26. Chapter Twenty-Five
Chapter Twenty-Five
I had to admit, after Aunt Lu called Brady by his name, I expected a proper proposal. Nothing elaborate. Just a quiet will you marry me and a ring that said it wasn’t just talk anymore.
But it didn’t come.
Not that Brady had changed his mind—I knew he still wanted to marry me. I guess I just thought we’d be setting a date by now. Booking the church. But maybe he wanted to wait until we survived Christmas Eve dinner.
I still couldn’t believe I’d agreed to go.
The truth was, I needed to talk to Mr. Jackson. And I’d spent the last two days trying to think of a way to ask him why he’d cheated on my aunt. Yeah, that was real polite dinner talk. Nothing said happy holidays like asking your future father-in-law why he broke my aunt’s heart.
That was only half the battle. The harder half would be asking it without Mrs. Jackson within earshot. According to Kendra, she wasn’t exactly thrilled about her husband’s invitation. The good news for Kendra? She was no longer the least favorite in the Jackson family.
I had no doubt Mrs. Jackson would be watching me like a hawk. People like her didn’t like to lose control—and tonight, she’d be gripping it with all she had.
To keep my mind (and Aunt Lu’s) off my impending doom—aka Christmas Eve dinner—we spent Monday and most of today flipping through bridal magazines and curating Pinterest boards.
The only time I’d left the house was to pick up a few last-minute gifts for Brady’s nieces and nephews who had come to town.
I figured it wouldn’t hurt to try to win them over.
Aunt Lu had spring in mind for the wedding. She even offered her gardens for the reception. I loved the idea—but I didn’t know if Brady would want to wait that long. I doubted most men understood how long planning takes. And Aunt Lu? She imagined the grandest wedding Kaysville had ever seen.
Planning a wedding with the aunt whose heart was shattered by my almost-future father-in-law had its complications. But I was willing to bet that she, like me, craved the distraction.
She refused to talk about my Christmas Eve plans. Normally, we’d be together. But I promised her Christmas Day was hers—and she’d agreed to let Brady spend it with us.
I was looking forward to it more than anything. Brady’s and my first real Christmas together.
Christmas Eve had dawned gray and rainy—like the sky itself felt the tension.
Even as Aunt Lu and I debated wedding gowns—ballgown or sleek and sophisticated—I couldn’t shake the feeling. Something about the day felt . . . off. Maybe because it felt strange to plan a wedding without a ring on my finger.
As evening approached, I headed upstairs to change.
I chose something more conservative this time—a plaid pencil skirt, a fitted black sweater, and high-heeled boots that made me feel just formal enough without surrendering comfort.
I let my hair down and curled it loosely, trying to strike that impossible balance between elegant and unintimidating.
But with every brushstroke and button, the doubt crept in.
Maybe I shouldn’t go.
Maybe I wasn’t ready.
Would I even get the chance to talk to Mr. Jackson?
What unsettled me most was the thought of my aunt being alone. It would only be a few hours, I reminded myself. She’d assured me she’d be fine. But fine didn’t sit well with me—especially not on Christmas Eve.
Normally, we’d be somewhere warm on two beach chairs, sipping virgin margaritas. Now, she’d be here. Propped on her couch. Waiting for me to come home from the lion’s den.
As soon as the doorbell rang, I grabbed my coat and bag and headed downstairs, still fighting that unsettled feeling crawling up my spine.
Aunt Lu was waiting in the foyer, dressed in her version of casual command—robe belted, hair neat, lipstick on like she meant business.
She didn’t embrace me. Didn’t fuss. Just looked me square in the eye and said, “Be careful tonight.” Then she turned and walked off—head high, steps sharp—like she was closing a show at Paris Fashion Week. Come to think of it, she had once.
Her words echoed louder than they were spoken.
And just like that, the chill set in.
I had half a mind to tell Brady I couldn’t go. The words were ready—perched on the edge of my tongue—as I opened the front door. But then he saw me. And he lit up like I powered his whole world.
“Hi, gorgeous,” he crooned, pulling me into him. “Merry Christmas.”
His lips brushed mine—warm, gentle, full of promise. “Are you ready for the best night of your life?”
Uh . . . did he forget where we were going?
I leaned back, blinking at him.
He caught my hesitation and whispered, “Just trust me. Please.”
And that was it. That was the moment I knew I’d go. Because trust meant something to him.
“I do trust you,” I said quietly. “Will you help me with the Christmas gifts?”
I pointed to the bags by the door—wrapped in bright paper and careful bows, each one a peace offering.
Brady walked me to the truck first, holding the umbrella like it was a shield against more than just rain. Then he ducked back inside to retrieve the gifts.
When he climbed in beside me, the truck door clicked shut, and he turned, grinning. There was something mischievous in his eyes—like he knew something I didn’t.
But his expression faltered when he saw me. “What’s wrong?”
I hesitated, staring out at the streaks of rain crawling down the window.
“I don’t know . . . I don’t like leaving my aunt.” I paused, searching for the right words. “And I’m nervous. About your parents. About everything.”
Brady gently cupped my face in his hands. “Ellie, your aunt will be fine,” he assured me. “And there’s nothing to be nervous about. I promise—this will be a night we’ll always remember. Our first Christmas Eve together.”
He sounded so hopeful, it almost made me believe him.
“I’m sure you’re right,” I murmured, though my heart wasn’t convinced.
He studied me for a moment longer, concern flickering in his eyes. Then he kissed me—just a soft peck—and we were off to whatever awaited us.
The weather was miserable. Rain came down in sheets, blurring the road and swallowing the world in gray. Brady focused on driving, so we didn’t talk much. Except for a quiet apology.
“Sorry I’ve been so distracted the last couple days,” he said.
He didn’t need to apologize. He’d been busy with work. Apparently, the bank turned into a madhouse this time of year. It’s not like I expected him to spend every waking moment with me. I loved it when we were together, but I also valued my independence.
I tried to relax. Breathe in. Breathe out.
It took longer than usual, but eventually we pulled up to the glowing Jackson mansion.
I stared at it through the drizzle, the lights shimmering like a mirage. It felt like I was looking at a facade—something polished and hollow. And I wished more than anything that I didn’t have to go in.
Brady reached over and rested a hand on my thigh, grounding me.
“I think I failed to mention how beautiful you look tonight.”
“Thanks,” I whispered.
He tilted his head, voice low and earnest. “Darlin’, I can’t have you unhappy on Christmas.”
“I’m not unhappy.”
He raised a brow, unconvinced.
“I’m happy we’re together.” And I meant it.
A few weeks ago, I couldn’t have imagined this. Honestly, it felt too good to be true—like something out of a fairy tale. Not that I believed in fairy tales. But how often did a forbidden love story get a happy ending?
Ours would.
Wouldn’t it?
Brady leaned in until our foreheads touched, grounding me with that quiet intimacy only he could offer.
“Ellie, I love you,” he whispered. “And I promise—I won’t leave your side tonight. I already warned my momma: if she even looks at you the wrong way, we’re gone. And my daddy told everyone he expects you to be treated with kindness and respect.”
Huh. That surprised me. Maybe Mr. Jackson really would be open to talking. I’d have to come up with a better opening line than Why did you cheat on my aunt?
“I love you, Brady,” I said, heart full.
He gave me an award-winning smile. “Let’s go, girl.”
He led me out under the protection of his oversized umbrella, and we ran to the porch, laughing as the rain chased us.
I waited there while Brady went back for the bags. There was no way I was walking in without him.
As I watched him approach, umbrella tilted, arms full, I couldn’t help but admire him. He was the total package—kind, loving, considerate, gentlemanly, handsome, smart . . . the list went on.
I smiled as he reached me.
He set the umbrella and bags down, then pulled me into his arms. “There’s the smile I’ve been waiting for.”
Brady leaned in, his lips barely brushing mine—just before the front door swung open.
“They’re here and they’re kissing!” Caroline shouted like she’d just won a prize.
We broke apart laughing, and it helped. The nerves that had been coiled tight in my chest loosened just a little.
I scooped Caroline into my arms, admiring her frilly red dress that nearly matched her hair. “Merry Christmas,” I said, kissing her cheek.
She squeezed mine in return. “I’m so excited!”
“You are?”
“Yes, silly—Santa’s coming tonight!”
“That is exciting.”
“I hope he brings me a puppy.”
I bit my lip. I was pretty sure a puppy wasn’t in the cards. Hopefully, she wouldn’t be too disappointed.
I set her down so Brady could get his hug in, and together, we walked back to the family room, setting out the gifts we’d brought under the grand twenty-foot tree draped in gold and silver, shimmering almost ethereally.
I’d never seen so many presents in one place. Growing up, it’d just been me and Aunt Lu. She always gave thoughtful, beautiful gifts—but she was more about quality than quantity. But admittedly, this was fun, too.
Caroline grabbed our hands and led us to the dining room, where everyone was already gathered. The room looked the same as the last time I’d been here—elegant, polished—but it felt warmer now, filled with voices and movement.