10. Rhodes
10
RHODES
The electricity came on about an hour after Shane and Quinton and the girls arrived. The relief that washed over all of us was palpable, and the once tense atmosphere melted away like snow in the sun.
Shane and Quinton quickly got to work, setting up the Christmas tree and stringing up lights around the house. The girls bounce around with excitement, eager to help in any way they can. They enthusiastically hang ornaments on the tree, their fingers covered in glitter and pine needles.
As the hours pass, the house slowly transforms into a winter wonderland. The smell of gingerbread and food fills the air, and the sounds of Christmas carols can be heard from the stereo. Kids laughing and running around with such joy, it almost takes me to my knees. It’s a cozy and comforting scene that I haven’t allowed myself to experience in years.
As the evening wears on, the family gathers around the fireplace, sipping hot cocoa and playing games. The children’s laughter echoing through the house, and everything feels just perfect.
This was what Christmas is all about, the simple joy of spending time with loved ones. And as the clock strikes midnight and the snow continued to fall outside, I know this will be a Christmas we will never forget.
I stand up, the day’s events waying heavily on me. With the girls all tucked in and only the adults enjoying a final drink, I raise my glass. “I want to say something.”
Everyone turns to me and all I see are eyes that care so much for me, for Leesa, and for the girls. My brother might be a pain in my ass, but in the end, I know he cares.
“The last couple of days have shown me a few things. First, that I need to come clean with all of you to really have an honest relationship. I witnessed my soldiers being taken down by men who could care less about my or your happiness. They took more than just my friends from me that day. They took my sense of purpose. They took my heart. Second, when I came up here, I thought I would wallow in my pain, and that’s when I met someone who understood me. Who treated me like I deserved to be here on this earth when I questioned why I was still here when my friends weren’t. And now I know that I have a purpose.”
I walk to Leesa. “Leesa, I know this is insane to say but I love you, I love Jazzy, and I hope that you’ll go on a date with me.”
She stands. “Well, considering you saved my daughter, me, and you like my chocolate chip cookies, I’m pretty fuckin’ smitten with you, too.”
I lean in and kiss her softly. I pull back. “You owe a dollar.”
“Totally worth it.” She claims my mouth and I fall even harder. As much as she thinks I protected her and Jazzy, what she has done to make my world brighter has probably saved me from years of self-hate and doubts.
She whispers in my ear, “You are my family. I love you, too.”
The gasps only put a nice punctuation on the moment and when we turn Shane and Quinton are smiling from ear to ear.
It’s still annoying, but I’ll take it.
They jump from their chairs and there are hugs all around. Quinton pulls out a nice bottle of champagne from the chiller and we all toast that this Christmas was one to be remembered.
I know I won’t forget.