Chapter 19 – Jordan
CHAPTER
NINETEEN
JORDAN
“Merry Christmas!” I shout as I walk into my family home on Christmas Eve, a chorus of cheers erupting from the living room. I’m the last one here—practice let out late, and I had to drive an hour from Charlotte—but I made it.
I look around, taking in my parents, Reagan, Riggs, and his mom, Nora. My favorite people, all together. Well—missing a few. One in particular. Mackenzie is probably my favorite person in the world—and in a little over a week, I can finally show her.
Shaking off thoughts of her, I jump into the middle of the group, hug everyone, then drop my gifts under the tree.
A few minutes later, my mom follows me upstairs to my childhood bedroom so I can drop my duffel.
I know it’s her—she always needs her moment with me, and honestly, I need mine with her, too
I’ve just thrown my duffel on the bed when she shuts the door behind her. “My boy, you look good. I’m so happy to see you back home.”
I smile at that. “Mom, I only live an hour away, you come to all my home games. We see each other a lot.”
“It doesn’t matter. Having both my babies home for Christmas is all I could wish for, so you let me dote on you.” I laugh and hug her. Her tiny frame disappears against mine, but her squeeze is tight, and I hear her sniffle.
“Mom, are you crying?”
“Tears of happiness. I promise.” I look down at her, and sure enough her eyes are overflowing.
“What’s going on?” I know she’s emotional, but not typically a big crier. That’s usually my sister’s thing.
“Nothing, sweetie. It’s just special to have everyone here.”
“Okay—well, I love you, Momma.”
“Love you, too baby boy. We better get downstairs—dinner is waiting.”
Christmas Eve is always special at our house. Mom goes all out, making everyone’s favorite dishes. There’s ham, mashed potatoes, rolls, three different salads, and more dessert than we could ever eat.
When we were little, we’d get presents from our grandparents and Christmas pajamas before heading to bed. Now, my mom forces us into matching pajamas, and we watch my all-time favorite Christmas movie: Home Alone.
After dinner, we move into the living room, but Mom doesn’t go for the tree. Instead, she sits beside my dad on the couch and takes his hand.
Nora—Riggs’s mom—takes a seat on the opposite side of the room, in one of the leather recliners we usually fight over. I take the seat beside her, and she grabs my hand in a loving squeeze. Nora is like a second mother to me, as supportive of me as she is of her own son.
I hear giggling as my sister enters behind Riggs, holding hands. I’ve never seen her happier than she is with him. It’s why I didn’t stop him when he started pursuing her. He makes her happy, and despite the obstacles they faced, they made it through together.
I’m thrilled for my twin, but it also causes an ache in my own heart.
It’s a feeling I’ve noticed more and I think I’ve figured out what it is.
I want what they have: a love so big and bright that it fills all the darkness inside me with light.
The kind of love that survives the worst moments and basks in the best. It’s what my parents have always had, and my sister has found.
I’m ready for it and I know who I want it with.
My thoughts shatter at Reagan’s gasp. I look over to see Riggs on one knee, a black jewelry box open and a diamond ring glittering in the light of the tree.
“Reagan Elizabeth Mills, I knew from the day we met that you were mine. It may have taken us the long way around to find each other, but we did. You are mine, and I am yours. Always. Will you marry me?”
I look around and realize everyone is crying, and my own eyes burn with tears.
My sister looks directly into the eyes of the only man worthy of her and answers, “Yes!”
Riggs slides the ring carefully on her finger, before picking her up and twirling her around once. When she comes back to the ground, they kiss, and I mean—gross—but also, I’m so happy for them.
My parents descend on my sister, while Nora hugs her son. They embrace for a long moment, whispering words between them.
Then they switch, and Nora hugs my sister, holding her face in her hands and telling her she’s always been a daughter to her, from the first time they met. It’s sweet and tender.
Riggs approaches me and I grab him in a hug, patting him on the back. “Congratulations, man. I am so happy for you and Rea.”
“Thanks, J. Means a lot. I did want to ask you something.”
“Oh—since you didn’t ask my permission?” We both laugh.
“Yeah, I definitely talked to your dad. But I was hoping you’d be my best man?”
That hits me right in the chest. I consider the man a brother and I clear my throat before responding. “I’d be honored.”
Then I turn to my sister, who has two streams of tears flowing down her cheeks, and I open my arms wide for her to walk into like she has millions of times.
Reagan does just that and we embrace.
“I’m so happy for you, Sister.” I say as she nods and sniffles.
“Thank you, Jordan.”
“Let me see the ring.” She giggles before putting her hand in front of me. It’s classic and timeless, just like Reagan. A single princess cut diamond is on a platinum band with tiny sapphires along the outside.
“You did good, my man.” Riggs beams down at my sister like she’s the sun in the center of his universe.
“Thanks, J.”
“Well,” Mom says, wiping a stray tear, “I have pajamas for everyone, including you, Nora. Then we can celebrate with some hot chocolate and Home Alone, of course.” We all follow orders and thankfully the pajamas aren’t terrible this year.
We’ve got black fleece pajama pants with Christmas trees in different shades of green all over them.
Then Mom had mercy and gave everyone a perfect Christmas green sweatshirt.
I realize that she probably wanted to go easy on the crazy so Riggs and Nora felt comfortable.
The rest of Christmas passes by with our normal traditions and gift giving.
My sister loves the books Mackenzie and I found for her in London.
I plaster on a smile, but deep down I know something is missing.
It’s not something—it’s someone. It’s her.
The girl who has held my heart since we were fourteen.
She’ll be home in a week, and I’m going to make sure she stays mine—for good.
Before I lay down that night, I pull out my phone and smile at the message waiting for me.
Mack
Merry Christmas, J!
Merry Christmas, Mack!
Jordan! The gifts …
I told you I’ll give you the world.
I don’t know what I did to deserve you.
I miss you!
You’re way too good for me, Mackenzie Banks. But I’m not letting you go.
I miss you, too. One more week.
One more.