“Why don’t you put another log on the fire and I’ll make us some hot cocoa,” she said, hanging up the dish towel after they were through doing the dishes together. “Then maybe we can open up the Christmas box I found.”

“Sounds good.” Brock kissed the top of her head.

As he headed into the living room, he guessed that he probably had better stop being so affectionate with her. But then again, he had kissed her, and she hadn’t stopped him. It just seemed natural with her. He hadn’t felt this relaxed around someone in a very long time.

As he laid another log on the fire, he...