CHAPTER ELEVEN #2
Max’s father had been far more reserved but no less welcoming to his son’s fiancée, offering his congratulations and inviting the two of them to their house for New Year’s Eve.
Once his parents had stepped aside, his aunts, uncles, and cousins welcomed Lucy to the family as well.
The sight of all of his relatives already falling in love with Lucy just as much as he had brought a smile to his face and filled his chest with pride, both for the family that was willing to let her in and for the woman who deserved as much love and attention as she could stand.
After they all shared a luncheon of tea and sandwiches, the rest of his family went upstairs for a nap while he, Lucy, and his parents sat in the family room, watching snow come down in soft waves.
The addition of the white flurries helped paint an idyllic Christmas scene, but Max was far more focused on the sight of the woman next to him.
Lucy’s body leaned against his, her head resting on his shoulder as she stared at her engagement ring, a dreamy smile on her face.
When he glanced over at his mother, he saw an approving look on her face as she sipped from her tea cup.
When she placed it down, she gave voice to the one worry Max had since the moment he first thought of moving back to England. “Have you told Louis yet? That you’re not coming back.”
Max sighed heavily. Saying goodbye to working with his friend was going to be difficult, but he knew it was worth it for all he would gain from it.
“Not yet,” he confessed, looking down at Lucy to see understanding on her face as she squeezed his hand.
“I probably shouldn’t hold off for too long, though. ”
Lucy leaned up and kissed his cheek. “There’s no rush,” she told him, a knowing smile on her face. “Take your time, and when you have to go back to get your things, I’ll come with you.”
Max smiled, feeling a weight lift from his chest. Lucy’s understanding and love made him feel like he could do anything.
“I’ll do it now. I want to start our life together as soon as possible.
” Rising from the couch, he pulled out his cell phone and walked toward the other room.
Peering over his shoulder, the reassuring look on Lucy’s face gave him the courage to press the call button.
Moments later, the call connected and the loud sounds of what Max assumed were the Baker family Christmas celebrations sounded through the speaker. “Max! Joyeux Noel, mon ami. How has your holiday in your home country been?”
Max swallowed thickly. The sound of his best friend’s voice made him the slightest bit sad, but he had a new life to start living now.
If anyone understood that, it was Louis.
“It has been, well, the only word for it is fantastic.” He scratched his jaw while trying to find the words to tell Louis he wasn’t coming back, but of course the savvy Frenchman beat him to the punch.
A sigh came through the speaker, but it wasn’t an unhappy one, just knowing. “You are moving back there, non?”
Taken aback, Max stuttered his response. “How did you know?” Louis was a perceptive fellow, but his knowing Max’s plans before he did still astounded him.
“We were right, Hailey. Max is moving back home,” Louis shouted over to his wife in French, chuckling for a moment before slipping back into English. “I knew when you left you probably wouldn’t be back. You had that look about you, the same one that was on my face when I knew I needed a change.”
Max breathed out slowly as he absorbed Louis’ words.
He needed a change, he just hadn’t known exactly what that change would be.
Now that he did, he was looking forward to it with excitement, though he would always miss his best friend.
“Well, I guess you were right. I don’t want to leave you shorthanded, though. ”
Louis snorted. “Please. I knew this was coming and already offered Ken a full-time position and have another intern lined up. We will be fine.” Louis paused and when he spoke again, his voice was serious.
“Though you must know that no matter how many other people I work with, no one could ever replace you.”
Max blinked, finding himself close to tears. “I know,” he sniffled before clearing his throat. “And don’t think you’re getting rid of me that easily, mate. We plan on visiting as often as we can and expect you and your family to do the same.”
“We? That is delightful to hear, mon ami. Now, tell me more about this ‘we’ while I avoid playing the spoon game with Hailey’s family. They are alarmingly competitive.”
Max chuckled and proceeded to tell Louis all about Lucy, how they met, and how rapidly they fell in love with one another.
Louis wasn’t surprised when Max also announced they were engaged, instead offering nothing but the sincerest congratulations and calling his wife over to do the same.
After many promises to bring Lucy with him when he came back to pack up the apartment and more wishes of a happy Christmas, Max ended the call with his friend, feeling lighter and more settled.
Making his way back to the family room, Max saw Lucy was now alone as she sat closer to the fire. Max joined her, taking a seat on the rug that he would forever associate with their first night together. “Where is everyone, my love?”
Lucy smiled mischievously. “Your parents went up for a nap as well,” she told him, running her finger up the fabric covering his leg. “I was thinking maybe the two of us could get one as well.”
Max’s chest rumbled with need as he grabbed onto her hand. “Definitely.” He met her gaze and saw the same deep need he felt reflected back at him. “Though I can promise you there will be very little sleeping involved in our nap.”
“That is definitely a promise I will allow you to make and keep,” she told him, pulling him up to stand along with her. And later as they lay next to one another in bed, sated and sleepy, Max smiled at the knowledge that it was just one of many promises in all the years to come.