Chapter 13
Lily
The Pack took pity on me. That’s the only thing that made any sense because the next day Sydney came and picked me up. We drove back to the site of my humiliation and there it was, the biggest, most perfect Christmas tree any town had ever seen.
It was Hallmark worthy.
Tears pricked my eyes.
“The guys felt so bad about what happened that they went out and cut down the best tree they could find. They’ve already decorated it too. It’s ready for the lighting ceremony tomorrow exactly as you wanted.”
“Thank you,” I whispered, overwhelmed with emotions.
“It honestly wasn’t me. It was the Pack. Your Pack, Lily. They did this for you.”
“Stop before you make me cry.”
Sydney laughed. “A little too late for that. But between this and the decorations we did yesterday, I think we’re ready to light this place up tomorrow.
I was so excited and overcome with happiness that the time flew by. Soon we were all there, standing around at sunset, crowding the streets of Collier when Thomas began the countdown.
“Ten!”
“Nine!”
“Eight!”
“Seven!”
“Six!”
“Five!”
“Four!”
“Three!”
“Two!”
“One!”
I was waiting with bated breath as Thomas flipped the switch, but then nothing happened.
There was a sigh of disappointment.
“Found it! The cord got stepped on and unplugged,” Austin yelled. “Try again.”
There was no countdown or excitement this time, but Thomas flipped the switch for the second time and this time the entire town lit at once.
I looked up and around, grinning. It was more beautiful than I could’ve imagined.
There was a festive feel in the air as cheers went out at the sight.
A horse whined nearby and I looked in that direction to see the old horse drawn carriage. Ruby and Bran were at the reins and waving us over.
“As requested. How about a ride through town?” she asked.
“But I thought we took this off the list because it was too old.”
“Oh, it was. Cruz, Brady, Clay, and I spent the last few days practically rebuilding it and painting to make it presentable, but it was important to my girl that it be done in time for tonight,” Bran explained.
“Thank you so much. This is perfect. Everything I’d hoped for.”
We rode through town as if on parade, waving to people cheering as we passed by. Cammie was snuggled against my chest fast asleep. She wouldn’t remember this moment, but it was a night I would never forget.
Thomas wrapped an arm around me and covered us in a blanket as we rode out of town towards the ranch. Houses were lit all along the trail, but nothing as awe inspiring as the barn.
“You did it,” I whispered.
“Told you I would.”
“It’s beautiful, Ruby,” Thomas admitted.
Finally, Christmas was starting to fall into place. All my hard work and ideas were coming to fruition. Tonight would be a Christmas celebration to remember that the Pack would be talking about for quite some time.
By the time we made it back to town, people were lining up for Ruby and Bran’s carriage ride.
“I may have to build another carriage at this rate,” Bran teased.
People hung around walking the streets of town, stopping into the various shops and restaurants or just enjoying the lights.
Kate brought out a table and was offering free coffee and hot cocoa to everyone.
The Pack had pitched in and I couldn’t be prouder of them.
“Hey, I’m about to head out,” Peyton said when we stopped by Kate’s table. “Do you still want me to take Cammie for the night?”
“No, it’s fine,” I said without thinking.
I saw the disappointment in Thomas’s eyes.
“We’ll work in another time soon,” Thomas said.
I took a deep breath remembering why tonight was supposed to be important. Just because Cammie had cooperated and given us one night this week didn’t mean we didn’t need some grown up time without her every now and then.
I unstrapped the baby from where I’d been carrying her against my chest and handed her to Peyton.
“You know what, I’m never going to be ready for this moment, so let’s just do it.”
“Are you sure?” Thomas asked, looking at me like I’d suddenly lost my mind.
“I’m sure,” I said.
Peyton was already loving on her niece and grinning. She followed us back to the van to get her carrier and overnight bag. I had packed in preparation for it at least.
I started to give her the run down, but Peyton stopped me.
“Lil, we’ve got this. Go, enjoy the rest of your evening and if you freak out in the middle of the night, just come and pick her up. It’s fine.”
Oliver walked up behind her and put a possessive hand on her waist. He grinned down at Cammie in her arms.
“We’re really doing this?” he asked.
“If it’s a problem…”
“Lily, it’s cool. The girls will love having her.”
I took a deep breath. “Thomas, let’s go before I chicken out or head to the bar and start drinking.”
He chuckled. “Yes ma’am. Thanks guys. We’ll see you in the morning.”
“If not sooner,” I mumbled under my breath.
My knee bounced up and down the whole way home.
“Slugger, you act like this is your first time or something.”
I shot him a look. “I’m not nervous about being alone with you.”
He grinned back at me and I knew he was just trying to calm my nerves.
“If you want to help me really get through tonight without falling apart, you’re going to have to wear me out, or copious amounts of wine. Whichever you prefer.”
He growled as he pulled up in front of the house then jumped out and stalked around to my side never taking his eyes off of me.
He opened my door and reached in and lifted me from the car.
He kicked the door shut and then kissed me. It was hot and possessive.
“Mine,” he growled as he carried me into the house and reminded me exactly why letting Peyton and Oliver babysit was a very good idea.