Chapter 26
Abuzzing sound rouses us from sleep, Walker sits up on his elbow, scanning the room. He crawls out of bed, grabbing his phone from the table. “Hey, man. We’re up.” His voice is heavy with sleep. “We’ll be right over.”
I raise up on my elbows, the blanket falling over my breasts. “It’s so early.”
Walker turns, a wicked smile on his face as he ogles my boobs. “Good morning.”
“Here.” I point to my eyes. “I’m here.”
“I’m looking at everything south of your eyes and I like it.” He inclines his head to my bare chest.
“I need my bag. We have presents to open.”
He tosses me my bag. “Shit, I forgot mine. Someone seduced me last night and I lost my mind.”
I roll my eyes. “Put what you have here on. Once we get back, run out to the truck, five minutes and you’re changed. Let’s jump in the shower.”
“Now you’re talking.” His lids fall heavily over his eyes.
“We’re showering, no sexing me up or we’ll be late.”
“Just a quickie, to hold me over.” He grabs my hips when I stand, pulling me into him.
“In the shower.” I twine my fingers in his, leading us to the bathroom.
“Oh, wait.” He jogs over to the table by the door, taking something from it.
“What’s that for?” I nod toward the greenery in his hand.
“Mistletoe.” He smirks.
“You don’t need that for me to kiss you.”
“I’m not holding it over your head, baby.” He bites his lip as wetness pools between my thighs.
Twenty minutes later, I walk through the door as Walker runs around to the truck. “He forgot his clothes last night,” I say when everyone looks at me.
“We have time, we can wait. Did you sleep well?” Cynthia asks, setting coffee on the table.
“I did. I can’t figure out why Walker won’t stay here.”
“Boys and their independence, I suppose. I often think it’s about memories of Sallie.” Her eyes drop to the floor.
“Walker hasn’t told me a lot about her. But with what he has said, it’s obvious she’s loved and missed.”
She reaches over, taking my hand. “We can never thank you enough for saving him. He’s a good man, Reese. He lost sight of that for a while, but it looks as though you’re helping him find himself.”
“I appreciate it but he’s doing all of it. I’m blessed to get to be by his side. And you’re right, he is a good man.” I squeeze her hand when her tears begin to fall.
“Ladies, everyone’s waiting,” Walker says from the door.
Cynthia grabs a tissue, dabbing her eyes. “We’re coming, sweetheart.” Walker kisses his mom as she passes him, and takes my hand.
“You okay?” His brows knit together.
“I’m good. We were discussing what a good man you are and the fact that I love you.”
“Yeah, well. I’m thinking I lucked out.” He smiles, leaning in to kiss me.
“Uncle Walker, can I open your gift first?” Andi rushes up to him, eyes sparkling.
“Did you ask your mom?” he says diplomatically.
She sighs. “She said to ask you.”
“Let’s go rip some paper, baby girl.” Walker takes off toward the tree.
I watch this amazing family enjoy their time together.
They have a better understanding of making the most of togetherness and how important it is.
I understand them better today than I ever have.
It’s the reason they all went in to help with my surprise.
None of them realizing this day means more to me than the other.
“Come on, Reese. You just have to dive in when these three get started.” Ian waves toward Walker, Riley, and Andi.
“I’ve never sat on the floor, ripping paper. I have to say I’m a little intimidated.”
Ava slides over on the couch, patting the cushion. “Well, this is the family to teach you.”
The morning passes quickly to my surprise. I hated leaving but my mom was coming over for our celebration.
Ian hugs me. “Please, come back anytime.”
“Trust me when I say they mean that. Riley and I weren’t together, and I think I could’ve moved in. These people love hard,” Ava says, hugging me.
“I will. Promise.”
“Rehearsal, Friday at seven. Don’t let him forget.” Cynthia hugs me tight.
“I won’t. He’s excited for them. I know he won’t.”
“Girls, we gotta go. Torrie and your daddy are waiting for us,” Riley says. “Love you, Reese.” He kisses me on the cheek.
“What the hell?” Walker growls.
“All’s fair in sister’s-in-law and war, dude.” He punches Walker in the stomach. Walker grabs him, hauling him in for a bear hug. Their family watches with smiles. Walker releases him and saunters over to me.
“You don’t have to worry, baby.” I wrinkle my nose. “I like your hammer.”
“You better, woman.” He smacks my ass, making my face turn crimson.
“Uncle Walker!” Andi screams from the truck.
“I’m coming.” He runs to her, listening intently. When I look back, she’s coming with him. “Andi has something she’d like to say.”
“Oh, this should be good.” Ian laughs.
“You have my permission to marry Uncle Walker. And I’d love to have a cousin to play with by summer.” Andi stands with her hand on her hip. The rest burst into laughter.
I bend down to look her in the eyes. “Thank you. I know your opinion matters to him and I appreciate your endorsement.” She blinks. “Cool deal, fist bump.” She smiles and offers me her fist.
“Alden just texted. They’re on their way.”
“Dinner's almost ready. Is there anything I can help you with?” Walker wraps his arms around me as I set the table.
“I think we’re good.” I spin, kissing him. “Thank you for all of my gifts. This holiday has been amazing.”
“You’re welcome.” His arms tighten around me. “You ready for this?”
“I am. One more day. I’ll drink through it if I have to.” A knock on the door breaks us apart.
“I’ll let them in. You watch the stove, please.” Walker smiles, grabs his door keys, and wanders toward the stairs.
“Reese, darling. You look beautiful.” Mom hugs me, and I stand in shock. She releases me, walking to the living room. “This tree is beautiful.”
“She saw it yesterday.” I quirk my brow at Alden.
“Walker.” Alden nods in his direction. “He told her he was going to marry you, unless either of you couldn’t get along with the in-laws. She’s on her best behavior.” He laughs.
“Another reason to love him.”
“Cause those diamonds weighing your ears down isn’t reason enough.” His eyes are round.
“Oh, present.” I turn from side to side, showing them off. “He’s got the gift buying down.”
“What are you two whispering about?” Walker sneaks up behind us.
“Christmas and family.”
“Speaking of both, let’s get this party started.” Walker takes me by the hand, walking to the living room. “Danielle, would you like to open gifts first or eat?”
“Whatever you kids want to do. I don’t mind.” She smiles at Walker like she could eat him alive.
“Let’s open gifts. I want to show her mine from this morning.” I turn to the pile on the side table. “Alden, guess who’s going to see the Panthers next year?” I scream when I hold up my season tickets.
“You bitch, give me those.” He makes a grab for them.
“Not on your life, dude.”
“Diamonds, football tickets and a briefcase?” Alden’s brow arches.
“My dad is a practical man if nothing else.” Walker laughs.
“I think it’s a wonderful gift.” Mom for the win for once.
“I agree.”
We spend about an hour exchanging gifts. Dinner was filled with more of my mother fawning over Walker. “The meal was delicious, Walker. You’re a great man to have around.”
“I can attest to that,” I mutter to him.
He chuckles. “I’m beginning to think you only want me for my body.”
“You’ve never been more right.” I smile when my Mom turns toward us. “Yes, Mom?”
“I’m glad you’re happy. You’re perfect together.” She pulls me into a hug, shocking me.
The week of the wedding flies by with spa days, dress buying and tux fittings. “I’ve done this once.” Walker pouts.
“I know, sweetheart, but this is how it’s done.”
“Promise me, I don’t have to wear a tux when we get married,” he grumbles, stepping from the fitting room. Damn, he’s gorgeous. I stare, open-mouthed as he continues to make a fuss. I saunter to him, wrapping myself around him and pulling him into a kiss.
“You are fucking hot. Take me to bed.” I waggle my brows at him.
“Give me ten minutes.” He kisses me without another word. I laugh at his changed mood. He cocks a brow at me. “What?”
“Your mood switched quick.”
“I’m a man that knows what he needs and wants.” He drags his eyes down my body, and heat boils deep in my belly.
“I’m damn happy to hear that.” I wink.
“Did you find a dress today or did my Mom make you try on a hundred?” He smirks.
“I tried on a hundred, but it wasn’t her,” I say. “And yes, I found one. A blue lace one.”
“I do love you in lace.” He flashes me a devilish smile.
“That explains why I only have lace panties at your place now.”
“Oh, I forgot to mention it. There was a panty raid and I had to replace all of yours. Sorry about that.” He winks, and I melt.
“You’re a hot mess.” I glance down at my watch. “We’re gonna make it home just in time enough to get dressed for rehearsal.”
“I think we’re almost done here. We’ll be okay. As long as we’re not late for the wedding, Ava will be fine,” he reassures me.
“Move that fine ass and get changed.”
“I’m moving.” He jogs to the changing rooms. We’re out the door within ten minutes. I dress in record time, so we can make the dinner just as Riley starts blowing up Walker’s phone.
“Hey, Riley. He’s driving,” I say, answering Walker’s phone.
“Hello, gorgeous. I’ll take you over him any day.” Riley’s voice lowers, deep like Walker’s.
“Shut up, fucker. We’re pulling in now. The tux needed a few adjustments,” Walker explains.
“Sounds good. She’s getting nervous,” Riley says, referring to Ava.
“She’ll be fine. She loves you,” Walker reassures him. I adore how this family supports one another.
“Hurry anyway.” Riley laughs before ending the call.
He glances over at me, taking my hand. “What’s going on in that mind of yours?”
“Nothing.” I shake my head.
“Come on, you can tell me as we walk.” He jumps out and comes over to help me. “Now, talk.” He takes my hand and we make our way to the venue.