We’re quiet for a moment as I let all of the information she just told me sink in. I get the sense she’s waiting for me to bow out. Like she’s already prepared for me to disappoint her. And yes, it is definitely early days for us, but I want to meet the rest of her family and get to know them better. Eventually, I want her to meet my family too. This woman—she feels important to me.

Mind blowing but true.

“Your aunts? They’re going to love me,” I finally say with as much confidence as I can muster.

Her mouth hangs open the slightest bit for a few seconds before she snaps it shut. “You really believe that?”

I nod. “Hell yes. I’m good with nosy old ladies, though I’m sure your aunts aren’t that bad. Plus, I get a lot of older ladies coming to the farm every day. I know how to charm them.”

“You are rather charming,” she says softly, her lips turning upward into the slowest, most beautiful smile I think I’ve ever seen. “And I hope you’ll love them too.”

“I bet I will, if they’re anything like you. Now come here,” I say with a flick of my head and she approaches me without hesitation. I snag her hand when she’s close enough, pulling her into my lap. A gasp leaves her, her arms going around my neck, her fingers sinking into my hair. Leaning in, I nuzzle the side of her neck, making her shiver, and I lift away so I can stare into her dark eyes. “You still feel a little unsure about things, don’t you.”

I don’t ask it as a question. I can tell she’s unsure.

Amelia nods slowly. “I really want you to meet my family, and then I start to second guess myself and wonder if we’re moving too fast after all.”

“We’ll move as fast or as slow as you want,” I promise her, dipping my head so I can brush my mouth against hers. A jolt shudders through me at first contact and I kiss her again. “And I’d really like to spend my Christmas with you, Amelia. If that means I need to meet the rest of your family to do it, I’m game.”

She touches my face, her fingers featherlight. “I’d really like that.”

“Me too.” I turn my head and kiss her fingers. She snatches them away, a big smile on her face. “You need any help in the kitchen?”

Amelia gapes at me. “Are you for real right now? You actually want to help me?”

Damn, that old boyfriend of hers is such a grade A asshole. I can’t wait to prove to her that we’re all not like that guy. “Yes, but I have ulterior motives.”

“Like what?” she asks carefully.

“Like I’m fucking hungry.” I kiss her fiercely and the second I pull away, she’s laughing. “This isn’t funny. I’m starving.”

My stomach chooses that exact moment to growl. Loudly. Which only makes her giggle harder.