Chapter 23
Chapter Twenty-Three
OLIVER
I woke up early on Christmas morning, even earlier than Joey, which was saying something. He was usually so excited to open presents; he had trouble sleeping. It had been great to spend time with almost everyone who was home for the holidays. The only person missing was Walker. But he’d had leave a few weeks ago when we all went skydiving.
It was loud and crazy and exactly the kind of Christmas I remembered as a kid. The only difference was that we spent them at the lodge instead of my parents' house. It gave us more room and a huge kitchen to entertain.
The snow lingered on the ground like it usually did this time of year. But no more storms were forecast for the next few days. I could relax and enjoy this time with family.
I picked up my phone, not seeing any new messages from Carolina. There was no reason to contact her. Neither of us had asked to change the status of our relationship, and I didn't think Christmas was the right time to tell her how I felt.
I heard the thunder of little feet on the wood floor in the hallway. Then Joey appeared, jumping onto my bed. "Santa came! "
"Did you peek?" I'd given him explicit instructions not to look under the tree. We were supposed to go to the living room together so I could see his reaction to the presents I'd gotten him.
"No." He'd drawn the word out, and he looked guilty.
"Why don't I believe you?"
Joey jumped off the bed. "Come on. We have to go see them."
"Let me clean up first." I went in to the bathroom while he snuggled under my covers. I couldn't help but think someone important was missing. Carolina would have loved being here for him to open his presents. She appreciated all the little things.
I washed my face, brushed my teeth, and texted everyone that Joey was up if they wanted to stop by to watch him open his presents. When I returned to my bedroom, Joey was nervously pacing. I couldn't help but tease him. "You want to eat breakfast first?"
"No! Come on." He grabbed my hand and dragged me down the hallway. As soon as he saw the assembled bike, he asked to take it for a spin on the wood floor, and I said yes so I could pour coffee.
I'd set up the machine to brew automatically last night, and I was eternally grateful I'd thought to do that.
By the time I sat on the sofa, there was a knock at the door. My parents used their master key to come inside.
I stood and hugged them. "It's good to have you home."
"We wouldn't have missed this for anything," Mom said, taking a seat next to me.
"Xander's on his way."
Joey's shoulders lowered. "Do I have to wait?"
"If Xander is getting up, then yes." It wasn't an easy feat for him to be up early. He must really want to share in this tradition. While we waited, I got some pictures of Joey in front of the tree by himself and then with my parents .
By the time Xander walked in, looking groggy from sleep, Joey was poised and ready to open the first present. I waited for Joey to rip open the first package, then I got up to pour Xander coffee.
I handed it to him. "Thanks."
"I'm surprised you got up," I said to him while keeping an eye on Joey and snapping pictures when he held each item up proudly. I'd gotten him games, action figures, and the bike.
"I didn't want to miss it. I remember what it was like on Christmas morning. You kind of lose that magic when you get older."
I wondered if Xander was feeling lonely. If he was tired of the bar life, picking up a woman whenever he wanted. If he was ready for more of a commitment. Then I felt a pang because I think I would have been ready to move on with Carolina if she'd given me any indication that she wanted the same.
It was very possible she wanted to remain single. That she enjoyed hooking up with me every few months. I didn't want to wait that long, and if she didn't want me, then I needed to make a clean break.
"I assume Scarlett and Eli are sleeping in?" Dad asked.
"I think they had their own plans for this morning." I'd texted them but hadn't heard back. They were probably still sleeping but could be enjoying this time alone.
Joey was slowing down now, playing with one toy before he opened another package. I took the time to send Carolina one of the pictures of Joey ripping open his presents. One with utter excitement and joy on his face.
She immediately texted back.
Carolina: Thank you for sharing that. Please tell him Merry Christmas.
Oliver: Will do. But what about me?
Carolina: Didn't we already wish each other a Merry Christmas?
Oliver: I think it was Christmas Eve.
Caroline: You're right. That's different.
I smiled at the exchange. Then she sent an image of herself in bed wearing white Christmas pajamas covered in green wreaths and the Grinch. She looked adorably rumpled and sleepy.
Oliver: Love those pj’s. Did you get matching ones for your family?
Carolina: I did, but that was before they informed me they weren't doing a traditional holiday.
My heart ached for her because it was a great tradition. I would have loved doing matching pajamas with Joey, Carolina, and me.
Xander leaned over to look before I could hide my screen. "What could you possibly be looking at on Christmas morning." His eyes brightened. "Is that Carolina? The conference coordinator?"
"Yeah." I glanced over at my parents who were paying close attention to our exchange.
Xander raised a brow. "Why is she sending you pictures while she's in bed?"
I didn't have a good answer for that, so I didn't say anything, just focused on Joey.
"Is that one of the women who was snowed in with you this week? "
I cleared my throat. "I was just seeing how she was doing. She made it home safe."
Xander chuckled but managed to cover his mouth.
I elbowed him.
"What the h—" Xan rubbed his ribs, then broke off, his gaze on Joey who was watching both of us with interest.
"Miss Caro's on the phone?" Joey asked.
"She was showing me her holiday pajamas." Christ. That sounded bad. "They're Grinch."
"Can I see?" Joey lunged for my phone, and I wasn't quick enough to intercept it.
"She wished me a Merry Christmas."
I nodded, trying to ignore the scrutiny from everyone else. "She did."
Then his smile turned down. "I miss her. Why couldn't she stay?"
"She had to see her family, remember?"
"You like this Carolina?" Mom asked Joey.
Joey nodded as he returned to his mountain of new toys. "She's fun. She went sledding with us and baked cookies."
Mom nodded. "She does sound fun. Where does she live?"
My shoulders slumped. Too far away. "Maine."
"Mmm. Are you planning on seeing her again?" Mom asked pointedly.
"She has a conference scheduled here in April," I said.
"That's too long," Joey pouted.
"Come on. Let's see if we can find some bacon. I'm starving." Xander held his hand out to Joey, and thankfully, he took it.
When they were gone, Mom asked, "Is there something we should know about?"
I chuckled nervously. I was not talking to my mother about a fling. "Not really."
"Do you like this woman?" Dad asked.
I wanted to talk to someone about this. Xander wasn't the best choice, and Eli was too wrapped up in Scarlett to have time for relationship advice. "I do."
"Then why aren't you together?"
"It's complicated. We haven't told each other how we feel yet. She might not feel the same way."
"Well, how are you going to know if you never talk to her?" Mom asked.
I ran a hand through my hair. "Now you sound like Marcus."
"Marcus is smart. Something happened between you two when she was here, and now you and Joey are missing her?"
"That's right."
"Is she good to you both?" Mom had concerns about anyone I'd dated after Tina. She didn't like her.
"She is actually. She's so good with Joey. She plays games with him, bakes, and even helped me build a fort here the night we were snowed in. She loves Christmas and family."
Mom made a noise in the back of her throat. "You're not going to let her go, are you?"
"I think I already have. I didn't try and stop her from leaving. I didn't tell her how I felt. It feels like it's too late now. I can't talk to her over the phone about something like this."
Mom frowned. "No, you can't."
That had me lifting my head to meet Mom's gaze. "What are you saying?"
"You need to go to her. Tell her how you feel."
"I can't do that. I have Joey. Work."
Mom just gave me a look. "If you think she's the one, then you need to tell her how you feel, and what better way than showing up at her house?"
"It's Christmas," I said even as my mind raced through the possibilities. I could get a flight. But what about Joey? Should I bring him with me? Or leave him with Mom and Dad? Was it best to go today or tomorrow? What if she had plans? What if she’d already moved on? "Everyone is here. "
"And we'll be here when you get back. I think you should go see this Carolina woman. She seems like a woman who's still very much wrapped up in you and your son. I told you you'd find someone one day who loved both you and Joey. If you think this is the woman, then you need to tell her how you feel. Don't let her go."
My shoulders slumped. "I don't know what to do."
"Spend some time with family, then go to her. Make it a surprise."
Eli had her address, and I was fairly sure she didn't have any travel plans.
"Yeah? You're going to go?" Mom asked excitedly.
Before I could answer, Joey ran into the room. His pajamas were covered with white powder. They must have found the donuts I'd ordered from a nearby bakery. "Where are you going?"
"What do you think about going to visit Carolina?" I asked him.
Joey’s eyes widened. "I bet she's lonely without us."
I chuckled. "Is it awful to say I hope she is?" I wanted her to be happy, but I always wanted her to want us.
His eyes widened. "When are we going?"
"That's what we were talking about. What do you think about tomorrow?"
He pursed his lips. "But if she's lonely, we should go see her today."
"But everyone's here. Grandma and Grandpa. Killian."
"What's going on? Where are we going?" Xander stuffed a white donut in his mouth, and I gave him a look. When he was finished chewing, he said, "Were the donuts not meant to be eaten?"
"We're talking about going to visit Carolina."
His eyes widened. "Seriously?"
"We never told her how we felt, how much we wanted her to stay here with us." I didn't want to lead Joey on. She could say no. But Mom was right. I couldn't let her go. I saw Carolina’s love for Joey when she was here. Surely, she felt the same for me. I couldn't be in this alone. And there was a part of me that hoped Joey and I were an irresistible package. One she couldn't say no to.
"Let me look at flights."
"Yes!" Joey exclaimed. Then he dove into the pile of wrapping on the floor and rolled around in it.
"I don't know why we bought presents," Dad mumbled.
"Speaking of, what did you get him?" I asked Xander.
Xander stood and slapped his hands. "I almost forgot."
He disappeared and reappeared a few minutes later with a snowboard in his hands.
"Is that for me?" Joey asked, his eyes wide.
"It sure is. I think it's time for you to learn."
Joey threw his arms around Xander’s legs. "You're the best, Uncle Xan."
Xander chuckled as he threw him up in his arms and held him higher so he could see his face. "You remember that when my brothers are giving me sh?—"
"Xan. Watch your mouth."
Xander rolled his eyes. "Sorry. I forget you’re a kid sometimes. You act like an adult."
"I do?" Joey asked as Xander set him down.
"You sure do."
I searched for flights, finding one in the late afternoon. Then settled back to enjoy our time with family. Eventually, we cleaned up and headed downstairs for brunch.
Marcus had prepped a bunch of the dishes for us, so it was easy to throw everything in the oven. We ate in the great room.
"The lodge is looking more festive this year."
Eli nodded. "We hired a service. It's a business owned by Noelle Richards. You might remember her from school."
Killian's jaw tightened. "She owns a business now? "
"Yeah, she decorates for the holidays. The lights outside, trees, whatever you need. Why? Are you looking for something like that?"
"I have nothing to decorate."
"I wasn't sure if you were interested in coming home?" Eli asked casually, and we all held our breath for the answer.
"No plans to. You know I'm busy training and competing."
"We can always hope things change," I said.
"I wouldn't ask you to quit your job," Killian said testily.
"My job is here with my family."
Killian sighed. "And you're so sanctimonious about it. Your job isn't any better than mine because you chose to stay home and run the family business."
"I'm not saying that."
"Boys, it's Christmas. Do we have to hash this out every year?" Mom asked from the head of the table. She gave Dad a look where he sat on the other end. We filled in the middle, and I couldn't help but think about how we were expanding. Eli had Scarlett, and I had Joey. How would things change over the years? Would Carolina be here next year?
My heart warmed at the thought. I had to stay positive and believe it was possible that Carolina felt the same way and wanted the same things I did.
"Sorry, Mom," Killian said, and Eli parroted him.
It was a typical Christmas with teasing and laughing. Music played in the background, and Carolina might have been missing, but I had a good feeling about our future. Next year, Carolina might be at this table, and I'd do whatever was necessary to make that happen.
"Now, what's this I hear about you going to Maine?" Eli asked me.
I cleared my throat. "We want to see Carolina."
Eli's brow furrowed. "Why would you need to do that?"
"We got close to her while you were gone." There was no need for anyone to know about our secret fling. "And we want to ask her if she wants to spend more time with us." That was the age-appropriate version of the story.
Eli looked from Joey to me. "You like Carolina?"
I winced. "I hope that isn't a problem. I know you have a professional relationship with her."
Eli shook his head, meeting Scarlett's amused gaze. "Well, I didn't see that coming."
"There's a chance she won't feel the same way," I said that for Joey's benefit.
"How could she say no to you two?" Scarlett smiled at Joey.
Joey nodded. "I am pretty great."
"You're the best, and don't forget you have all of us," Mom added.
I hoped Scarlett was right, and Carolina was missing us too. There was a moment on the curb at the airport where I thought she was waiting for me to say something. But I was worried about the security cop prompting people to leave. I wasn't fully focused on her.
When brunch was finished and we were sitting in the great room, I stood off to the side, taking in the sight of most of my family in one spot. Hopefully, this time next year, Carolina would be part of our family too.
I knew we could give her what she was looking for: love and a family. If she wanted to stay in Maine, I could make that work too. I was willing to do whatever it took. But ideally, I wanted to stay here with my family and so that Joey was close to his mother. As close as he could get.
Scarlett touched my arm. "I didn't realize you were interested in Carolina."
"We met last spring."
Scarlett's eyes widened. "I had no idea."
"We kept it a secret, thinking it was just a one-night thing. Then we saw each other again in the fall. "
"And then you were snowed in together. How romantic," she gushed.
"Not so fast. We don't know how the story ends."
She squeezed my arm. "I meant what I said earlier. You and Joey will make her very happy. I'm sure she'll say yes."
I laughed. "I'm not proposing."
She grinned. "You're not proposing yet ."
"I want to see if she will agree to move here with us, or at least make it her home base. She travels a lot, and I want to know if she could be happy here before we make any other steps."
"You're a great dad, and you deserve to have someone in your life. I, for one, will be happy to have more women around here."
"Our family's expanding."
"I know Eli will be happy when Killian and Walker are home for good."
I frowned. "I'm not sure that's going to happen."
"If they know what's good for them, they'll come home to stay," she said pointedly.
"It wasn't so long ago that you were eager to leave our hometown too." Scarlett wasn't ever planning to stay, not until she saw Eli in a different light and reconnected with her friend, Marigold.
"Staying was the best decision I ever made, and I want everyone else to be happy too."
I just hoped that Carolina felt the same way I did, or we'd be disappointed. I tried not to think about the what-ifs, but it was hard not to when we had a long flight to Maine.