“This was fun,” Emma said. “Thank you so much.”

“I enjoyed it, too. It’s been far too long since I did this.”

“You haven’t forgotten how.” She surprised and pleased him when she leaned her head on his shoulder, and then Simone did the same thing on the other side. For a guy who’d spent his entire adult life avoiding commitment, he ought to be feeling panicked to have the two of them leaning on him. But it wasn’t panic he felt but rather a pervasive sense of contentment, a feeling so strong and so pure, he wanted to hold on to it with everything he had.

Then he remembered they were leaving tomorrow, and the contentment evaporated into a messy mix of anxiety and sadness. How would he bear to let them go?

Chapter 13

Love is an irresistible desire

to be irresistibly desired.

—Robert Frost

Emma wished they could stay in this magical place forever. Leaning against Grayson felt so natural and comfortable. After years of flying solo, she’d fallen into coupledom with remarkable ease, especially since Simone had expressed her approval. If only they weren’t due to leave right when things were getting interesting.

Though it would be hard to leave him, she had no regrets after the most amazing week of her life. Who knew that when she came for Christmas and Hunter’s wedding that she’d meet someone like Grayson and have her entire life turned upside down in the course of a few unforgettable days? Things like that didn’t happen to her. They happened to other people, like Cameron and Lucy. Not her.

Emma was pragmatic enough to know that one didn’t make major decisions after a whirlwind holiday romance. That would be foolish, and she was anything but. While she wasn’t about to write off what they had together as hopeless, she had to be realistic. She and Simone had a life in the city. She had a job that paid the bills, put food on the table and provided affordable health insurance for both of them. They also had the significant support of friends and other parents who made it possible for Simone to participate in a wide range of after-school activities and who covered for Emma when she needed an assist. Not to mention, her dad was nearby in case of emergencies and was always willing to lend a hand with Simone.

A single mother didn’t walk away from a network like that, not even for someone as appealing as Grayson Coleman. Was she tempted to say to hell with it and go all-in with him? Absolutely. Would she do it? Absolutely not.