Chapter 27 Brooks
Brooks
Getting Ruby ready and myself presentable enough was definitely a challenge, especially since Ruby insisted on wearing her elf costume. I had to tell her more than once that as adorable as she looked as Santa’s little helper, this was a fancy party.
Then came the next battle: her asking if I would be wearing the “princess dress.” Another hard no.
Instead, I settled on a black suit jacket with matching dress pants, my best pair of cowboy boots, and a deep maroon dress shirt, unbuttoned a few at the top.
I had to let the tattoos show. Annie loved the tattoos.
My hair was slicked back, and though I wasn’t one for fussing with my appearance, tonight I’d made an effort.
The funny part? Ruby and I matched entirely by accident. She wore a deep red sparkly tutu with a matching top and her glittery red ballet flats. She beamed with pride as we headed in, and I couldn’t help but feel a little proud myself.
I was eager to see what Annie had changed into.
Once the presents were opened at her place, she’d rushed over here to prepare for the party.
When everything was underway and the staff took over, she’d finally be free to mingle, smile, shake hands.
For that, she had to be dressed to impress.
Not that Annie ever needed help in that department.
Whatever she wore, she’d be stunning. Hopefully, she was wearing something that made her feel as beautiful as she deserved, because that woman was a stunner.
Ruby and I stepped into the main ballroom, both of us craning our necks, our mouths falling open at the transformation. The space glittered with Christmas magic. Snow had just begun to fall outside, creating the perfect backdrop beyond the windows.
The room filled quickly with chatter as more people arrived. Music played low in the background. Twinkling lights strung from the ceiling, and more than a few fully decorated Christmas trees filled the corners with warmth and sparkle.
I’d never been anywhere like this. For a small town, they’d outdone themselves.
“Wow,” Ruby whispered as I set her down. I carried her in since she hadn’t wanted her shoes getting wet outside, and honestly, who was I to tell her no?
We made our way to table twenty-five, tucked neatly into a far corner. Annie had warned me about assigned seating earlier, and I didn’t mind. From our spot, we had a perfect view of the window and the snowfall outside. I pulled out Ruby’s chair, sliding her in with care.
At her place setting sat coloring sheets and a little pack of activities to keep her busy.
“When is Mom coming out?” she asked, rifling through the pages.
“I’m not sure.” I scanned the room, hoping for a glimpse of her, but didn’t see anyone I recognized.
“Because I’m getting hungry.”
I arched a brow at her. “Kid, I told you to eat before we came.”
She gave me an exaggerated look of innocence. “But I was saving my stomach.”
I chuckled, shaking my head.
“Miss Ruby!” A familiar voice drifted over, and when I glanced up, I saw the woman from the boutique I’d visited on my first day in town.
“Hi, Sloane,” I said with a smile, standing to give her a hug. She seemed a little surprised at the gesture but leaned into it anyway.
“Well, aren’t you a gentleman,” she teased, giggling as she stepped back.
Ruby popped up from her seat, twirling around the table to show off her sparkly tutu. “Look what I’m wearing, Miss Sloane!”
Sloane clapped her hands, cheering Ruby on. “You look like the prettiest Christmas star.”
I crossed my arms over my chest, leaning back, watching Ruby glow with joy under the attention.
The three of us fell into easy conversation, laughter flowing naturally, until a sharp tap on the microphone echoed through the room, pulling everyone’s gaze toward the stage.
“Attention, everyone—we’re ready to get started.” The mayor’s voice carried through the room, commanding just enough authority to quiet the hum of chatter. Slowly, the conversations died down, and soon the packed ballroom fell into a hush.
Tables were already lined with food, the buffet stretching along the far wall, the scent of roasted meats, spiced vegetables, and warm bread rolls filling the air.
Mr. Hatchman launched into a heartfelt speech.
He thanked the townspeople for coming together, reminded us all of the joy in the season, and—of course—showered praise on his wife, his children, and the little town he was so proud to lead.
His words were cheerful, sentimental in a way that made even me smile.
Then, he added, “And a special thanks to Annie Cringle for coordinating such a beautiful evening and blessing us with her creative dishes and catering.”
Ruby tugged on my sleeve, her little eyes wide as she pointed toward the stage. She mouthed, He’s talking about Mom.
The pride in her voice, even without the sound, tightened my chest.
When the mayor wrapped up, we were instructed to sit tight until the tables were released, one by one.
Ruby and I were near the end, but she didn’t complain any more than before.
When it was finally our turn, I helped her pile her plate high with food before carrying it carefully back to the table while she skipped happily through the crowd, weaving between adults with all the grace of a little elf.
By the time we sat down, both of us were ready to dig in.
The first bite stopped me cold. Annie’s cooking… it was something else. The flavors were layered, rich but balanced, the kind of food that made you close your eyes just to savor it. Each dish on the plate was thoughtful, comforting yet refined.
Ruby didn’t hold back. She devoured her food with enthusiasm, sauce from the pasta smudged across her chin, not a care in the world. I laughed under my breath, snagged her napkin, and wiped the corners of her mouth.
Around us, the low murmur of conversation carried words of praise. Incredible food. Best party yet. How does she do it?
Pride swelled in my chest. That was my Annie. The woman who’d run herself ragged for the past two weeks, pulling long days and late nights to make sure this night went perfectly. Her mind, her talent, her heart—she’d poured it into every dish, every detail.
After we ate, Ruby and I started a little game on her coloring sheets, her giggles bubbling up as I pretended to get all the answers wrong on purpose. It was simple, easy, and I was enjoying myself more than I ever expected at a town holiday party.
Then I felt a light tap on my shoulder.
When I looked up, the air left my lungs in one sharp exhale.
Annie stood beside me, and I swore I had never seen anything so breathtaking.
Her hair was pinned back loosely behind her ears, just the front strands tucked away, while the rest fell in soft, cascading waves down her back.
The dress she wore was a deep, elegant green that made her skin glow.
The fabric draped over her curves with effortless grace, hugging in the right places and flowing in others, like it had been made for her alone.
She was radiant. Confident. Untouchable.
I swallowed hard, my throat dry as dust. I reached for my glass and all but chugged it down, desperate for something to ease the lump that had lodged itself there.
Because God help me—Annie Cringle in that dress was enough to undo every last bit of composure I thought I had.
Annie laughed, smoothing her hand down the front of her dress. “Well? What do you think?”
“You look beautiful, Mom!” Ruby piped up before I could even form words.
Beautiful didn’t cut it. Not by a long shot.
I leaned back in my chair, staring at Annie, shaking my head like I couldn’t quite believe what I was seeing. “A work of art,” I finally managed, standing to take her hand and give her a playful spin.
She twirled, the green fabric of her dress catching the light, and I drank in every last detail—every curve, every shimmer, every soft line of her that seemed meant to undo me.
“You look pretty handsome yourself,” she teased as she leaned in, placing both of her hands flat against my chest.
A hum of satisfaction rumbled low in my throat. “Can we sneak off to the kitchen again? Replay what we did the other day?”
Annie swatted my chest with a laugh. “This time there are people in there.”
“What a shame.”
She crouched slightly, whispering something to Ruby before pressing a kiss to her daughter’s cheek. Then she turned back to me, her eyes alight, and extended her hand. “Come on.”
“Where are we going?” I asked as she tugged me away from the table.
“I have to make my rounds.”
I followed obediently, still holding her hand like some lovesick fool who didn’t want to let go.
Truth was, I didn’t. From where I trailed behind, her hips swayed in time with the music, her legs strong and elegant in those damn heels.
I had to remind myself to look up every now and then, or risk being caught staring.
“Then let me go back with Ruby so you can shine in the spotlight,” I suggested.
“No way.” She turned suddenly, spinning to face me in the middle of the dance floor, her smile radiant. “You’re coming with me.”
“Me?” I asked, pointing to myself like I had no clue why I’d earned the honor.
She nodded firmly. “Without you stepping in for my ex, I couldn’t have pulled this off.”
“You would’ve found a way,” I countered, because I knew her strength, knew she could take on the world if she had to.
Annie’s smile softened. “Maybe. But I’m really glad I didn’t have to.”
Before I could answer, she stepped closer, sliding her arms around my neck. The music swelled, a familiar Christmas melody drifting through the speakers, and suddenly the floor filled with couples swaying under the glow of string lights.
I wrapped my hands low at her back, just above the curve I ached to touch more freely, and we began to sway with the others.
“Me too,” I murmured, my voice rougher than I intended. “I’m glad I stumbled into that forum and found your post.”
Her head tilted curiously. “What even made you look there?”
I shrugged, feeling almost sheepish. “Honestly? I was just trying to find handyman work. Something to get me by for the holidays. Never imagined I’d end up being a nanny to a seven-year-old who insisted I wear dresses and take her shopping.”
Annie laughed, her eyes crinkling. “Well, you were pretty damn good at it.”
“I guess I was.”
She leaned her head against my chest, and I pulled her closer, breathing her in, feeling the way her body molded so perfectly to mine. My chest tightened with words I couldn’t hold back any longer.
“And I never would’ve guessed I’d be falling for her mom,” I whispered, my voice brushing the crown of her hair, “or that the thought of leaving this town, leaving you, would hurt too much to even imagine.”
Annie lifted her head, her eyes searching mine, emotion flickering there in a way that stole the air from the room.
“And I never thought I’d end up tied in tinsel with my nanny,” she whispered back, her lips curving into a smile.
I cupped her chin gently, lifting her face until her eyes locked on mine. Then I bent down and pressed a tender kiss to the lips I’d already come to crave, a kiss that felt like promise and possibility.
“You’re amazing, Brooks Bennett.”
“And you,” I whispered against her mouth, “are magnificent, Annie Cringle. And I don’t think I’ll ever get enough of you.”