Chapter Twenty-Nine Laney #2
“Okay, how about… I can’t believe we found each other and built this life together? I wouldn’t change a thing, you know.” I chewed on my lip. “I love our story and how we got here.”
“I do too.” He sat up, me in his lap, his arms around me.
“Makes me feel like I want to do a vow renewal with you. What do you think? Next year, at our eleventh wedding anniversary? We have a renewal in our backyard. Sam would be walking by then. Maybe you’re knocked up again.
I want to tell you and promise you again that I’ll love you and choose you forever. ”
I nodded before I had time to think.
“Yes, I’d love that.”
“It’s a date. Don’t make any plans next December, baby—we have some vows to renew.”
And with that, we went back out to the living room where music played, people ate, Sam was cuddled against his grandma, and there was so much joy and happiness everywhere.
I grabbed Connor’s hand and smiled. “Merry Christmas, Connor.”
“You too, baby. Thanks for giving me the best gift ever.”
“What’s that?”
“Our family.”
We shared a smile, and the day passed in a blur. Hours went by, and everyone left for their own places.
The snow fell softly outside, blanketing Cherrywood in a peaceful hush.
Inside, the warm glow of twinkling lights wrapped around our Christmas tree while the fire crackled.
Connor was sprawled on the couch with Sam in his arms, their matching dark hair a stark contrast to the red blanket draped over them.
Sam’s tiny hand grasped Connor’s finger, and my heart melted at the sight.
“You know,” I said, settling into the chair across from them, “today became my favorite Christmas.”
Connor looked up, his eyes softening as they met mine. “Mine too.”
Just as I was about to say more, there was a knock at the door. Connor rolled his eyes. “Ten bucks that’s your dad who forgot something.”
“Hey! Our family is quirky but forgetful.” I stood and ruffled Connor’s hair. “And I decline that bet because I’m not getting into your and my dad’s little gambling wars.” I twisted the handle just as he said, “You’re afraid to lose!”
I froze. Connors’s dad stood there, bundled against the cold with a slightly awkward smile on his face. He held a bag stuffed with brightly wrapped presents in one hand and a bottle of wine in the other.
“Mr. Reynolds,” I greeted him, my voice cracking. “Uh, come in, it’s cold.” I stepped aside, my stomach bottoming out at this sudden appearance.
Connor and his dad had exchanged a few emails and a few texts on and off about his grandson. There were no phone calls or apologies. This was beyond a surprise.
“Thanks, Laney,” he said, stepping inside and stamping snow off his boots. His eyes darted toward the living room, where Connor had risen from the couch, Sam still in his arms.
“Dad?” Connor’s voice was cautious, his brow furrowed. “Why are you here?”
“I know I wasn’t invited,” his dad began, setting the presents and wine on the side table. “But I… I wanted to stop by. Thought it was time I made more of an effort.”
Connor’s grip on Sam tightened, but he didn’t say anything. I stepped closer to his dad, offering him a reassuring smile. “Can I take your coat?”
“Sure,” he said, handing it to me as his gaze flicked back to Connor and Sam. “You’ve got quite the setup here. Cozy.”
Connor nodded, his expression guarded. I could read him like a book, and he was torn between throwing his dad out or hearing what he had to say. “Yeah. It’s home.”
While my husband might not have shared it out loud, I knew the loss of their relationship bothered him. He was right to walk away, but cutting off the one parent you had was a special form of torture.
His dad took a hesitant step forward, his focus entirely on Sam now. “Is this…?”
“Sam,” I supplied gently. “Your grandson.”
His dad’s face relaxed, and for a moment, he looked younger—less like the stern businessman I’d always known and more like someone caught in a memory. “Can… can I hold him?”
Connor hesitated, his jaw working as he processed the moment. Finally, he nodded, gently transferring Sam into his dad’s waiting arms.
As soon as Sam settled against his chest, Connor’s dad let out a shaky breath. “He’s perfect,” he whispered, his voice breaking. “Absolutely perfect.”
He cradled Sam close, tears filling his eyes as he gazed down. “I should’ve been here sooner. I should’ve done more, for both of you and for him.”
Connor’s walls visibly crumbed as he watched his dad hold Sam. He cleared his throat and reached for me. I fit into the spot right under his arm, wrapping my arm around his waist.
The room fell silent except for the sound of the fire and Sam’s soft cooing as his grandpa rubbed his back.
Finally, his dad turned to Connor. “You’ve built something incredible here, son.
You and Laney.” His gaze moved to me, a beaming grin on his face.
“I’m proud of you. Always have been—I just didn’t know how to say it. ”
Connor nodded. “Thank you.”
His dad had a tremble to his lips. “We have a lot to work through, and I know you shouldn’t forgive me. I’ve been a horrible father. I want to try though.” He kissed Sam’s head and sniffed. “Is that… something we can do?”
I nodded and stood back as Connor placed a hand on his dad’s shoulder. My heart swelled as Connor said, “Yeah, I think I’d like that. If you want to stay in town for a while, there’s a house for rent next to Laney’s parents that I think you’d like…”
My own eyes welled up as three generations of Reynolds boys stood together. There were still wounds to heal, but this moment was a start. And sometimes, that’s all you need.
After all, Cherrywood had some magic to it.