Chapter 19 #2
“I’m going to go check on Holly and thank Melissa and her crew for all their hard work.” A beat passed and no one stopped him. But when he got to the foot of the stairs, he took a chance and looked back at everyone.
His mother looked down, but not before she gave him a sad smile, her eyes glassy. His father sighed, his shoulders slumping with something that looked like regret.
He stood there for another moment and it felt like maybe all wasn’t lost.
We’re not such a bad little family. Not bad at all, really. Maybe we just needed a little reminder about the importance of love.
Now it was after midnight, and he and Holly were back at his place. She wasn’t going to stay, but he convinced her of how much he wanted her there. Her parents had Shmoop for the night, so it was nice to have the place to themselves.
He had to admit that he enjoyed coming home to a place that looked and felt like Christmas.
The scent of pine and cinnamon filled the air.
Strings of white lights flickered gently on the tree, reflecting off the wrapped presents beneath it.
He’d always grown up with Christmas trees—big, beautiful ones—but this one was his and it made him smile.
He took in the way the guesthouse looked and it hit him how it no longer looked like the guesthouse; it looked like a home.
His expression softened and his heart felt light.
That’s how Holly found him.
She walked over, sliding her arm through his. “You okay?”
Lucas glanced down at her, then back toward the room, and hesitated for a moment. “I used to think Christmas was about… the show. The gifts, the house decorations timed to music, the perfect party. I thought if I could give people that—something polished and expensive—I was doing it right.”
Her eyes shone brightly as she quietly listened.
“But standing here and seeing all the things we decorated and thinking about the conversations with my family after the party…knowing we were all helping each other simply by being together—it hits different. It’s not about how much you spend. It’s about how much you show up.”
“You’ve always shown up for me. I know this last month took you out of your comfort zone, and I appreciate you for being such a good sport about all of it. That’s when I knew you cared deeply for your family. You were doing it because you loved them.”
Lucas turned to face her, a smile slowly forming.
“Not at first,” he said lightly. “It was really about everything that you and Lennon said to me. I needed some involvement to get into the holiday spirit. But it all led to what happened tonight. You taught me that being surrounded by people who love you—that’s the real luxury.
And no amount of money can buy the feeling of being known… and still wanted around the tree.”
He touched her cheek briefly, affectionately, nodding toward the room.
“I got the best gift this year. It wasn’t any one thing, and it wasn’t beautifully wrapped. Instead, I learned about the importance of family. Not things. Just time. Connection. Belonging. I think this is my favorite Christmas ever.”
Holly leaned her head on his shoulder. “I love that. And it’s not even Christmas yet. We have a few more days to get through.” Then she gasped and stared up at him.
“What? What’s the matter?”
“I know we’re standing here talking about how it’s not about gifts and things, but now everyone’s here and there aren’t gifts under the tree! Not this one, I’m obviously looking at them, but I mean under your parents’ tree!”
That made him chuckle. “Oh, don’t worry about that. I’m sure my mother is going to take care of that tomorrow with my sisters. Trust me. There will be a ton of gifts under the tree.” He frowned. “I’m not sure how I feel about that.”
“Why?”
“Because I gave this entire speech not just here but back at the house how it’s not about the presents, and now I’m talking about all the presents they’re going to buy.”
“Lucas, it’s okay for there to be presents.
As long as you’re all together and that’s not the only thing you’re all concerned about, it will be fine.
Because really, the best part of Christmas is the people you share it with.
And you have a few more people to share it with this year.
But it’s okay if you need to be here. My parents will completely understand. ”
Unable to help himself, he let out a soft chuckle and pulled Holly a little closer.
“You’re not getting rid of me that easily.
” Carefully, he turned her toward him. “I meant what I said earlier. I love you. And I don’t have a problem splitting the holiday between my family and yours.
Maybe next year we can get them all together and your parents can teach mine a thing or two about making everyone feel welcome. ”
“Your family isn’t that bad, Lucas. They’ve always made me feel welcome.” She giggled. “I mean, not at first tonight, but then they got there. They need to work on their communication skills within the family, especially your parents with each other.”
“They’re going to start couples' therapy.”
“Really?”
He nodded. “It was one of the things they discussed while locked in the storage closet.” He grinned. “I still can’t believe you did that.”
“Hey, you gave me the idea!”
He hugged her. “You are full of surprises. I have a feeling life with you will never be boring.”
“What fun would that be?”
They stood together in the warm glow of the lights for a few more minutes, simply enjoying the view. But when he heard her yawn for the third time, he knew it was time for bed.
Wordlessly, he led her across the room—stopping only to unplug the tree—and then down the hall to his bedroom.
He kissed her softly and sent her to do whatever she needed to do, while he walked around shutting off the rest of the lights.
When he came back, she was already in bed with her eyes closed.
He quietly stripped and slid in beside her, shutting off the bedside lamp.
Holly rolled toward him, her legs tangling with his even as he gently pulled her into his arms. He placed a soft kiss on the top of her head as his own eyes drifted closed, feeling completely at peace.