Chapter Nineteen
“Are you sure this is where you want to spend Christmas Day?” Reed asked Avery.
They stood in front of the Kirkland home of Kellie Stelter.
Flecks of snow gently fell from the sky and the scent of pine mingled with the breeze.
“What I mean to say is . . . I don’t want you to give up our day together because you think it’s what I want. ”
Avery couldn’t keep from smiling. The minute she saw her brother with Kellie, she recognized the chemistry between them.
The two couldn’t take their eyes off each other the entire evening they’d spent together.
It seemed while Harrison and Avery had been trapped on the ferry, her brother and Harrison’s sister had gotten along like gangbusters.
Once off the ferry, they’d all enjoyed a dinner of roasted salmon, sourdough bread, asparagus, potatoes, and salad.
Harrison and Avery had regaled them with the story of the birth of James’s baby girl, which was their own bit of excitement.
Their siblings had chatted nonstop about their own adventures, recalling the Christmas market and the ride on the Ferris wheel.
Her brother had laughed when he recounted the mad rush to the ferry terminal only to learn it had been a false alarm.
Every few minutes Harrison would catch her eye and do his best to disguise his amusement. Avery was tickled herself. Clearly the two had enjoyed every minute they’d spent together.
It was after ten before Kellie suggested it was time for her to head home with Harrison. Avery could see her brother wanted to protest and probably would have if Kellie hadn’t yawned. It had been a long day for all involved. Kellie’s yawn had a rippling effect, and soon Avery was sleepy herself.
Standing at the door with her coat in hand, Kellie had turned back. “I had an idea . . . I know it’s last-minute and all, but would you and Avery care to join us for Christmas dinner?”
Avery knew her brother well enough to realize she’d be doing the shopping for their Christmas dinner. Everything her brother ate came from Uber Eats or was a frozen entrée. Brother and sister exchanged a look and it was quickly decided.
“We’d love it.”
Avery was delighted by the invite.
“Great.” Kellie’s smile relayed how pleased she was.
Reed had the look of a boy anticipating opening gifts on Christmas morning.
Reed had walked Kellie and Harrison to the elevator while Avery remained behind. The condo was strangely silent after the lively dinner discussion. With them gone it felt as if all the air had left the room.
When Reed returned, he, too, seemed to feel how empty the condo was.
“By the way,” Avery said, teasing her brother, “I have no objection to sharing our Christmas dinner with Harrison and Kellie.”
Her brother’s look was completely blank.
“You didn’t give me the chance to answer earlier.”
His brow furrowed as he seemed to be mentally reviewing the conversation. “I didn’t? Are you sure?”
“Positive.”
He rubbed the side of his face as if confused. “Sorry about that. You don’t mind, do you?”
The original idea was supposed to be just the two of them and the traditions they’d shared with their grandmother. “It’ll be fine,” she assured him.
“Good.” His shoulders sagged with relief.
Now, early Christmas afternoon, as they stood outside the car, her brother seemed to need reassurance.
“You like her, don’t you?” Avery asked, although the answer was obvious.
“I do,” Reed admitted. “Quite a lot, actually. You’re okay spending it with Harrison?” His gaze held hers. “I know you’re skeptical about dating someone in the military. I don’t want you to be uncomfortable on my account.”
“Stop, would you? I’m more than okay. Harrison’s great.
” And he was. They’d exchanged texts several times over the last twenty-four hours.
He hadn’t pressured her into telling him her decision, and for that she was grateful.
He had, however, made sure she understood how much he wanted the opportunity to see her again.
Tempted as she was, Avery remained unsure about whether getting involved with a man in the military was going to work, especially now that she knew he intended to make the Navy his career.
Yet, even while aware of his plans, she’d been taken in by his wit and charm.
She believed him when he assured her that he wasn’t a player.
She’d enjoyed the time on the ferry with him, exchanging banter, as they teased and joked with each other.
There was something about Harrison that was hard to resist. Even the way he sensed her hesitation and patiently worked reminded her of his interest.
The kiss they’d exchanged after Noelle’s birth certainly complicated her decision.
She recognized the attraction between Reed and Kellie because it looked just like what she was experiencing with Harrison.
An attraction that strong was difficult to ignore.
Her biggest fear was knowing that if they did become involved, it would mean long absences while he was at sea.
Depending on his mission, there would be a complete lack of any communication.
If anything were to happen, she wouldn’t know for weeks on end. That uncertainty gave her pause.
Avery didn’t know how those left behind lived, knowing the ones they loved and cared deeply about were in constant danger. Having basically lost everyone important in her life, other than Reed, Avery remained leery and yet . . .
“Hey, you two, what’s the holdup? In case you didn’t notice, it’s snowing. Come inside.” Kellie stood on the porch wearing a Santa hat and gestured for them to enter the house. The front door was decorated with a festive evergreen wreath with a large red bow and silver bells.
“Shall we?” Reed asked, glancing away from Kellie long enough to focus on Avery.
“Merry Christmas,” Avery called out as she started toward Kellie. Harrison stood behind his sister.
Leading the way up the steps, Avery hugged Kellie and then briefly Harrison. She saw the disappointment in his eyes when she broke free.
She paused just inside the entry. Kellie’s home was lovely. Her eyes went to the flocked Christmas tree, placed close to the picture window. It was decorated with silver and blue ornaments.
Reed followed her carrying a large poinsettia and a bottle of RumChata.
Avery loved that he chose the RumChata, as it was their grandparents’ favorite and a Christmas tradition.
After their grandfather passed, Grams continued the tradition.
The flavored alcoholic drink was a special treat both Avery and Reed waited for each Christmas evening.
Having him include it in their celebration was his way of continuing the tradition in memory of their precious grandmother.
When Avery walked into the living area, the first thing that greeted her was the aroma of the turkey roasting in the oven.
It smelled delicious. She’d had a light breakfast of toast and coffee, wanting to save her appetite for dinner.
Her stomach growled in anticipation of the meal they were about to enjoy.
Harrison was at her side and helped Avery remove her coat, his hands lingering on her shoulders. “I can’t tell you how happy I am that you’re here.”
“I’m happy, too,” she said, and briefly placed her hand over his, letting him know she truly meant it.
While he hung her wool coat in the hall closet, Kellie and Reed had disappeared into the kitchen. A poinsettia sat beneath the Christmas tree, along with a few opened gifts still in their boxes.
“Come sit with me,” Harrison said, and reached for Avery’s hand.
He led her to the sofa across from the fireplace, where a gentle fire flickered.
The room was warm and cozy. She noticed the dining room table was already set with a white linen tablecloth.
It looked like Kellie had used her best dishes along with crystal wineglasses.
“I couldn’t wait to see you,” Harrison said, keeping hold of her hand.
Before she could comment, he added, “I know it’s only been a little more than forty-eight hours, but it felt like much, much longer.
” He hesitated and looked unsure, his gaze drifting away from her as if he was carefully considering his words.
“Am I coming on too strong?” he asked.
Avery rather enjoyed his lack of confidence. It told her he understood her concerns and took them seriously. “No. The truth is, I was anxious to see you again, too.”
“Does this mean you’d be willing to spend more time together? I know it isn’t technically after Christmas, but close enough, right?” He rushed the words together, as if he didn’t say them fast enough, she might change her mind.
“Well . . .”
“Don’t say no. I realize you have a few qualms about dating me, and I can appreciate everything you’ve said.
I can’t deny that I’ll be away for lengthy periods of time, and that’s difficult for any relationship.
I’m not asking you to date me exclusively, although that’s what I’d like.
It’s too soon, but . . .” He paused again and heaved a sigh before he continued as though concerned he’d blown it.
“I’m making a mess of this, aren’t I?”
He was so endearing it was difficult to find fault with anything he’d said. “I’m thinking I’d like to get to know you better. We can take this slow and easy and see how things develop.”
“Does that mean you’d go to the movies with me this weekend?”
She hesitated, as if this were a weighty question. “Do you know what’s playing?”
“No. I don’t really care, as long as you’re with me.” He exhaled as though upset with himself. “I’m doing it again, aren’t I?”
She raised her brows, questioning him.
“Being overly eager,” he supplied.
Avery reached for her phone.
Harrison watched her closely, his forehead creased with a frown. “What are you doing?”
“Checking the listings for the movies.”
“Does that mean you’d be willing to go?”