“And that’s our cue,” James said, pushing to his feet immediately and pulling me up with him as he shot his friend an exasperated look. “Goodnight!”
“What?” Nick exclaimed defensively. “It’s been known to happen in the past. It’s better to find out now, right?”
“You can stop now.”
“Why?” I asked with a grin. “Did that actually happen?”
“No,” James said quickly.
“Yes,” Nick said at the same time.
“Well, sort of,” Abby answered simultaneously.
James cast them both a fierce look of warning before nodding his head toward the trees. “Why don’t you two go wander in the woods, get yourselves lost or eaten by something?”
Nick bowed his head, wearing an apologetic grin.
Abby, on the other hand, pushed to her feet and tugged on his hand. “Actually, a midnight walk might be fun. We can do a little stargazing.”
He glanced at her in surprise, then looked a bit fearfully out at the trees. “Do you think we should take along one of those rocks, just in case?”
She stretched up on her toes for a swift kiss. “Don’t worry, love. I’ll protect you.”
I clapped a hand over my heart, but James simply rolled his eyes and pulled me into the tent with him, then zipped it shut before he collapsed on the pile of sleeping bags. “Well, this is certainly not how I expected to end the day,” he said.
“You should know by now that life is unpredictable.”
He laughed. “I love your spirit, Della.”
“I’m glad you brought me along to meet your dearest friends.”
“They approve too.”
“That’s an added plus. I love them too.”
“Nick was always my side kick, but if he told the story, I guess I would be the side kick. We fought who would be the side kick.”
“Since you’re telling the story, it can be Nick.”
He laughed. “Okay then. So we were both so wild, crazy, and carefree. But then Nick settled down.”
“Do you miss the crazy times you shared?”
“No, because it’s time to grow up. Nick is so happy and content. I thought he’d be bored with marriage. But he isn’t. I watched the biggest bachelor on the planet settle down with the love of his life. And he’s never been happier. I’m happy for him, and I can’t wait until it’s my turn. Not that I’m in a rush.”
“They’ve been married for about eight years. So I don’t think you’re in a rush.”
We both laughed.
“When they invited me over for Christmas, I was speechless,” he said. “The place was all decorated and they had a big Christmas tree. I swear I was stepping into a glistening wonderland. Arabella was so excited about the holiday and we all had such a magical time. Nick dressed up as Santa and handed out presents. We spread reindeer dust all over the yard, and it shined in the moonlight.”
“Reindeer dust?”
“To feed Santa’s reindeer, of course.” He laughed. “It’s a combination of oatmeal, nuts, raisins, and edible glitter.”
I smiled. “Okay, I’m definitely feeding the reindeer this year!”
“Yeah, it was a blast. After we watched a bunch of Christmas movies, we all made cookies, sat in front of the roaring fire, and drank egg nog with Christmas music playing in the background. That visit to Nick’s really had me thinking. He has a home and a place to put down roots. He has a beautiful wife who adores him, and a precious little girl who thinks he is the king of the world. They have the perfect life together. I envy that. Someday, I want a wife, kids, a place to call home.”