Chapter 40
Forty
Gage
Christmas morning had been fun, but the best part was watching Daisy open her gifts.
None of the adults did anything but watch her because her happiness was contagious.
By the time she finished, and it was time for us to open ours, we all felt like little kids again.
We tore through the wrapping paper and gave the bows to Daisy so she could make something with them, not caring about the mess we made.
After we cleaned up, I helped start dinner preparations, loving how comfortable it felt to have Julie in my kitchen.
Lynn guided us through some of the things my grandmother used to do when she hosted Christmas dinner at the inn, and I found myself completely in awe of everything my grandparents did to make this place as magical as it was.
We had shared the news this morning with everyone that we were going to do some remodeling and get the inn up and running again. I had expected to hear how hard it would be and maybe some comments about how I couldn’t do it, but what I was met with instead was respect and encouragement.
Julie’s parents agreed to stay as long as we would let them so they could help out, which had Daisy beyond excited.
There was talk of them selling their condo in Florida so they could move to Silver Falls and be closer to family.
Daisy was their only granddaughter, and they both agreed they had missed too much of her life already to miss another day.
Before I knew it, Dave was on his phone, looking up information about the abandoned cabins around us.
By the time dinner was ready, the house smelled amazing and reminded me of Christmases spent up here with my family. I smiled as I sat at the head of the table, where my grandfather used to sit, and thanked everyone for being there.
“Does this mean we’ll spend Christmas here every year?” Daisy asked as Julie scooped some mashed potatoes onto her plate.
“I don’t see why we couldn’t,” I answered, not wanting to speak for anyone else. “We’ll live here, but the invite is always open for you guys to come join us.”
“Well, I was looking at a condo in town,” Dave said. “It’s not too far from here. Maybe half an hour, if that. I was thinking about setting up time to go see it this week.”
He nodded proudly as Lynn wrapped her hand over his and gently squeezed it.
“I would love that. I can’t wait to move here and be close to our family,” she said, smiling at everyone.
An awkward silence fell around the table as everyone waited for Patrick to talk.
“What about you, Uncle Pat?” Daisy asked, putting him on the spot.
He cleared his throat and set his fork down before lifting his eyes to meet hers.
“What would you like for me to do, sweet Daisy?”
“I want you to spend Christmas with us every year!” she cheered loudly, lifting her fork as a few bits of mashed potatoes fell from it.
“What about other holidays?”
“Yes! Those too!”
He pulled his mouth to the side as he nodded, considering something.
“What are you up to?” Julie asked, pointing her fork at him.
“Nothing.”
“You’re a shitty liar,” she continued. “If you’re planning to come here for the holidays just to keep an eye on us,” she gestured between her and me, “you don’t need to bother.”
“No. Not everything is about you, Julie,” he teased with a playful grin. “Though I’m still debating kicking your ass for dating my sister.” He raised an eyebrow at me.
“I’d like to see you try,” I said with a snort as I took a sip of my water.
“We’ll have plenty of time for that,” he replied with a sigh. “I’ve decided to buy the cabin next door.”
He pressed his lips together to keep from smiling as Daisy squealed and dropped her fork.
“For real?!” she exclaimed, eyes wider than a saucer.
“For real,” he repeated, grinning at her. “But, there is one condition.”
“What’s that?” Julie asked.
“I refuse to move here and start a new life while having things in my past left unresolved.” He turned to face me.
“I’m sorry that I was such an asshole. I should have believed you from the start, and I’m sorry that I ever allowed someone to come between our friendship.
While I wasn’t thrilled about you and my sister, you’ve done more than just step up these past few days.
You’ve been there for her—for my family, without any hesitation.
Just like you always have. I was an idiot for ever believing anything different about you. ”
I waited a few seconds before I responded, trying to think about what I wanted to say.
“I’m sorry... that... you were such an idiot,” I said, my cheeks burning from how hard I was smiling. “But I forgive you.”
“You mother fucker,” Patrick said, his chest shaking as he laughed.
“That’s not nice,” Daisy scolded, looking between us.
“It’s okay, sweetheart,” I assured her. “It’s just how your uncle and I show each other we care. That’s what best friends do.”
Daisy nodded as if this was good enough for her before she forgot about everything and went about devouring her dinner.
“So that’s it?” Julie asked, tilting her head as she stared at her brother. “You’re really leaving New York and moving here?”
“I am. Is that okay with you? I guess I should have asked first.”
“I love that you’ll be so close to us,” Julie said, rolling her eyes as she tried to stop the tears. “I didn’t realize how much I missed having you guys around until I had to think about you guys leaving. It’s like the best gift in the world knowing that you’ll all be here with us.”
“I wouldn’t say it’s the best gift just yet,” I whispered in her ear as my fingers laced through hers under the table. “I haven’t given you my gift yet.”
She pulled away as her gaze snapped to mine, a rush of color staining her cheeks.
“Ewww. Gross. Stop it,” Patrick said, his face sour as he shook his head and looked down at his plate.
“Better get used to it,” I warned as I leaned over and kissed Julie. “Because I don’t plan to ever stop loving your sister.”