46. Halle
CHAPTER 46
HALLE
C aleb finally gets the all-clear to come home on Christmas Eve. It feels like he’s been gone for weeks, when in reality it’s only been a few days. All that matters is that he’s okay… and maybe that he gets to be home for Christmas. It’s been hard not to look forward to spending our first holiday together as a family.
I’m still reeling from the events of our wedding day, and I have a feeling I will be for a long time. It pains me that my mother ruined what should’ve been one of the best days of my life. And it’s impossible not to tear up when I think about how I nearly lost Caleb, all because she was hell bent on making me pay for something I didn’t do.
My brothers were distraught, blaming themselves for the incident. But they’re kids, and they did the right thing, regardless of the consequences. No one could’ve imagined things turning into the clusterfuck they have.
As for my mom, she’s back in prison. That’s all I know, and beyond that, I don’t care.
I’m so tired of having to pick up the pieces for everyone else. If we’re called to testify against her, then we will, but until then, I can’t worry about it.
“Are you sure you’re okay?” I ask, my hands fluttering uselessly around me.
“I’m sure,” he gasps out. He takes the porch steps carefully, one hand on the railing and the other holding pressure against his side.
When he’s made it to the top, I skirt around him and throw open the door.
“Welcome home!”
Caleb’s eyes widen at the greeting from our friends and family. The lights strung around the stair railing and archways give off a warm glow, and the soft cadence of Christmas music brings a level of comfort I haven’t felt in days.
“Wow,” he says as he crosses the threshold. “This is quite the surprise.”
“We’re not going to stay long,” Salem says, stepping forward to hug him. “We just wanted to see you.”
It’s wild to think that just a few months ago, I was jealous of this woman. Now, I consider her a friend .
“It’s good to see you doing well.” Cynthia pats his cheek.
“Thanks.” He ducks his head. “I’m glad to be okay.”
I shut the door behind me and set the bag I packed for the two of us when I came home to shower the day after Caleb was shot.
As I do, all my energy is sapped. Like now that he’s home, my body can no longer function. But Seda is dying to stay the night here, which means we still have to make cookies for Santa. She still believes, and I’ll do all I can to make the holiday magical for her. It’s good to hold on to that childlike wonder for as long as possible.
I sit in the chair in the corner while Caleb greets and hugs everyone. He’s exhausted too, dark circles under his eyes and a stoop to his shoulders. He hasn’t been sleeping well in the hospital, what with the constant checks and machines beeping.
Thankfully, within an hour, it’s just us and the kids.
Caleb settles on the couch with a yawn. “Seda and I watch Elf every Christmas Eve. Are you guys okay with that?”
“Yeah, we love that movie,” Casen replies, settling onto the couch beside me.
“A movie sounds great,” I say, even though I fear it might drive me even closer to passing out.
As the opening credits roll, Caleb captures my hand, rubbing at the ring around my left finger, a tiny smirk on his lips.
This man. He was shot a handful of days ago, and he’s silently gloating over the ring on my finger .
“You like that, huh?” I whisper.
“Very much.” His smile grows, his eyes warm and full of love.
I never dreamed of finding someone like him. I didn’t think a love like ours existed. And I surely never thought I’d deserve it. But Caleb Thorne stormed into my life like a tornado, uprooting everything and putting it back as he saw fit, putting it back right and making me his in the process.
Later that night, when we play Santa and lay out all the gifts, when he kisses me in the glow of the Christmas tree, I know this is only the beginning of the rest of our lives.