Chapter 16
SUTTON
There was only one thing I enjoyed as much as planning my wedding...and that was Christmas. The magic in the air, the streets, and shops full of decorations and twinkling lights, and carols playing in every store gave me a high. It was impossible not to be caught up in the cheer. I loved shopping, giving gifts, and spending time with friends.
This would be my last Christmas as Sutton Summers. Next year, I’d be Mrs. Glover.
The big day was getting closer and so much had to be done. Flowers, table settings, and decorations had to be finalized. Cake had to be ordered. Dresses were being made. The guest list kept growing longer and longer.
But today wasn’t about our wedding. It was Christmas. At Cole’s.
Loaded with gift bags and presents galore, Flint and I entered Cole’s house. My mouth fell to the floor as we entered the foyer. Cole’s entire entrance and living room and been transformed into a winter wonderland, covered in green garlands, twinkle lights, baubles, fake snow, and gold wreaths. The most stunning Christmas tree covered in lights and decorations stood by the gas fireplace and nearly reached the top of the atrium. There were Santa Clauses and elves, reindeer, angels, and nutcracker statuettes dotted around the room.
“Cole?” I crossed the room, fell to my knees, and placed our presents under the tree. “This looks amazing. Is all this for you or the kids?”
“Me, of course.” He grinned goofily as he helped me with my gifts.
Flint placed his load of boxes wrapped in bright, festive paper next to mine. “Dude?” He stood and slapped Cole on the back. “Christmas will always be at your place from now on. You don’t do things half-assed, do you?”
“Nope.” He straightened his Santa hat and flicked the pom-pom over his shoulder. “Plus, I have a girlfriend who likes to organize everything.” He waved to Ava, who was cooking up a storm for lunch in the kitchen.
I should help her, but I’d probably burn something. Like I’d done to the pumpkin pies on Thanksgiving. I didn’t want to ruin any of her delicious dishes again. It was best if I stayed clear of the kitchen.
“Are the others here yet?” Flint scanned the games room and the yard.
“Not yet. They’ll arrive soon.” Cole jutted his chin toward the garden. “The kids are outside playing with their new swing set from Santa. I do not rate putting that up in the dark and fucking cold on Christmas Eve. I followed the instructions, but somehow I have six spare bolts, three washers, plus the packet of spares. It hasn’t fallen yet. So win, right?”
“Totally.” Flint chuckled. “Why didn’t you pay someone to put it together?”
“I’d thought it would be easy, but I had to get Sloane out of bed to help me. I’ll blame him if it breaks.” Cole yawned, no doubt tired from his late-night construction efforts and early start to the day with the excited kids. “How are your folks? ”
“Good.” Flint flopped onto the sofa and stretched out his legs. “Sutton and I managed not to kill anyone with our cooking.”
I eased in beside him and patted his stomach. “Babe, you cooked. I watched. That’s why everyone is still alive.”
Steven, my brother, his girlfriend, Kate, and Flint’s parents had come to our place for Christmas Eve. We’d all drunk way too much wine over dinner and presents, but it had been an awesome catch-up.
The door swung open, and Lewis and Tia charged toward us. I burst out laughing.
“Ho. Ho. Ho,” Lewis hollered, dressed up as Santa, carrying a sack full of presents. Tia wore an elf outfit that stretched tightly over her baby belly.
Tia deposited more gifts by the tree and Lewis put down his bag. A loud shriek pierced the air outside. Charlotte and Josh rushed inside, ran over to Lewis, and collided into his legs.
“Uncle Lewis, did you bring us presents?” Charlotte looked up at Lewis with big, bright green eyes.
No fooling them. He wasn’t Santa.
“I did.” He tickled Charlotte’s tummy, then drew both kids into a hug. “But you have to wait until after lunch for your gifts.”
“Okay.” Josh pushed out of Lewis’s hold and grabbed Charlotte’s hand. They ran into the games room on the other side of the kitchen, where toys and books lay spread across the floor—no doubt their haul from Santa this morning. With more gifts waiting for them, those two kids would be spoiled even more.
Flint and I jumped off the sofa to say hi.
Lewis stepped over to me, lowered his beard, and kissed me on the cheek. “Happy holidays.”
“Merry Christmas.” I straightened his Santa hat. “I love the outfit, Santa.”
He grinned but scratched his cheek and chin. “It’s itchy and hot. But it’s all for the kids.” He was as bad as Cole—a big kid at heart who’d do anything for them.
“Tia, happy Christmas.” I hugged her hello. Her huge baby bump was the size of a watermelon, and she still had two months to go. “Are you sure you’re not having twins?”
“Nope.” She swayed from side to side, rubbing her lower back. “Just one. Feels like twenty.”
Flint’s cell buzzed. He grabbed his phone out of his jeans pocket, glanced at the screen, then stuffed it away again. “Um. Cole? We need the kids.”
“Shit. Yep. On it.” Cole strode over to the games room, clicked his fingers at Ava as he passed, fetched the kids, then returned to the living room. As the kids took a seat by the tree, Ava joined us.
What is going on?
The doorbell rang.
The huge glass door swung open and in stepped Maddy and Slip, wearing ugly reindeer Christmas sweaters and carrying a big box each. Slip’s present was twice the size of Maddy’s.
“Merry Christmas, everyone.” Maddy made her way over to us. Flint lightened her load, taking the box from her.
“Who’s ready for more Christmas presents?” Slip hollered and handed Cole the enormous gift.
“Me!” Charlotte and Josh pounced on all fours.
The box tilted in Cole’s hands.
Was that a rustle? A whimper?
Oh, my. My heart skipped a beat. Cole hadn’t, had he?
“Okay.” Cole held the box in the air above the kids. “This one is for the two of you. It’s actually from Ava and me.”
“And this one is for you?” Flint held his present out for me to take.
Me? I’d already gotten a diamond necklace and Prada purse from him. I didn’t need anything else. The box moved, tipping to one side. Oh crap!
Cole placed his box on the ground. The kids yanked the lid off and out leaped a tiny ball of black and white chaos...a Dalmatian. The puppy whimpered and whined as it licked and sniffed Josh’s and Charlotte’s faces. Its tail wagged at one hundred miles an hour, thumping against the box.
“A PUPPY! We got AHH A PUPPY!” Charlotte grabbed the dog around its neck and crushed it against her chest. It scrambled from her hold and dashed over to Josh.
Oh gosh . . . what do I have?
I put my box down and eased off the lid. A beautiful, yet frightened, black kitten shivered in the bottom corner. “Oh. She’s beautiful.” I picked up the tiny cat, stood, and cradled it against my chest. I patted her back and kissed her head.
“It’s actually a him.” Flint edged closer and scratched its ears.
“And it pissed and shat all over our bathroom last night.” Slip grunted as he gave the kitten the evil eye and then did the same toward the puppy. “The dog was just as bad, peeing everywhere in the laundry. They both cried all night. Maddy and I have had no sleep. You can thank us at any time.”
“They weren’t that bad.” Maddy curled her arm around Slip’s and rested her head against his shoulder. But judging by the dark circles under her eyes? Yeah, she hadn’t had a decent sleep.
“You’re champions. Thank you.” Cole squatted and patted the puppy. “So, kids, you now have to take care of this little guy. But first, you have to give him a name.”
“Spot!” Charlotte giggled as the puppy licked her face.
I winced and shook my head. Too obvious, right? But whatever.
“No. Rex. Like a T-Rex. Roooar!” Josh clawed his hands and hollered at the dog. The puppy just licked his nose .
“Yeah. Rexy.” Charlotte wrapped her arms around the puppy’s tummy and kissed his head. “I love you, Rexy.”
Ava bobbed down next to the kids and smoothed her hand along the puppy’s back. “Sounds like his name is Rex.”
“Very cool name, kids. I love it.” Cole ruffled the puppy’s head, then stood. “Do you want to take him outside for a play before lunch?”
“Yeah.” The kids stood. Josh picked up Rex around his middle and carried him outside at somewhat of an awkward angle, but the puppy didn’t seem to mind.
Too cute.
“What are you going to call this little ball of fluff?” Flint asked, rubbing one of the kitten’s tiny paws.
“Why did you get me a cat?” I kissed its face and brushed its soft fur against my cheek. I was already in love with the thing, but I’d never wanted a pet. I lowered my voice so only Flint could hear. “I thought I was the only pussy you wanted ?”
Flint stroked the kitten’s back. It purred and curled against my chest. He leaned in and whispered in my ear, “You definitely are, Kitten .” Too much heat flared in my cheeks and between my legs. Damn. He eased back and a sexy smile played across his lips. “This little guy is just a pet. I’ve always liked cats, but my parents would never let me have one. When Phil nearly hit a cat on the night he died, I’ve always wondered what happened to it since it was never found. In a warped and weird way, I’ve always wanted to know whether it was okay or not. That cat played a part in bringing you to me.”
I arched an eyebrow. “So we need to call him PTSD?”
“What? No?” Flint grimaced and chuckled. “But you knew I was fucked up before we started dating.”
“We both were.”
“Yeah.” He softened his tone. “But we’re good now.” He rubbed the kitten’s ears again. “This little guy is from the rescue shelter. He’ll keep you company when I’m traveling or working, and vice versa. He’s perfect, just like you.”
“I’m not perfect, but thank you.” I guessed now I was a cat lady. That was a change I hadn’t seen coming.
I held the kitten against my breast and stroked my fingers along his back. I scratched the top of its head. “So, what should we call you? You’re a Flintlock. A little rock star. Relish attention. You’re handsome. Clearly like black. And you would look great in a leather collar. Hmmm . Sounds like someone else I know.” I winked at Flint, then held the kitten in front of my face and stared into his yellow eyes. “You’re just like a Danny Zuko, aren’t you?” I met Flint’s gaze again. “Like you on the night I got you to sing at Hayley’s. When we sang ‘Summer Nights.’ So it’s Zuko.”
Flint closed the gap between us and threaded his hand around my waist. A playful smile curled across his lips. “Not Greasy? Lightning? Putzie?”
“No.” I giggled. “Zuko.”
“I love it. Zuko it is.” He kissed me on the lips, lingering there for a few seconds. Hmmm . “Love you. Merry Christmas.”
“Love you. And thank you.”
Wow. Our family was expanding...and changing. Two new members had joined us today—Rex and Zuko. They’d no doubt be a handful. But life was good. Maddy and Slip had moved home two weeks ago. The guys had discussed their writing schedule. My show was a hit. We’d all jetted around the country to awards shows and events and still had more in the coming weeks. In a few months, I’d be married. I honestly don’t think I could get any happier.
After lunch, we sat around in front of Cole’s huge gas fireplace, laughed, and told stories. We opened presents. Torn paper, gift bags, ribbons, and boxes covered every inch of the floor.
As the kids played with new toys on the rug, Maddy tapped me on the arm. “Hey, can I steal you for a moment? I need to discuss something with you. Can we go outside for a sec?”
“Sure.” I handed Zuko to Flint. His eyes lit up—clearly happy I’d finally handed Zuko over. He laid the sleepy kitten against his chest and scratched its ears. Zuko purred away. I rose to my feet and followed Maddy outside. She ambled across the lawn and stopped by the hedge.
“Mads? Is everything okay?”
“I hope so.” Excitement and worry skipped in her voice. In the cool air, she tugged the sleeves of her sweater over her hands and fidgeted with her wedding rings. “So...I had a meeting with my agent yesterday. Carlos has come across a role that I’m interested in...but it’s subject to you.”
“Me?” I buttoned my glittery Christmas cardigan. For LA, it was freezing today. “Why me?” Her agent was a powerhouse in this town. Maddy was an A-list star. If he’d found her a role, it’d have to be for a fabulous hit show. Money and fame had never come between Maddy and me, and it never would. Our friendship meant the world to me. I wished her every success and would support her no matter what.
Maddy closed her eyes. She sucked in a deep breath, then blurted. “Because it’s for Angels in LA . To start the next season in March.”
“ARGGGGH!” I jumped up and down, then flung my arms around her neck. My heart skipped and danced through the clouds. “Yes. Oh my God. Yes! I’d love to work with you again.” When Tia had left the show at the end of our first season, they hadn’t replaced her. We’d had guest stars come and go, but no one had stayed long-term. There’d always been talk about adding a new main character, someone who’d blend in perfectly with our cast. Maddy would be perfect. “That would be brilliant.”
Here I was thinking life couldn’t get any better. But this was definitely another leap forward.
“It’s not guaranteed.” Maddy stepped back and wiped her happy, teary eyes. “The studio wants me to audition. So before I even contemplate doing that, I needed to make sure you’d be okay if I did.”
She met my gaze, no doubt looking for any concerns or fears, but she wouldn’t find any. I’d loved Maddy since we’d met on a show when we were twelve. Our friendship had stood the test of time. We’d survived drama, love, and heartache, ups and downs and more. We were unbreakable.
Maddy clutched my hands. “I’d love to be on screen with you again, but I won’t go where I’m not wanted. I don’t want to rain on your parade, step on your gown, steal any of your light. Your show is your baby.”
“It’s not just my show.” I shook my head as happiness exploded in my chest. “You will add to it—not take anything away. Peyton and Mia and I are on an even playing field. No one outshines the other. You already know the girls, so if you join us, we’ll have so much fun. Just like old times.”
“Yeah.” A hopeful smile inched across her lips. “I’d like that.”
Happy tears burst from my eyes. I hugged Maddy tight. “I love you, Mads. Please do the audition. You shouldn’t even have to do one. I’ll put in a good word for you. You’d be the perfect fit for Angels .”
“Thank you.” She stepped back and rubbed my arm. “You don’t need to say anything, but yeah, that would be nice.”
“Done.” I jumped and clapped my hands. “I’m so excited. This is the best Christmas ever.”
Warmth shimmered in Maddy’s eyes. “And the new year is going to be even better.”
“It certainly is. You’re home. The guys will be together, working on new music. Tia and Lewis are having a baby. I’m getting married. There are so many amazing things happening, my head keeps spinning.”
“We’ve got it pretty fucking good, don’t we?”
“We do. We absolutely do.”
Maddy’s stunning smile was contagious, but then reality slammed into my chest. There was still so much to organize, plan, and book for the wedding. My to-do list was a mile long. “If I could stop stressing about the wedding, everything would be fine.”
“Why are you stressing?” Maddy winced, as if she didn’t believe me. “You have everything under control and a team of people to help. There is no need to worry.” She gave my hand a gentle shake. “Your wedding will be a beautiful day where we celebrate you and Flint. Have fun planning it. Be excited. You don’t need the best of everything or need to outdo every other big, fancy wedding ever held in Hollywood. Be prepared for things to go wrong, because they will. But it’s Quill’s job to have backup plans. I’m sure he’ll have several in place.” Reassurance set into her every word. “We know you love Flint and are committed to each other. At the end of the day, it’s just a big party.”
True .
“Everyone who loves you will be there. We’d come if you served sausages on paper plates, and soda in Solo cups, and you wanted to get married in T-shirts, surf shorts, and flip-flops.”
I sucked in a sharp breath and gaped, laying on the shock. “There will be no flip-flops at my wedding. Not ever.”
Maddy laughed. “I know. But Sutt, I’m here for you. We have five months to meticulously plan everything and make sure the day goes off without a hitch.”
“Thank you. I’m so glad you’re here. And I am excited. Our next task is to decide on flower arrangements for the ceremony. And we need to brainstorm ideas for our grand entrance. I want to make it fun and dance and wow the guests.”
“Sutt, of course I will help you. But most people won’t remember what decorations were on the table, or the flowers you had, or the food they ate—only how much booze you put on at the reception, and if you’re lucky, maybe the dress you wore.”
Really? I sifted through my memories. I’d been to a couple of weddings, but yeah, the only ones I remembered were a cousin’s reception where everyone had gotten rotten drunk, and Maddy’s special days—her heartbreak and tears at her first wedding. And how big her smile had been and how happy she’d seemed with Slip at her second.
But I wanted my wedding to be burned into people’s brains. “I want it to be beyond fabulous.”
“It will be. For you...and Flint...That’s all that matters. But I assure you, I’ll remember it, too, because I’m your best friend, and I can’t wait.”
She was right. I didn’t need it to be over the top. Just special. The day was taking shape. I was counting down the days until I married the love of my life.
But before then, we had more awards ceremonies to attend, birthdays to celebrate, Valentine’s Day to enjoy, and a baby was due. I had a show to film. The guys had an album to write. Oh, and now, there was another wedding to look forward to. Lewis and Tia aimed to wed in September, a few months after their baby was due.
I had to stop stressing. Enjoy the ride. Be thankful I was there, surrounded by my friends I called family.
The year ahead would be exciting.
I couldn’t wait.
Bring it on.
Bring it on, now!