Christmas Wishes and Mistletoe Kisses(104)

Everyone burst into an excited chatter at once, congratulating them and smiling, toasting, and drinking champagne. Nick followed along with everyone, but Abbey could tell there were thoughts in his eyes. He seemed genuinely happy for her, but he was thinking about something else too.

When the food was served and they’d broken into smaller conversations, Abbey whispered to Nick, “What are you thinking about?” He’d been quietly listening, nodding at the right moments, and smiling, but there was something on his mind.

“It’s nothing.” He pushed around his grilled chicken gouda cavatappi—she’d heard him say it and she’d asked for the same since she’d had no idea what to order.

“It’s something, I can tell.”

“I miss my father,” he said in her ear.

It was a very honest piece of information, and it made her feel closer to him. She reached under the table and put her hand on his.

“Things keep moving farther away from him. I feel like I’m the last person to keep his memory alive. Everyone else seems to be going along just fine without him.”

Caroline seemed to notice their conversation, and Abbey wondered by the look on her face if she’d heard it. She, too, looked like she was contemplating something, but she only smiled when their eyes met.

After dinner, they had drinks at the bar in the hotel, so they moved to a more casual location, allowing Susan to float around the bar and chat with everyone. She came up behind Nick and put her arm around his waist, her cheeks rosy from the champagne at dinner.

“Are you okay with this?” Susan asked. She sipped the red wine that she’d gotten at the bar. “I know how you feel about your father.”

“I just miss him.”

“Well, you know you’re a grown man. Carl wouldn’t dare try to take the place of your father. He’s simply a friend to you. And he’d do anything for you.”

“He seems very kind,” he said. “I’m happy to see you get so much attention. You deserve it. I know my father wasn’t always the most attentive husband.”

“No,” she agreed. “But he loved his children.” She smiled and took a large drink of her wine.

Robin poked her head into the conversation. “Pardon,” she said with an unknowing smile, cutting through the seriousness of the last minute. “I wanted to catch Abbey. Can we finalize the party details on Monday? The chef is going to have us all taste-test his dishes.”

“Yes,” Abbey said with a smile. “And we also still need to finalize the favors and music. I know we were down to only a few choices.”

“Abbey is coming to the party, right?” Nick’s mother asked. “She’d better. Nick, have you asked her? If not, get with it, son!” she teased.

Nick looked down at Abbey, rearranging his lips to keep his smile from emerging. “Would you like to come to the party rather than sitting upstairs in your room?”

“Okay,” she said with an unsure smile. She wasn’t sure if he’d only asked her because he was prompted, or if he’d already planned to ask her. But she knew that she wanted to be with Nick despite their obstacles, and this would give her yet another chance to spend time with him before he left for New York.

“Max can come down too. I’m letting Thomas stay up for it. You won’t have to arrange childcare or anything.”

“Thank you. That’s very thoughtful.”

“Speaking of Max,” Nick looked at his watch. “We should probably get you back to your car.” He walked over and shook hands with Carl and James, then he kissed each of the ladies on the cheek. “We must be going, but we’ll see you back at home shortly.”

They said their goodbyes and walked out into the bright sunlight, the sky an electric blue against the snow on the ground. It looked like the storms were finally departing. Then they got in and Nick started the car, the seat warmers giving Abbey shivers with their heat as they pushed the chill out of her.

“Thank you for taking me today,” Abbey said. “It was very nice, although I don’t think you needed me.” She grinned playfully at him.

“Actually, I did. It made me feel more comfortable hearing the news that my mother was moving on with her life. I handled it better knowing you were beside me.” He looked over at her and then back at the road.

Abbey felt her heart lurch.

“I enjoyed it,” she said.

“I’m glad.”

They drove quietly until they pulled in to Max’s school. She thanked Nick for the wonderful lunch and told him she’d see him back at the house. He got out and opened her door. As she exited the car and stood beside the open door, he grabbed her hands and looked down at her.