22. Chapter Twenty-Two
Chapter Twenty-Two
Lauren
Brad hasn’t left my house except to get clothes or go to work. I’m not complaining. I made a joke last night that he should just move in with me and he didn’t say “no.” I know it’s quick, but is it really? We’ve known each other since high school. It just seems natural to have him with me all the time.
We celebrated Christmas Eve with his parents yesterday afternoon before he had to go on shift for the night. He got home around six this morning and is still sleeping.
I’ve turned on the Christmas tree lights, the Christmas music and I’m cuddled up in the corner of the couch to finish my Christmas romance. A spicy Christmas romance of course now that I have someone to try out scenes with me.
My phone dings on the couch next to me.
Momma M: Merry Christmas my girl! I can’t wait to see you and that boy of mine again.
Me: Merry Christmas! I can’t wait either, I’ve been thinking about those cinnamon rolls since last night.
Momma M: Well you better hurry on up then. Go wake up that lazy bones boy and get your cutie patootie self on over here.
Me: If he doesn’t wake up I’m leaving him behind...
And I will, I had to smell everything that she was making yesterday, but was set for today instead. She was making so much, and when I asked her who she was feeding she waved me off saying she feeds the police station every year and Mr. Robertson delivers every Christmas morning.
I love that she’s so supportive of her son’s career.
I’m just finishing up my text when I’m attacked by a large body taking over mine.
Brad sneaks up on me and jumps onto the couch, pulling me into him.
“Merry Christmas, gorgeous.” He nuzzles into my neck, kissing that spot I like.
“Mmm,” I moan. “Merry Christmas. You’re not getting me this morning. There are cinnamon rolls at your parent’s house. So, hop to, sir.” I slap his knee before running up the stairs to change. I am serious about those cinnamon rolls.
We pull into Brad’s parents house an hour later. His Dad must have finished digging out all their decorations from the snow last night because they’re up and running now.
I clap my hands together in excitement. I love Christmas and decorations so much. I left mine running this morning so everyone who drives by can enjoy them. Plus the competition judges will drive by tonight at six p.m. I was positive that I was going to win, until we parked and I saw this presentation that Brad’s Dad pulled out.
“He might have cheated,” Brad says, knowing my thoughts. “He is the one who helped me decorate your house so he knew the competition.”
I pout in response. “That’s not fair. He shouldn’t help so he knows the competition.”
Brad chuckles, “Don’t you think it’s time you give someone else the chance to win?”
“No!”
Brad’s parents open the door and are standing on the porch waiting for us to get out of the car.
“Come on, gorgeous. There’s still cinnamon rolls to be had.”
At that reminder I hop out of the car and the smile returns to my face. I grab the presents out of the back of the car that I bought for his parents.
We walk into the house hand in hand, and Momma beams at us just like she did yesterday. She and my mom are taking responsibility for us finally getting over our shit . They think without them we wouldn’t be together.
Behind the Robertsons I see a sight that is more welcome than any present I could open today.
“Mom? Dad?” I drop my bag and run to my parents. Inside the Robertson’s home, in New Hampshire. Where they told me they couldn’t be!
“What are you doing here?” I’m squeezing them so tight.
“We couldn’t leave you for Christmas. Plus, I had to see my handy work for myself!” Mom gestures toward Brad.
“I had to make sure someone is keeping my baby girl happy.” Dad stares at Brad, with his best angry face on.
I laugh, but Miriam points her wooden spoon at my Dad. “George, don’t you threaten my boy! Or I won’t give you any of that green bean casserole.”
“Yes ma’am.” Dad salutes her in understanding.
“When did you get here? We were just here yesterday!” I know I didn’t miss my parents, and if they were in town, gossip would have spread like it does every year at their arrival.
“We scheduled our flights to get in late last night so we knew you’d be home when Brad was at work. We’re only staying until the New Year though.” Mom and Dad always come for at least six weeks to be here with me Thanksgiving through New Year.
“Well I’m just glad you’re here now!” I hug my Mom again. “Now, I was promised cinnamon rolls.” I turn to Miriam.
She holds out a platter full of the sweet rolls I’ve been dreaming about. We all enjoy a Christmas brunch put on by Miriam before we open presents.
The Christmas music is floating in the air, the scent of the pine Christmas tree, and the crackling of the fireplace is the background to our day. I’m snuggled on the couch with the man I’ve been wishing for after a family filled day, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.