*Aria*
The crisp winter air tingles against my skin as I step out of the pick-up, the sounds of Austin bustling around me. Ryder comes to stand beside me, as he takes my hand his warmth radiates up along my arm. The city is dressed in holiday lights, twinkling like stars against the deepening twilight, and I can’t help but feel an infectious sense of excitement washing over me.
“Ready for our Christmas adventure?” Ryder asks, his eyes sparkling with a mischief that makes my heart flutter. He’s wearing a wool beanie that I swear makes him look even more handsome, and I can’t help but smile back at him, feeling the joy of the season seep into my bones.
“Ready as I’ll ever be,” I reply, trying to match his enthusiasm while also feeling the weight of my situation. The kids’ faces always li
