T.A. didn’t wait for Dalton to open her door before she was out, looking around in wonder at the house.
She jumped when Dalton closed the trunk after taking her bags out.
“It’s as pretty as a picture.”
“Grace might have gone a little overboard with the lights.” Taking her arm, he led her up the short flight of steps.
“You can never have too many lights.” Awestricken, she wanted to reach out and touch the twinkling lights that were wrapped around the handrail.
The hand on her arm tightened. Gazing up at him, she froze at the expression on his face.
“What?”
“Nothing.”
“I’m embarrassing myself, aren’t I?”
“No, you’re just being you.”
“Is that good or bad?”
His face went impassive as he led her up the stairs to the porch. She guessed it was a bad thing because he didn’t say anything else. Once they were on the porch, he opened the door, motioning her inside.
Nervously, she entered and found herself in an open living room. She was barely given the chance to smile at Grace, Dax, and a light-haired man before three dogs barreled toward her.
Dalton steadied her as the giant black Schnauzer tried to jump on her while the two little Dachshunds raced around her in a circle barking.
Grace and a man who was sitting on the couch jumped up, both trying to call the dogs off.
“Daisy, Bear, Waylon. Behave.”
Startled at Grace’s use of Bear’s name, it took a second to realize they were talking to one of the dogs. T.A. held her hand out for the larger of the three to sniff her hand, waiting to see if it would be sniffed at or torn off. Lightheartedly, she crouched down to let the little one sniff her hands.
“How cute! What are their names?” she asked, gazing up at Grace.
“The big Schnauzer that’s trying to lick you to death is Daisy, the one with the red collar is Bear, and the one with the green collar is Waylon.” Grace tried to pull Daisy away but was having no luck until the man by her side snapped his fingers and the massive dog went to her bottom.
“I wish she would do that for me.” Exasperated at her dogs, Grace stepped forward to give her a welcoming hug.
T.A. returned her hug, then held out her hand when Grace introduced her to her husband. She could always appreciate a good-looking man, and Ice ranked at the top of her imaginary list. He was welcoming but retained a standoffish demeanor that she was sharp enough to recognize as a “don’t fuck with me” temperament.
She could deal with that temperament easily; he reminded her a little of Viper, except for the welcoming part.
Dax had risen also, greeting her when Grace stepped back.
“Hi, Dax,” she returned his greeting. Including all them in her smile, she became self-conscious with their eyes on her. “Thank you for letting me share your Christmas.”
Grace smiled back. “We’re happy you were able to join us. I’ll show you to your room. Dad, can you bring her suitcases?”
Grace wound her arm through hers as they went up the steps.
“You have a beautiful home,” T.A. complimented her as they reached the top of the steps.
“Thank you. We love it.” Grace motioned to the first door. “That’s the bathroom,” then pointed to the other door. “That’s my and Ice’s room. The other one is Dax, and that’s Dad’s.” She nodded toward a door that was beside the one she was opening. “This one is yours. It has its own separate bath.”
The bedroom was the nicest she had ever stayed in. Grace had placed fresh flowers on her nightstand, and the room was decorated in snowy colors with a plush light blue throw lying elegantly on the bed.
Dalton placed one of her suitcases on the luggage rack that was against the far wall, setting the other one on the floor.
“I’ll go downstairs and fix some lunch.” Grace reached out, giving her another hug. “I’m glad you’re here.”
T.A. watched mutely as Grace left, closing the door behind her.
“I really like your daughter.”
“Oceane and I did a good job, didn’t we?”
Her throat tightened at the love on his face. He was a proud father, and he should be. Taking a seat on the bottom of the bed, she ran a hand over the soft throw.
“Yes, you did. Both Dax and Grace love you very much. The relationship you share with your children is special.”
Mostly, she lowered her eyes to the throw, concealing the sadness that struck her every time during this time of the year.
“T.A., is something wrong?”
She shook off the feelings that were bombarding her to stand.
“Not a thing.” She went to the door to shoo him out. “My bladder is about to burst. I’ll be down in a few.”
Dalton paused before going to the door. She could tell he didn’t want to leave without an explanation. T.A. knew what would send him running.