21. Phoenix
21
PHOENIX
“ S anta is coming!” Navy squeals as she runs around the kitchen, Chip on her heels and dressed in matching pajamas. In fact, we’re all wearing matching pajamas. Cora had to have Talon’s specially made because the guy is just so damn big.
Even now, he looks hilarious in the solid red shirt and red fleece pants with white reindeer all over them. It makes me smile, and he glares at me which only makes me smile bigger.
“Were you a good girl this year?” I ask Navy as I scoop her up and into my arms.
Her little hands frame my face, and even though her palms are sticky, I love when she does this. “Yes, I’m always a good girl, right, Mommy?” She turns her head to look at Bristol who nods before her attention is back on me. “Were you good?”
Bright blue eyes stare into my soul, and while I could lie to her—I don’t want to.
“I think that maybe I was grumpy a lot this year, but I’ve been trying really hard to change and be better.” My eyes find Aspen’s across the room, a sweet expression on her face. “Do you think Santa will visit me too?”
Her eyebrows furrow as she scrunches her little face in thought. She’s quiet for a moment before nodding. “You tried hard. That’s good, right, Mommy?”
“Yeah, Navy Baby, we always want to try to be better.”
Bristol winks at me as Talon wraps his arm around Cora and pulls her close. Things were so hectic this last week between Aspen working and me finishing up some last-minute projects, we hadn’t had time to come up for air.
Talon and Cora had gotten in early this morning and we’d hit the ground running with Navy at the helm of the holiday fun.
But there was still something left to do.
Kissing my niece on the cheek, I hold her tight, soaking in this moment with her before gently setting her down and turning toward Aspen.
Cora follows my gaze, her mouth dropping open and her eyes going wide as I stalk across the room and crush my mouth to Aspen’s as I pull her close.
Cheers erupt around us, and while I had no doubt Aspen and I being together wasn’t news , it felt good to claim her like this.
“That was unexpected,” Aspen murmurs against my lips.
“Well, I wasn’t gonna sneak out of your room before morning.”
“No? Santa could still put you on the naughty list,” she jokes, her smile equal parts mischief and promise.
My sister clears her throat and nods toward Navy who is oblivious to the adult conversation as she races Chip across the floor.
“So, you’re official, official?” Cora squeals, her small frame vibrating with excitement.
Aspen says, “I dunno. I got the number to a really good-looking bass player at speed dating,” at the same time I say yes. That earns her a growl that she silences with a kiss before reassuring Cora and me that we are in fact officially official.
The girls all hug, my sister still embracing them when she says, “Speaking of getting numbers…” Talon freezes, his drink halfway to his mouth as she worries her bottom lip. “I am tentatively seeing someone.”
Cora and Aspen hug her tight, and she laughs before prying them off her and moving to stand in front of Talon and me.
“I didn’t expect to meet anyone, but Wade is?—”
“Wade who?” Talon says, narrowing his eyes, and we’re all ready to pounce on him for being an ass when she answers him.
“Hendrix.”
Talon snorts and pulls her into his chest. “I’m really happy for you, and the best part is if he messes up, I’ll have access to him at the garage.”
“What are you talking about?” Bristol asks in confusion, and I bark out a laugh.
“He’s our new mechanic.” Talon nods at Bristol who groans as he adds, “I can’t wait to make that little connection for him.”
“Be nice,” our sister hisses, but Talon shakes his head and laughs.
“No way. We totally missed out on scaring off your boyfriends growing up.”
“On the plus side, we already vetted him,” I try, but it just makes Bristol wiggle from Talon’s grasp and return to the girls to be consoled. “Hey! How come I don’t get a hug?” I whine because it’s been a while and I’m still her little brother.
“Because you’re just as bad and I just met this guy.”
“We’ll be nice,” Talon assures her which has the rest of us snickering as she moves to the counter and shoves a sugar cookie in her mouth.
Everyone laughs but I can’t let it go. Rounding the counter, I pull Bristol into my arms and hold her until she gives in, her body sagging against mine.
“I’m really proud of you. I can’t imagine how scary it was to put yourself out there. But I trust Aspen’s judgment in her letting you leave with him that night, and I trust you to know what you’re ready for.”
“Stop making me cry,” she whispers, and it takes everything in me to hold back my own tears.
“I love you and I’m so damn proud of you.”
“Mommy, I want ice cweam.”
“Yes,” I say at the same time Bristol says no. Everyone laughs and I hold Bristol tighter as I yell to Talon, “Quick! I’ll hold her back!”
Navy squeals as Talon scoops her up off the ground and flies her like an airplane around the kitchen. Cora grabs the ice cream from the freezer as Aspen pulls down bowls and spoons. Bristol pretends to fight my hold, but I’m pretty sure I’m holding her up because she’s laughing too hard to stand.
The girls make quick work of dishing out everything as Navy giggles and shoves a huge spoonful in her mouth. Bristol gasps but then picks up the whipped cream and sprays it into her mouth, much to Navy’s delight.
It’s the perfect night with everyone smiling and laughing and telling stories before we help Navy set out cookies and carrots for Santa and his reindeer. Her eyes are bright with the magic of Christmas. She doesn’t fight bedtime, and then we all get to work putting out the presents and setting the stage for the morning.
Cora and Aspen join Talon, Bristol, and me in our annual eggnog toast. It’s silly, but it’s something we’ve been doing together since we were kids, and I know with absolute certainty it’s a tradition I hope we can continue until we’re old and gray.
“Merry Christmas, everyone,” Talon says, the words a little choked as he hugs Cora against him. I wink at Aspen as I pull my sister in close because this is what it’s all about—love and family and making memories that will last a lifetime.
Merry Christmas, indeed.