20. Pecker
Chapter 20
Pecker
As soon as I walk in the door, I find Colt down on one knee proposing to Zoey. I'm glad they’re taking this step in their relationship and aren’t worrying about how it’s going to look to others. Sure, they’ve dated for such a short period of time, but a lot has happened in that time.
More than anything, it gives me hope people won't think I'm crazy when I drop down on one knee and beg Sophia to marry me.
“Hey, beautiful.” I head straight over to my girl and drop onto the couch next to her.
“Hey, babe.” She grins at me. “I was talking to Gran about her pie secrets.” She wiggles her brows, making the older woman giggle.
“Oh, well, don’t let me steal your attention. I just wanted to sit next to you and be able to hold your hand.”
“He’s such a sweet boy.” Gran smiles at me. “You should never let go of a man who’s happy to sit at your side and just be with you. The one who will watch you succeed with a smile on his face and encourage you to keep going. That’s the type of man who will give you the best life imaginable.”
“I don’t plan on letting him go,” she whispers as she peeks up at me.
Right this second, I know I’d move wherever Sophia wants to go. After my conversation with Sydney, I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about my relationship with Sophia. I'm not ready to drop down on one knee quite yet, but I do plan on doing it sooner rather than later.
When Skylar tells us dinner is ready, I take a seat next to Sophia and drape my arm over the back of her chair. I play with the tips of her hair, anything to touch some part of her.
“Merry Christmas, everyone!” Maverick walks in the room with a big smile on his face.
“Holy crap, who is that?” Sophia mutters under her breath, her eyes locked on him.
“I know, right?” Skylar winks at her.
Maverick makes his way around the table. He shakes hands with all of the men and gives each woman a kiss on the cheek. When he gets to Sophia, he pauses for a moment.
“I don’t believe I’ve met you, but you can get a kiss on the cheek too.” He winks at her and I swear she has hearts popping out of her eyes.
“Are you going to make me beat up Maverick on Christmas, beautiful?” I murmur so only my girl can hear me. Sophia’s eyes snap to mine and she freezes.
“I'm sorry. I wasn’t expecting… that to walk through the door.” She motions to Maverick. “But he’s hot. Not nearly as hot as you though.”
“Oh, I'm sure.” I roll my eyes, not believing a word coming out of her mouth.
“Hey,” she whispers, waiting for me to glance in her direction before she continues. “You’re my boyfriend and I love you. It doesn’t matter if a hundred hot guys walked into this room and kissed me on the cheek. You’re the only hot guy I want to kiss or touch me.”
Without an ounce of hesitation, she leans in and kisses me right in front of everyone. It isn't a quick peck on the lips, it’s a slow and intimate kiss. One that makes the entire room go silent.
We pull back and her gaze stays on me. She’s making sure everyone knows where she stands when it comes to me and I appreciate that.
“I know you said I had to wait until after Christmas, but…” Zoey lets her words trail off. She’s stopped going by Leslie since Jimmy was caught and Sophia’s so happy about that.
“I love Pecker,” Sophia says loud enough for everyone to hear her. “I'm staying in Maple Springs for another month and we’re going to visit the Mulberry Lane family soon.”
“Dang, this must be serious,” Colt mutters under his breath.
“It definitely is,” I add with a grin.
“Hell, every time I find a pretty girl in this town, she gets snatched up just as quickly.” Maverick laughs.
“You’re too old for me,” Sophia says at the same time as Colt says, “You’re way too old for her!”
Everyone laughs and I pull my girl a little closer, placing a kiss on her head. This is the best Christmas I’ve ever had.
“Merry Christmas!” Sophia’s parents smile at us through the video call.
“Merry Christmas! It’s so weird to not be home with all of you!” Sophia reaches her hand up and threads her fingers through mine. I have my arm draped over her shoulder and she’s snug against my side.
“Mom won't let us decorate gingerbread houses until you come home,” Cody pouts from one side of the camera.
“Yeah, she says it’s not the same without the least favorite child.” Jax rolls his eyes.
“Somehow, I don’t think that’s what came out of my mouth,” Addi chuckles at her son.
“Where’s Charlie and Wyatt?” Sophia asks after she gets a rundown of what everyone got for Christmas. She’s been told at least three times her gifts are all waiting for her to come home and open them.
“She’s exhausted.” Wes scoops Addi up and deposits her on his lap. “I can't imagine how tired she’d be if it was baseball season. I think she’s counting down the days until the baby will be born.”
“I can't wait! I'm finally going to be an aunt!” Sophia grins at her family.
“You’re going to be the best aunt ever.” I press a soft kiss to Sophia’s temple.
“She’ll be the greatest mom when the time comes.” Addi smiles at us. She looks happy to see us together and in love.