she shot at him told him she wasn’t amused.
“Look, I know it’s going to be a little awkward, but we talked about this. Inviting your parents here for Christmas was the right thing to do,” he said. “There will be plenty of people here to make sure nothing gets out of hand, and need I remind you what you said to me about the whole thing?”
She huffed. “It’s the season of charitable forgiveness.”
Then she muttered a curse.
“That’s my girl,” he said with a grin. “Now come on, we’ve got work to do. Everyone’s arriving tomorrow and I want us to have our own Christmas celebration tonight while it’s just the two of us.”
Walking around the kitchen island, he came to stand beside her, kissing her soundly. “Look at this place. I think we outdid ourselves, don’t you?”
They were back in the house they had rented before, but this time all the decorations were theirs, the tree was one they’d picked out themselves from a tree lot, and all the ornaments were a combination of Emery’s and new ones they had chosen together. And in his opinion, it was the best tree in the history of Christmas trees.
“We did,” she agreed. “I never had a twelve-foot tree. I can’t believe how much we had to buy to decorate it.”
“Totally worth it. And this is just the beginning,” he said. “Every year we’re going to add to it.”
She laughed. “We may need a bigger tree.”
“And a bigger house.”
Now she laughed harder, turning toward him. “Carter! I know you’re teasing, but that’s ridiculous!”
“Hey, you read all the Montgomery newsletters. Our family is forever expanding. We’re definitely going to need a bigger place.”
She groaned. “I know you’re right and this place is just a rental, but…this has been the best house I’ve ever lived in. The memories we made here? They’ll stay with me forever.”
He kissed her softly and was about to take it a little bit deeper when the doorbell rang.
“Please tell me no one’s surprising us by showing up early,” she whined.
“They better not. I have plans for the two of us under that tree later,” he said, heading toward the door.
“Again?” she cried.
At the door, Carter accepted the package with a big grin and walked back into the living room, where Emery’s eyes went wide.
“Oh my goodness! What is it?” she asked.
Carter placed the box on the table, careful to keep it positioned in a way that wouldn’t give anything away. It was a red box with a big white bow on it. “Your name is on the tag, so I guess it’s for you.”
She eyed him suspiciously. “Carter Montgomery, what did you do?”
“Me? How do you know it’s from me?”
“Carter…”
“Woof!”
The box seemed to jump slightly and Emery let out a shriek.
“Woof!”
“Ohmygod, ohmygod, ohmygod!” she chanted excitedly as she opened the box. A small furry head popped up.
And snorted.
“Oh my gosh! It’s a mini Maylene!” Emery cried, reaching for the puppy. “She’s adorable, Carter! Oh, I’m in love already!” She cradled the puppy, which was wearing a big red bow instead of a collar. “What’s her name?”
Crouching down beside her, he scratched the puppy’s head. “Well, she is a he and we have to name him,” he said, smiling at her. “I figured you’d want the honors.” Then he turned serious. “I remembered the story yo
u told me about wanting a dog for Christmas. We never talked about different breeds, but you seemed to love Maylene when we were all together last month. I figured maybe we’d start with a small dog for now and once we get settled into our forever home, we could add to our family.”
She snuggled the puppy close and kissed his head. “Well, I’m not sure Stanley will want to share the attention with another dog. I mean…he’s just a baby. He should get some time to himself with us, shouldn’t he?”
“Stanley? Stanley the pug? That’s what you’re going with?”
“Too generic?” she questioned with a grin. “How about…Cheddar? Or…Gouda! Oh, Gouda the pug! How does that sound?”
“Like if he went to dog school, he’d get wedgies,” Carter deadpanned. “C’mon. Be serious. This little guy needs a name befitting a Montgomery.”
“A Montgomery, huh?”
Nodding, he petted the dog, who then tried to lick his way up Carter’s entire arm.
“Okay, think. Think, think, think…” She giggled when the pug turned and started licking her chin and cheek and entire face. “Easy there, Schmoopie.”
“Do not call him that,” Carter said firmly, but he couldn’t keep a straight face.
“Why not?”
“Because we’re going to have to use his name in public and I’m not going to be caught calling my dog…Schmoopie. I have my limits.”
“Fine,” she said dramatically. “But then you need to give some input too.”
“I just did. Don’t call him Schmoopie.”
“How about we name him something for Christmas? Since he’s my Christmas present, we should give him a good Christmas name.”
“I’m on board with that. But what?”
“Oh! Let’s name him after one of Santa’s reindeers! Please! Can we?”
“That sounds great, but which one?”
Emery immediately began to sing the lyrics of “Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer”—off key, of course. “You know Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen.” She paused. “Definitely not Vixen.”
Carter quickly agreed.
“Comet and Cupid and Donner and Blitzen.” She paused again and looked at the dog. “He’s definitely not a Rudolph.”
A Dash of Christmas Page 29