A Million Kisses in Your Lifetime(136)

Aw shit. “Seriously?”

“Yes. Do it right now, young man, before she leaves her house. We’re dressing up!” Mother turns to Alyssa. “Did you bring something appropriate to wear for a formal dinner, dear?”

“Actually, I did.” Alyssa smiles serenely, calm as can be despite my mother’s endless efforts at rattling her. You learn quickly that you always need to be prepared when you’re spending time with the Lancaster family. You never know what might happen next.

“Oh. That’s fine then.” Mother sniffs, seemingly disappointed she didn’t cause an issue.

I feel sorry for Alyssa. It’s a huge responsibility, getting involved with the oldest Lancaster son. My parents will put her through the motions, and will do their best—especially my mother—to drive her away. If Alyssa stands her ground and doesn’t back down, she’s golden.

But it’s going to take a long time for her to gain their approval.

Those expectations aren’t on me and Finn, as unfair as that sounds. Poor Charlotte had to marry right as well, being the only female. Not that our father particularly cared where she ended up, considering her children would never be Lancasters.

My family is actually pretty fucked-up. Poor Wren.

Knowing her, she’ll just kill them with kindness. She’s just that sweet.

By the time she actually arrives, I’m anxious, and my palms are sweating. I know I saw her only yesterday, but I’m dying to get my hands on her. And when I receive the notification that she’s headed up the penthouse elevator, I go out into the corridor to greet her.

The ding sounds and the elevator doors slide open, revealing Wren standing there in her puffy black coat and the pink Chanel bag I gave her hanging from her shoulder. She’s carrying a duffel bag and a shopping bag full of wrapped presents, and there’s a giant smile on her face when she walks out.

Straight into my arms.

I hold her close, breathing in her familiar, floral scent. “I missed you.”

“You saw me yesterday.”

“And it still felt too long.” I squeeze her. Kiss her forehead. Savor the feel of her in my arms.

God, Grant was right.

I am pathetic.

Pulling away from her, I take her bags. “You ready to meet my parents?”

Her eyes go wide. “Are they really that bad?”

“Nah.” I’m trying to go easy on her.

She stands up taller. “I’m not scared. Let’s do this.”

“Who are the presents for?”

“You.” She smiles. “Your parents. I didn’t get anything for your brothers though.”

“Those assholes need nothing,” I reassure her.

She laughs. “You’re always calling them that.”

“Because that’s what they are.”

“They can’t be that bad.” She wrinkles her nose.

“Just wait and see.”





My brothers watch their mouths around Wren, which I appreciate. Father doesn’t seem that interested in her, but who is he ever interested in? Grant, and that’s about it. The rest of us can go to hell.

Alyssa senses an ally and makes plenty of conversation with her, which eases Wren’s nerves. I appreciate what Alyssa is doing, and tell her as much as we get ready to open presents.

Grant better marry her soon—no one tolerates his grumpy ass like she does.

Mother loves Wren. I can tell by the way she looks at her. The things she says. The gift she gave my parents—a set of tree ornaments in Tiffany blue crystal from Tiffany’s.

The gift she gives me is small. Sentimental. A five by seven framed map with a red dot on the gallery I followed her to in Tribeca.

“These are more for where a couple first met,” she says, her cheeks pink as she explains it. “But the gallery is where everything…changed for us.”

I stare at the framed map. The red dot that’s really in the shape of a heart. Too bad it’s not a pair of red lips. “I love it.”

“Do you really? You don’t think it’s cheesy?”

I lean in and press my mouth to hers. “Nothing you give me is cheesy. I love this.”

“You two—” Grant starts, but Alyssa slaps her hand over his mouth, muffling whatever else he wanted to say.

“Are very cute,” Alyssa finishes for him.

Grant rolls his eyes. Finn snorts.

I say nothing. Just smile at the girl who has my heart.

Shit. That’s still a little hard for me to wrap my head around.

Once presents are opened, everyone splits off in a different direction, and I drag Wren back to my bedroom. I’m about to shut the door when she stops me.

“We should leave it open.”

I frown. “Why?”

“Isn’t it a little…inappropriate?” She makes a face.

Ah, my innocent birdy. Still so sweet.

Leaving the door partially open, I go to her, pulling her in for a kiss. She responds immediately, pressing her lush body to mine, her arms circling my neck and her fingers diving into my hair. I break the kiss first, staring into her eyes.

“Tell me you want that door to remain open.”

“I’m not having sex with you on Christmas Day with your family here,” she whispers.