“We’ll take long lunches.”
“A lot of nights you won’t see me. I can’t do the dinner and date thing often. Kevin only goes to his dad’s every other weekend and part of every holiday.”
“I know I’ll take the backseat to your son. I’m okay with that. In fact, I love you for that.”
The tears wouldn’t quit and the knot in her throat made it hard to speak. “Kevin might not warm up to you right away.”
Nick pulled her closer. “I know that too.”
Steph frowned. “Have you dated a single mom before?”
“No. But my friend Chris just married into a similar situation. We met for lunch today and talked about it. I talked to his wife, Denise, too so I could try to see things the way you do.”
“You did?” The image in her mind of Nick approaching his friends to discuss his feelings and fears made her cry harder. She hugged him tight, silently conveying her endless gratitude.
“I wanted to know what to expect. I wouldn’t have come here like this without doing my homework. That wouldn’t be fair to any of us.”
“So you know it won’t be easy.”
“I’m not asking for easy, sweetheart. I’m asking for a chance to make you happy.”
She didn’t know whether to laugh or keep crying. So she did both. “You’re The One.” Kissing his face, she pressed him back and climbed over him. “This whole year you’ve been right here and I couldn’t see it.”
“I love you, Steph.” His lopsided smile made her heart race. With a lock of dark hair falling over his brow, he looked younger and vulnerable. Lying on her Christmas quilt, he was the most perfect present she could ever imagine.
She pressed her lips to his. “You made all my wishes come true.”
“Actually…” He grinned. “We missed one.”
“Did we?” Thinking back, her eyes widened as her mouth curved. “Yes, we did.”
Licking her lips, Stephanie slid down his body.
Nick closed his eyes with a contented sigh. “Merry Christmas to me.”