Chapter 57
It’s Only Up From Here
Levi
I knew everyone would be waiting for me to walk through that door, but what I wasn’t ready for was the love they showered me with.
Standing around the most enormous Christmas tree I have ever seen in person, we all laugh and smile while decorating the white, snow-flocked branches. “This is the best day.” Scarlett leans against me with her head on my shoulder, looking up at the lit tree.
“It’s only up from here.” Lying my head on her, as we sit and admire the beautifully decorated tree.
We hear a camera shutter, making us both turn around to see Anna snapping a picture of us. “This is the start of forever, live this life exactly how you two want to, and we will be here every step of the way.” Maddie smiles widely, and Spencer sets his hand on Anna’s shoulder, kissing her cheek.
“Feed me, Mom.” He pouts, making her laugh.
We all follow to the kitchen, ready to eat all the good food Anna made.
Maddie and I fill our plates to the brim, stacked full of the Christmas feast. Making our way to the table, we all take our assigned seats.
It’s time.
Everyone is seated around the table, plates full of food, and love radiating from them. I stand tapping my wine glass. “Before we eat, I’d like to say a few things.” I swallow hard, looking at all the people I have come to love and call family.
“First, I want to say thank you to all of you. I never thought we would be here, in a place of love, with a family that gives nothing but devotion and kindness. Thank you, Anna and David, for taking us in, loving us, guiding us, and giving us a home. You saved us, saved me, and for the first time in my life, I can look at my sister with peace, knowing we can live, when all this time we have only ever been surviving. You’ve given us life, family, and everything we could have dreamt of.
I hope calling you ‘Mama’ wasn’t out of line, because the truth is, you are everything a child hopes for in a mother, and I am so grateful for you.
David, Pops, thank you for showing me how a man should be and for allowing me into your home to love your family.
I promise not to let you down.” I watch Anna’s eyes fill with tears, and David looks to me like I stole his heart.
Turning to Maddie, she smiles widely, with tear-filled eyes, because apparently, my thank-you toast has turned everyone into emotional puddles. She is so fucking beautiful.
“Maddie, thank you for supporting me, loving me, broken and all. You took my broken heart, and you’ve sealed every crack with love and tenderness. You make me a better man. Thank you, Peach, for being here. For loving me, and for being my woman, one I hope to keep forever.”
Looking at Scarlett and Spencer holding hands, both looking at me with admiration and happiness.
“You two, little love birds. Spencer, brother, thank you for taking care of my baby sister. For loving her the way she deserves and for being the best brother I could have asked for. Letty, baby sis, I love you always. How does it feel to sit around this table radiating love and happiness, filled with food and Christmas decorations? It's like nothing we have ever seen, yet here we are. You and I against the world turned into all of us standing together, cheering and loving one another. To love, to family, and new beginnings, Merry Christmas to my family.” Everyone sniffles tears back. “Dig the hell in, Mama didn’t cook for hours to serve cold food and salt-drenched tears.” Everyone laughs, including me.
Digging in, we all talk and pass jokes. While the food was delicious, the company was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced.
After a fantastic dinner, we all take a seat in the living room, gathering around the tree. “Present time!” Anna runs around playing Santa, giving each of us an envelope.
“Levi, sweetie, you go first.” Looking down, I open the envelope. Inside is a key. A car key.
“What’s this?” I ask as David smiles, looking at Anna and back to Spencer.
“Your new car. The car you were fixing, Spencer and I finished it. She’s all yours. Life is yours, son, new car, open road, go wherever your heart takes you, and know we will always be here. Just remember, no matter how far you get, you can always come home.” Now, tears are in my eyes.
“Thank you, thank you so much. This is incredible. I appreciate it, but here is where I want to be. With you guys and Maddie. My life is starting, and I want nothing more than for it to start and end with all of you.”