Epilogue First Christmas
Holly
Strings of lights weave across the ceiling beams of the barn. Boughs of evergreen branches are woven around columns and beams throughout the room. The ever-present scent of pine in the air this time of year never ceases to remind me of Mateo, and I love Christmastime all the more for it.
The decorations remind me of our wedding reception in August. It's the one I’m going to count and celebrate every year because it was when we vowed to love each other, in front of friends, family and God. The ceremony was beautiful and the celebration afterward was even more fun.
This Christmas party is no less hopping than our reception was.
The people of Bolt love an excuse to celebrate, to take a break from the labors of the day, and come together for delicious food and conversation.
In the center of the barn is a small dance floor, where Nadia and her friend are dancing to a country song that was added to the Christmas song playlist for the evening.
The line dance they’re doing doesn’t seem complicated, but the tantalizing aroma of chocolate and sugary deliciousness beckons me to the treats table.
Everything is homemade, and I’m stunned by the baking and cooking talents of everyone in town. Mami Canela is tutoring me in how to cook, but I’m nowhere near good enough to make something for an event like this.
The music changes to a slow song and I smile at the group dancing, especially when I see Mateo’s curly brown hair next to his sister.
I grab a paper plate and peruse the selection. A cane taps against the wooden floor next to me, and I look up to see Hudson’s stark white hair and smiling face.
“What’s a pretty young thing like you doing getting refreshments at the party? Where’s that husband of yours? He should be ashamed for leaving you alone on a night like this.”
I hook my arm through Hudson’s. “You know mighty well that he’s out there dancing with Nadia, whose heart got broken by a young man who didn’t kiss her under the mistletoe.”
Hudson huffs. “Still, he should have at least gotten you settled at a table with a nice tray of snacks next to your adopted grandpa.”
I kiss Hudson’s cheek, my heart warmed by his love and care. “I told him I had my eye on the last half of the pumpkin roll and wanted to eat the rest before anyone else got to it. It’s not sneaking away from me tonight.”
Hudson glances at the table behind me. “I don’t think that’s half a pumpkin roll, I think that’s the whole thing.” He chuckles and I give his shoulder a little nudge.
I shake my head. “If I call it half a pumpkin roll, it makes me feel better about eating the whole thing.”
“Whatever floats your boat, sweetheart. How about I carry it over to my table and you can get started eating it. Maybe you’ll even finish it before Mateo is done dancing. No need to share with that boy of yours.”
Giggles erupt at Hudson’s scheming and I wrap my arm around his waist, giving him a quick hug. “I love you, Hudson. I’m so glad I get to see you so often.”
“I love you too, sweetheart. Thanks for moving to Bolt. I know you gave up a lot in California, but this little town is better with you here.”
I kiss his wrinkled cheek. “I really didn’t give up much, considering all I gained.”
The Christmas song ends and we both look at the dance floor. Mateo hugs Nadia before making eye contact with me. He winks as he weaves through people, heading in my direction.
“Well sweetheart, I see your man making his way back over here. I’ll leave you to enjoy your evening together.”
I put my plate down next to the pumpkin roll before wrapping my arms around Hudson. “I’ll see you later, okay?”
He pats my back. “If not tonight, then tomorrow for our Saturday board games date.”
I nod. “You’re on. I’m aiming to win tomorrow.”
“Keep dreaming, sweetheart.” Hudson winks and walks away, his cane tapping against the floor as he heads toward a table with a few of his friends from church.
I watch Hudson amble across the barn as Mateo's hand slips into mine, a soft kiss against my forehead, and the smell of pine washing over me, a sensation that's become as familiar as breathing.
“Beautiful wife of mine, are we ready to eat our fill of pumpkin roll?”
I nod. “It’s the only thing I’ve wanted to eat all day. Nothing else has sounded good except for this pumpkin roll.”
He lets go of my waist only to pick up the decorative platter and two plastic forks, abandoning the paper plates. I follow him to an empty, round table in the back corner of the barn.
I sit and immediately stab the pumpkin roll, shoving a huge bite into my mouth. The spiced cake and sweet cream cheese filling is the perfect combination and exactly what I’ve wanted all day.
I chew slowly, and after a few bites, I'm finally ready to chat. “Did you console your sister sufficiently?”
Mateo shakes his head as he winces. “Apparently telling your sister that high school boys are dumb isn’t the correct answer when she gets her heart broken.
So, I tried again and listened to her talk about how she really wanted to kiss him and how she’s so sad he’s interested in Patricia from the volleyball team.
Then I told her she’s amazing and deserves better for a first kiss.
She reluctantly agreed. Hopefully she’ll be fine and I didn’t mess it up too bad. ”
I lean my head against his shoulder as I stab another forkful of cake. “You’re a good older brother. It’s fun having sisters. I honestly thought I’d never have a family like this,” I mumble around my mouthful of cake as I watch everyone talking and laughing together.
Mateo kisses my forehead. “When you move to Bolt, you move into a big family. Sometimes it’s annoying, but most of the time it’s awesome. This is one of those awesome times.”
The exhaustion I’ve been fighting off pulls against my eyelids, beckoning them to close as I snuggle into Mateo’s side. “I love it. I’ve loved getting to know everyone.”
Mateo hums a happy noise as he takes his first bite. “They love you too. I’m glad you’ve only had to travel with Alex twice since we got married. I don’t like when you’re not here.”
I sigh. “You know, I’m thinking my time as his social media manager and PR person is ending soon.”
Mateo turns his head and I sit up, looking straight into his beautiful brown eyes I will never get tired of.
Mateo’s eyebrows pull together. “What do you mean? I thought you loved working with Alex.”
“I love working with him, but in a little less than nine months, I think I’ll have my hands full with a different adventure.” I twirl my fork and point it at him for emphasis. “Especially if I’m helping you with the farm and taking care of the baby.”
Mateo’s eyes widen. “Did you just say a baby?”
I nod, trying to be as cool as a cucumber, as I take another bite of the delicious goodness. Seriously, this pumpkin roll is the only thing I’ve wanted to eat today. Everything else has made me feel queasy.
Mateo’s mouth hangs open. “I’m going to be a dad.”
I lean over and kiss Mateo’s lips. “No. You’re going to be an amazing dad.”
The shock wears off and next thing I know I’m out of my chair, in his embrace, and am being spun around. My stomach turns as regret over eating the pumpkin roll consumes me.
I tap on Mateo’s back.
He stops our spinning immediately and drops my feet back to the floor, worry etched on his face. “Sorry, are you okay?”
I plop down in my chair and take a deep breath. “Yeah, just got a little queasy there.”
He drops to his knees in front of me and grabs my hands. “I’m so sorry, do you need anything? What can I get you?”
My heart beats faster, touched by his adorable concern. “How about a little breathing room and a glass of water?”
Mateo nods vigorously. “I can do that.” He jumps up and makes a beeline for the water station.
The clicking of a cane on hardwood floors comes from behind me, and I feel Hudson tap my shoulder.
There’s a mischievous smile on his face and a happy glimmer in his eye. “Do I get to be a great-grandpa again?”
I lean toward him. “Yes.”
Hudson looks down at the pumpkin roll I’ve eaten half of. “You know, my Darla craved pumpkin-flavored foods when she was pregnant too.”
My heart aches and I reach out and grab Hudson’s hand, squeezing it in mine as tears fill my eyes. “I wish I could have known her.”
Hudson’s smile turns wistful. “You’ll meet her one day, sweetheart. Congratulations. I’m excited to see your dreamboat become a father. He’ll be a good one.”
I smile. “Yes, he will.”
Hudson chuckles. “Aren’t you glad your worlds collided two years ago?”
My eyes seek out my husband. His smiling bearded face practically glows as he bounds back to our table. Joy emanates from his every pore. “More than you know, Hudson. More than you know.”