Chapter 21
Chapter twenty-one
Grant and I drive the whole way back holding hands and singing Christmas songs, and two hours later we’re back at my childhood home.
When we pull up to the house, Grant kisses my knuckles before we walk up to the door.
“You know I have a key right?” I say when he knocks.
He just grins and threads his fingers through mine. “I know, but it’ll be better this way.”
The door opens and Ivy, dressed in Rudolph pajamas, glares at me. “I cannot believe you took off like that! Do you know how it felt to wake up and find nothing but that stupid note? I swear, if you weren’t my twin, I would—” She cuts off with a gasp when her eyes drop to my hand in Grant’s.
I smile at Grant before unlocking our fingers and stepping forward to wrap Ivy in a hug. “Merry Christmas.”
Her arms are slow to come around me, but when they do she holds on just as tight, whispering in my ear, “I swear if you don’t tell me everything the second the babies are down and the movie is on, I will embarrass you in front of everyone.”
“I will. I swear.” I raise my pinky. She hooks hers around mine with a satisfied nod.
The tight knot in my chest unwinds. I hug Braxton, his parents, even Ms. Thomas, then gather Nia and Amani in my arms, soaking up their snuggles in matching My First Christmas onesies.
When it’s time to pass out presents, Grant tugs me down beside him. His arm stays anchored around me, his warmth steady and sure. He doesn’t want to let me out of his sight, and I have no plans on pushing him away. Now or ever.
Grant leans in, his lips brushing mine as he murmurs, “Merry Christmas, Eve.”
The End