Chapter 29
ISLA
Vaughn looks at our daughter blankly. “What in the world is that?”
I give Nora an extra squeeze. “It’s a snowman unicorn onesie. See? The horn has a little snowflake on it.”
He blinks his eyes several times. “I’m just going to roll with this.”
I chortle a sound. “Hadley’s mom got her a unicorn-themed outfit for every holiday. Fear Easter with all your might,” I warn.
Vaughn’s face finally breaks, and he can’t help but laugh.
I just arrived at the team’s family holiday party. First, lunch with Santa, then ice skating—with safety because there are going to be a lot of kids around.
Vaughn takes our little girl from my arms to make our way into one of the rooms used for gatherings.
It’s nothing too fancy, a buffet and decorations.
I’m fairly confident the two odd-looking gingerbread men were made by two rookies, and now we all have to vote who decorated which.
One is missing an eye or possibly a mouth, I can’t tell.
It’s also noisy, with a lot of aws and ohs.
It’s been a few months since Vaughn and I solidified our direction, which is why everything feels like an easy breeze. We still have his hectic schedule, which means moments are sparce until the end of season, but despite our frantic lives, everything feels as stable as can be.
“Let’s go take a seat over there.” Vaughn indicates to Violet, Declan, and their kids. I follow, taking note that Nora is making little noises as she responds to us now, with eyes more magical.
Vaughn mutters to me when I reach his side. “We won’t stay too long. I’m eager to see you in your naughty elf costume.”
I shake my head, because under no circumstances am I bringing holiday characters into the bedroom… stockings and lace inspired by winter colors, sure.
We settle at the table, with a camera instantly hitting our peripheral view, which tends to happen at team events. They know they need to angle to keep Nora’s face out of view; maybe we’ll change our minds later. At games, she’s so bundled up that I’m not sure they could even get a clear view.
“What are you two up to for the three token days off at Christmas?” Violet asks while Declan talks to someone at his side.
Vaughn brings an arm around my shoulders and, being the talented man he is, holds the baby in his other arm. “Taking it easy. My brother will join us for dinner, and my favorite brother-in-law is back in town.” Vaughn smiles tightly.
I playfully turn my head to pretend to bite his arm. “He loves it. They’re becoming fast friends,” I say, because their relationship is nearly a 180 to a year ago. Meh, let’s settle on a 90-degree angle.
“I forgot to ask. Didn’t you two have an anniversary not so long ago?” Violet wonders as she hands her toddler a cucumber slice.
Vaughn and I look to one another with affection, then it twists into a goofy grin.
“You mean, do we celebrate our anniversary on the date of a hurricane?” I ask, trying to hide my smile.
“Well…” Violet shrugs. “We all kind of know the creation date of your little angel. Just assuming that’s the date that you chose for your anniversary. One year is a little milestone.”
“It is, which is why Isla flew out with Nora to our away game,” Vaughn explains.
Violet looks at us, unamused. “Boo. Who wants to celebrate an anniversary with a baby? Albeit they are cute, but alas, a baby. Seriously, go find some alone time.”
I roll my lips in, attempting to keep my tongue in check. “We do find time together, don’t worry.”
“Oh, I think it’s our turn with Santa,” Vaughn lies and stands up in record time. I play along and follow him in the direction of a dressed reindeer.
“She was a little too blunt,” he states.
I wave him off. “It’s okay, we’re friends. Our playdates for the kids mean we don’t need to hold back, plus those playdates might entail breaking out a bottle of wine around three o’clock.”
“Moms who wine, sounds about right.”
We approach the deer, and then it happens. At first a tiny squeak and then the quiver of Nora’s little mouth before a high-pitched cry hits our ears.
Oh fudge, someone doesn’t like the costumes descending upon us.
“Well, no cute first Christmas photo for us.” Vaughn begins to bounce Nora in his arms.
“Was this ever going to go as planned? Last year I found out I was pregnant, this year I discover our child hates people in costumes, except when she’s wearing one herself,” I casually mention.
Vaughn side-eyes me before quickly kissing my cheek. “Sounds like your year only got better.”
“Yeah… yeah, it did,” I lament.
Snap.
“There is the golden shot,” Stone says as he examines his screen, as he just took a photo. It’s fun having him around. He moved to Lake Spark like he said he would, which also means he stops by even when Vaughn isn’t around. Believe it or not, he is a baby whisperer too.
It’s Christmas Day, and we just managed to get a calm baby to comply with our photos by the tree.
“The party is here,” Briggs announces, as he must have come in through the back. He’s holding up a six-pack, which is kind of hilarious considering this house is anything but simple.
Briggs sets the beer on the counter then strolls right into the living area to drop onto the sofa on the other end from Stone.
“Where’s your girlfriend?” I ask.
“Ivy will be here in a bit. Her casserole needed a little more time in the oven, and I wanted to be sure that I get enough time with my niece since I have to fly out tomorrow,” Briggs explains.
Vaughn and I stand but leave Nora on the rug so she can admire the wrapping paper that catches her interest.
Stone tips his nose up at Briggs. “Just remember that the better uncle arrived on time.”
Briggs gawks at Stone. “I’ll prove to you that I can out-uncle you…” He snaps his fingers. “In a minute flat.”
Vaughn shakes his head, almost annoyed. “Let’s leave the Hunger Games for another day. What are the chances you can show me your teamwork skills to watch your niece for a few minutes?” Vaughn requests from both.
They both have a stiff look and raise their posture. It’s utterly ridiculous, but they’ll soften the moment they see Nora roll over or shriek in delight.
“On it,” Briggs announces.
Vaughn and I both smile as we walk down the hall where we grab our coats and boots then walk through the garage to the back patio where a fire was already started a little while ago.
Vaughn thought we should have options for where we sit today, and he wanted to deep fry a turkey with Stone, which honestly, I don’t see it being a success.
He sits down then pulls me onto his lap. “We get a few minutes alone.” He flashes his eyes at me.
The snow on the ground isn’t light, but still the lake looks breathtaking, even with ice on the shallow water.
“Only if you keep me warm,” I purr into his ear and link my arm around his.
“Are you happy?” he asks, and I notice a glint in his eyes.
My own eyes squint for a second. “Very. Are you even questioning it?”
“Not at all. It’s been a great day, plus we even have a special cheese plate for snacks,” he jokes.
I stifle a sound. “Remember how this all came to be? A ridiculous cheese conversation and your flirting skills.”
“Ah, so I charmed you from second one.”
“Absolutely.”
We both sigh as we sync our breathing and stare out to the view. This is peaceful and quiet, yet completely intimate in a way, as it’s us.
“We’re going at the right pace? You and me?” Vaughn asks.
“Geez, what’s with the interrogation? Are you okay?” Now I look at him with worry.
His smirk appearing means trouble. He has a trick up his sleeve, I feel it in my bones. “May I just throw an option out on the table?”
“Why do I feel like this isn’t our usual ‘catch-up and take a moment to be with one another’ chat?
” I lean back slightly to examine him more, as if I’m trying to solve a riddle.
Then I notice Stone and Briggs standing by the window, pretending that they’re not observing.
It seems Briggs won the battle of who gets to hold the niece.
Vaughn grabs my attention when he breaks my daze with a kiss to draw me back to him. A long kiss, and I can feel his hand rummaging around our middle, as if he is adjusting his coat.
Our lips part, but I just want to dive in for another kiss. Yet I can’t because his eyes have locked with mine.
“I’m giving us a few options for when you’re ready, but I think our slow ship has sailed.” His gaze lowers then pops back up.
It was a sign for me to search, and when I follow the line of his coat zipper down to his hand, I gasp.
A ring.
A big ring.
A ring that signals commitment.
A forever type of ring.
Forever.
We’re not fast, we’re not slow. We’re exactly on track.
Bliss hits me in a swoosh, and I throw my arms around his neck again. “Yes.”
“Uh, I didn’t even ask. It could be a promise ring for all you know.”
“Oh, shut up, you know you want to lock me in for the future.”
His suave grin appears while he begins to grab my finger. “Marry me, Isla. We can wait or not, but just know that I want the longest game there is… with you.”
The moment the ring slips onto my finger, my life changes yet again.
Crap, tears again. Happy tears, yet still tears.
We’re going to need to start that reservoir.