51. Dorian - December
FIFTY-ONE
Dorian - December
CARRY YOU HOME - ALEX WARREN
The December wind rattled the windows, but the warmth inside the ranch house made it feel miles away. The smell of freshly baked bread filled the kitchen, blending with the sound of laughter and the occasional clang of a baking sheet. Gracie sat at the counter, her tongue poking out in concentration as she carefully piped pink icing onto a cookie.
“Don’t forget the sprinkles,” Noah said, sliding the container to her. She leaned against the counter, her apron tied neatly around her waist.
Gracie grinned and dumped a pile of rainbow sprinkles onto the cookie, sending a few flying onto the counter. “Daddy, look!”
I chuckled, as I wobbled by on my crutches. “It’s perfect, G.”
She beamed, holding up the cookie as though presenting a masterpiece. I leaned down, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. Across the counter, Noah’s gaze lingered on us briefly, her lips curving into that soft smile.
No words were needed. Everything we had built, everything we had fought for, was written there in the way she looked at me.
She walked over to me, wiping her hands on a dish towel before tucking herself into my side. I slid my arm around her waist, pulling her closer and kissing her temple. She let out a soft sigh, her body relaxing into mine, her presence settling something deep inside me.
The front door creaked open, letting in a sharp burst of cold air. Colt walked in first, his broad frame silhouetted against the porch light. Behind him, Lilah stepped in hesitantly, her son Caleb clutching her hand.
I raised an eyebrow at Colt, and he leaned in as he shrugged out of his jacket.
“She’s been going through a hard time,” he murmured low enough that only I could hear. “Figured they could use the company. Dad already knows.”
I nodded, glancing at Lilah’s uncertain expression. Noah, of course, didn’t miss a beat.
“Come on in!” she called out, her voice warm and welcoming. “Gracie’s been decorating cookies—we’ve got plenty to share.”
Caleb’s eyes lit up at the mention of cookies, though he stayed close to Lilah’s side. “Cookies? I love cookies. Cookies are yummy!” he said.
Gracie waved him over enthusiastically. “You can help me if you want!”
Lilah smiled gently, nudging Caleb forward. “Go ahead, buddy.”
As Caleb joined Gracie at the counter, I caught Colt’s gaze drifting toward Lilah. His usually guarded expression softened for a fraction of a second before he turned his attention back to the room.
Lilah stood near the doorway, her posture tense but her face relaxed as she watched Caleb pile frosting onto a cookie with all the grace of a bulldozer. “Thanks for having us,” she said quietly.
“Always,” I said, giving her a quick nod before turning my attention back to Noah.
I grabbed my phone from the counter and noticed a text from Dotty from earlier. I swiped it open and froze.
“What the hell?”
Noah glanced up. “What’s wrong?”
I tilted the screen toward her, the bold headline glaring back at us.
NFL Star Sawyer James and Singer Ellie Miles: Officially Dating!
Noah blinked at the headline and then laughed. “Wait, what?”
“I have no idea,” I said, gesturing toward the phone like it might explain itself.
“That man lives for drama,” she said, shaking her head.
The front door opened again, and Dotty and Trent walked in, Dotty carrying a platter of brownies and Trent balancing two bottles of wine. Dotty arched a brow as she noticed Noah and me huddled over the phone. “Did you see my text?”
I held up the phone and nodded. “Just saw it.”
“What text?” Dad asked as he walked into the room.
I tilted the phone so he could see the headline. His eyes went wide. “What the hell is going on?” he muttered.
Dotty threw her hands up in exasperation. “That’s my question too.”
Trent smirked. “That’s one way to make an announcement.”
Gracie bounced over, her hands covered in sprinkles. “What happened?”
“Uncle Sawyer has a new girlfriend, apparently,” Noah explained.
Gracie’s eyes went wide. “Is she nice? Does she like cookies?”
Noah smiled at her. “Well…”
Before she could go on, the front door opened again. This time, Sawyer strode in with Ellie by his side, his signature grin firmly in place. Ellie appeared both nervous and amused, her cheeks slightly flushed as she clung to Sawyer’s arm.
Gracie gasped and ran toward them, her hands still sticky with sprinkles and frosting.
“Uncle Sawyer! You’re dating Ellie Miles?”
“Surprise!” Sawyer announced, spreading his arms wide like a magician unveiling a trick.
Dotty gaped at him, a mix of disbelief and irritation flashing across her face. “Are you kidding me?”
Sawyer shrugged, completely unfazed. “What can I say? Go big or go home.”
“I think you did both, buddy,” Colt said.
THE END