“You’re invited--” She and Flynn both spoke at once. He nodded for her to speak first.
“Cassie invited me a few weeks ago. She said they were all getting together on Christmas Day and she wouldn’t take no for an answer.” This close to him, she could see his dimple flash in his cheek as he grinned.
“Same here. Except Luke did the inviting.”
He gazed down at her, and she hazily wondered if he was going to kiss her again. But there’s no need.
Giggling kids ran past them, and Flynn’s arms tightened around her for a split-second, before he gently set her down.
“I’ll guess I’ll see you at Cassie and Luke’s.” His gaze snared hers.
***
Kate parked next to Flynn’s SUV, in front of Cassie and Luke’s farmhouse. Only a light dusting of snow decorated the ground, for which she was grateful. She’d been a little worried that the weather would be too bad to drive the twenty minutes out of town to arrive at the ranch, but so far the weather had been mild for December.
“Merry Christmas!” Cassie opened the front door before Kate even had time to find the doorbell hidden in the middle of a large green and red wreath.
Kate hugged her auburn-haired friend, the goodies she’d made for the festive meal dangling from her arm in a Santa decorated bag.
“Flynn’s here,” Cassie said breathlessly, ushering Kate into the hall.
Kate nodded. “I parked next to his car.” Her pulse skittered at the thought of seeing her parade husband again.
“Hi, Kate.” Libby appeared, beaming. Flynn was right behind her.
“Hi.” She smiled at both of them, hoping nobody could hear the sudden pounding of her heart.
“What have you got there?” Libby dived for Kate’s bag.
“Orange-cranberry bread and a loaf of sourdough,” she replied, hoping she wasn’t blushing. She’d had to make the sourdough, knowing it was Flynn’s favorite.
Libby’s eyes twinkled as she suddenly looked up. A sprig of mistletoe hung down from the light fixture. “You guys have to kiss.” She pulled Cassie out of the way, leaving Kate and Flynn standing next to each other. “Don’t they, Cassie?”
Cassie hesitated, looking from Kate to Flynn. “We shouldn’t interfere, Libby,” she said in a low voice.
“It is Christmas.” Flynn eyed the red berry-tipped green sprig. “And that’s definitely mistletoe.”
Before Kate knew exactly what was happening, he’d slipped his arms around her waist. “Merry Christmas,” he murmured, before capturing her mouth.
Without conscious thought she pressed herself against him, her lips parting in surrender. She lost all track of time, captivated by his kiss.
When they finally broke apart, she blinked, disoriented. Libby and Cassie had disappeared.
“Come on.” Flynn clasped her hand and led her into the living room.
“Merry Christmas!” Sarah and Chase, Libby and Jake, Cassie and Luke, and Emma and Cade all looked up from their conversation. Libby looked like she was trying not to giggle, her eyes flickering toward Kate and Flynn’s entwined hands.
Libby’s husband Jake whispered something in her ear and she nodded, her expression sobering as she snuggled into his arms.
A large, fresh pine tree decorated with colored baubles and twinkling lights took up one corner of the room.
“Come and sit down.” Cassie patted the empty space on the large sofa next to her and her husband, Luke.
Flynn sat next to Kate, his thigh brushing hers. A warm flush stole through her at the contact.
“How’s Shadow?” Cassie asked Emma.
“He’s fine.” Emma smiled, nestled next to Cade. “Once we got him home, and I brushed him and gave him a special treat, he was back to his old self.”
Cade chuckled. “You mean you whispered sweet nothings in his ear.” He paused for effect. “Lucky horse.”
“Oh, you.” Emma nudged him in the ribs, shaking her head in wry amusement.
“Did everyone enjoy watching the parade, Sarah?” Libby asked innocently, stealing a glance at Kate and Flynn.
Her cousin smiled. “Yes, I think they did. A couple of people came up to me saying they thought the scene between Santa and Mrs. Claus was romantic, and wondered why they didn‘t kiss last Christmas. In fact, if Mr. and Mrs. James aren’t able to play their parts next year, would you and Flynn consider being Mr. and Mrs. Claus again, Kate?”
Kate felt her cheeks heat at the thought that practically the whole town had watched her and Flynn kiss. While she was still thinking of an answer, Flynn jumped in.
“No problem, as long as Kate plays my stage wife.” He eased an arm around Kate’s shoulder.
Everyone looked expectantly at Kate. Nothing like being put on the spot, she thought ruefully. “I guess so.” She hoped her voice didn’t sound squeaky. There was nothing she’d like more than for Flynn to kiss her again, even if she had to wait a whole year for him to do so. He only kissed you today because of the mistletoe.