Kapitel 17: Chapter 17

Ava didn't have one Christmas tree, but three. One for the front hall by the base of the stairs, a small one for the parlor, and a massive tree for the living room. They'd finished with them a half hour ago, but she was putzing with garland and snow globes on the mantel while he watched from the couch. She had fifteen more boxes of decorations stored away, but claimed she'd just wanted the trees and mantel decorated. They'd hung a rather large wreath above the columns on the front of the house and had arranged a nativity scene for the yard earlier, as well.

"Does that look okay?" she asked, still facing the mantel.

"It looks just as good as it did the last five times."

She muttered something about men and set her hands on her hips.

"Come over here, Ava."

When she got close enough, he snagged the back pocket of her jeans and hauled her into his lap. Her back to his front, she laid her head on his shoulder as his arms circled her.