Havoc for the Holidays (Home for the Holidays)

19. Ollie

Chapter nineteen

Ollie

I survived. By some miracle, I survived dancing in the showcase with zero dance experience. Even as we took our last bow, I still could barely believe it. With any luck, I wouldn't have to do something as harrowing as this in the future. One glance at Ez’s ear to ear smile told me I would cave in a heartbeat if he asked. Frankly, I'd probably walk over hot coals if it meant he would smile at me like that.

The first and foremost love of my life crashed into me from the side and sent me stumbling into Ez. I couldn't call her the only love of my life any more, but she would always be my first. And just like with the man beside me, I'd do anything to keep the brilliant grin on her face.

“Daddy! You did so good!” She planted a kiss on my cheek as soon as I hoisted her body into my arms.

“And you did perfectly, my darling girl.” I nuzzled her nose and lowered her back to her feet. “Go find Nana and Pops. I have to do something.”

My daughter skipped away unbothered, but Ez was far keener and hadn't missed my comment. The nerves returned in full force as I held my hand out to him.

“What are you up to?” His eyes narrowed in wariness but his smile played over his features.

“Surprise,” I replied with a shy grin. “Merry Christmas.”

He almost responded, but the speakers crackled back to life in time to interrupt him. I'd learned two very important lessons in the days leading up to the showcase—a little embarrassment was worth making the people I loved happy and I also had a knack for salsa dancing courtesy of secret lessons from Ez’s mother herself.

Burning bright red but wearing a huge grin, I led Ez into the space cleared amongst the chairs in the audience section. As the Latin-inspired remix of a classic Christmas carol filled the venue, I tugged him into a tighter hold and began the simple steps I had practiced tirelessly over the last three days. It was awkward and gawky and not at all in time to the music, but naturally, my Ez was able to pick up the slack.

“Ollie?”

“This is for you, Ez,” I murmured, tugging him even closer to press our cheeks together. “I'll do anything for you.”

All eyes were on us and for once, I was happy to be the subject of so much attention. After spending nearly my whole life trying to avoid the scrutiny and gossip, I finally felt free and confident enough to embrace it. Ez deserved to be celebrated. There was nothing to be ashamed of when it came to him and us. Just like there was nothing to be ashamed of when it came to my daughter, my finances, my entire life. I was proud of myself. I was proud of my daughter. And I was proud of my partner.

Cheers and applause and shouts of congratulations filled the air as one by one, every person around us moved more and more chairs out of the way until the entire town was part of the impromptu celebratory dance party. I smiled so hard, my eyes became teary. I laughed even harder as I cried. The key difference was that these weren't tears of humiliation. These tears were fueled by pure joy.

“God, I love you,” Ez whispered as he cupped my cheek and realigned our faces to brush his lips over mine. “Thank you.”

“Ez,” I murmured in response with a nudge of my nose against his. “I love you too.”

I felt the soft intake of his breath and chased it until our mouths melded in a tender kiss. Nothing mattered outside that shared moment of intimacy. Let the townspeople talk. I'd gladly take part in every nosy conversation if it meant I could celebrate this stunning, sassy outsider who finally helped me lower my shield.

The night turned into a glorious holiday celebration the likes of which I had never experienced. Everyone danced and sang and carried on for hours as donations from all the local restaurants appeared to turn it into a true party. I may or may not have found the courage to inspire them all to do so. It was also worth noting that many of the food donations came with checks made out to Ez’s studio to fund his work toward more showcases and lessons. It was the least I could do, especially since he claimed I was the reason he wanted to go from outsider to local resident.

Hours later, with a sleepy Becs in my arms, we stepped into the cobbled Town Square and inhaled a refreshing breath of chilly, snow-scented air. Us and our parents were the last ones remaining, the comfortable quiet a welcome reprieve from the intensity of the after party. A contented sigh escaped my lips and became a plume of steam that my gaze tracked to the star-strewn sky overhead.

“It's a gorgeous night,” my mother murmured, appearing at my side to gently pluck Becs from my arms. “Give me my baby. We’re having a sleepover.”

“Oh… are you sure?”

“Shush. Of course we are. We miss her.”

“Thanks, Mom.” I searched the courtyard and smiled as I found Ez sharing a warm embrace with his mother.

“Go. You two deserve some time to celebrate.”

“I really appreciate it, Mom. I appreciate everything you’ve done—”

“That's what family does, my sweet Ollie. It's called love.” She bumped my hip with hers. “Now stop wasting time and get over there. We’ll see you in the morning for breakfast at the inn.”

I kissed my two girls, exchanged a tight hug with my father, and did exactly as she had instructed—I scampered over the snow-dusted cobbles and veritably pounced with all the exuberance of a child.

“Ack!” Ez stumbled with my assault, clinging to my body to avoid falling as his bright laugh echoed around the peaceful quiet of the square. It was the most beautiful sound. Bright and cheerful like Christmas bells. My heart couldn't swell any larger without bursting through my ribcage.

“Your place or mine?” I nipped at his jaw with a grin.

“Oh, you are bold, Mr. Branson. I like this side of you.” He tightened his arms around my waist and spun us over the cobbles with a smile. “Yours is closer.”

“Closer sounds ideal. I've had to look at you in these tights all night.”

“How do you think I feel?” His hands skated lower to cup my ass. “Breeches are the way to go. Even better than tights.”

I couldn't help but laugh as I pushed him away. We put a lid on our antics long enough to wave my parents off as they drove away, and then we were all alone. Just the two of us, surrounded by glittering lights and snow flurries beneath an indigo sky filled with sparse fluffy clouds and millions of stars. It was heaven on earth. I was blessed to share it with him.

“God, I love this.” Ez exhaled softly and scanned our surroundings with a smile.

“Mm. I love you .” Where he was occupied with the views, I was unable to keep my eyes off him. My Ez.

He turned his dark, sparkling eyes toward me and the wattage of his smile increased tenfold. “Say it again.”

“I love you, Ezechiel Billings. I think I might have started falling for you the second I laid eyes on you.”

“I know that's when I was doomed. I love you, Oliver Branson.”

“What do you say we continue this conversation at my place?” I held out my arm with a bow, tipping the ridiculous costume hat as I did so.

“It would be my pleasure, but I'll warn you now—there won't be much talking.” He flashed a rakish wink and backpedaled toward his car. “The only conversation I'm interested in has to do with who has who first.”

I slowly trailed him over the cobbles and tried to evoke the same sensual confidence that came so easily to him. It worked until I stumbled on a stone and blushed. “Ahem… I say we flip for it.”

“Or we just flip.” His brows waggled as he reached out to take my hands.

“If that isn't a Christmas wish to die for, I don't know what is.” I scrunched my nose as his proposal flustered and exhilarated me in equal measure.

“God. You're criminally adorable.” He shoved me toward the passenger side and scurried around the front of the car. “I don't know how I got this lucky.”

His words warmed my heart as I slid into the vehicle. He might think he was the lucky one, but I knew that title belonged to me. I'd never known what I was missing till this brash, bold, beautiful man appeared in my life and set everything right. It was the best gift I could ever receive. Merry Christmas to me. Perhaps the merriest of all.