CHAPTER SEVEN
Romona
Last night was great, and all of Jason’s kids made a point to include me. I truly feel like they’ve all accepted us together. What more could a person wish for at Christmas?
I got up early this morning and was pleasantly surprised to see we got a little snow last night, making it a white Christmas.
I have a lot to do to get ready for dinner tonight, but I give myself half an hour to enjoy a cup of coffee, sit, and enjoy the tree and the view outside.
Jason just got up a few minutes ago and is starting a fire.
I pour a cup of coffee for each of us and doctor up mine.
I take the cinnamon rolls I had warming up out of the oven and put them on a tray with our coffees.
I carefully pick up the tray and bring it into the family room.
As I set the tray down on the coffee table, Jason stands and comes toward me in his flannel pajama pants and Henley.
I don’t care what people say, he looks sexy as hell in them, and I’m just happy being the woman who gets to see it every day.
He pulls me into a hug, leans down, and gives me a kiss that curls my toes.
He breaks it a moment later. “Merry Christmas, baby.” I kiss him again because I can.
“Merry Christmas. I brought our coffee and breakfast in here. I have a lot to do for dinner, but I wanna sit here with you and just enjoy the fire, Christmas tree, and the snow outside for a few minutes.” Jason leans in and snuggles into my neck.
He gives me a couple of kisses along my neck before he pulls back and looks down at me.
“Have a seat, baby.” I sit down and watch as he walks over to the tree and picks up a box that I hadn’t noticed was there.
He brings it over and sits down next to me. He hands it to me. “I know we said no gifts this year, but I couldn’t help myself.” What did he do?
I unwrap the package and see a box inside. I look over at Jason, and he gives nothing away. I open the box and unwrap the tissue. Inside is a set of barrettes. I pick one up and look at it more closely before I look up at Jason.
“These…I haven’t seen these in decades.” Jason shrugs a shoulder.
“I found them in that little consignment shop on Commerce. I remember you wearing ones just like it the first time we ever went out. It was to that roller skating rink they used to have in town.” I pick up the other one and rub my thumb over the waves of color on it.
“I can’t believe you remember that I wore these.
” I look up from the barrettes and see a small smile come out.
“I was so nervous that day. I’d had a crush on you for a while, and I couldn’t believe you’d said yes to going out with me.
I mean, you were the prettiest girl in the junior class.
Turned out you were also the sweetest. I knew after that first date that you were gonna be someone special in my life.
” He reaches over and takes my free hand.
“I was right, too.” He rubs my hand between his two large, work-worn hands.
“I know our story is not traditional or a normal one, but I don’t think I would want it any other way.
We got to fall in love the first time in our lives together and then again for the last time in our lives.
I know we both said we didn’t feel the need to get married or have a wedding or anything, but I don’t think I’m gonna ever get tired of asking you what I did for the first time on that first date. ”
I try to remember everything he asked me back when we were sixteen.
He leans forward, gives me a quick kiss, and touches his forehead to mine. “Baby, I asked you a very important question that day, and I’m gonna ask you as often as I want. Will you be my girl?”
This man. I don’t care about the tears that start to fall.
“I’ll be your girl for as long as you want me.
” I move and am surprised by the amount of love that shines in his eyes.
“Baby, I’m gonna love you all the rest of my days.
You’re going to be the only one I’m gonna kiss under the mistletoe and will be my forever Valentine.
” He reaches up and wipes my tears. “I know you’ve probably had enough of the emotional stuff, but in all seriousness, Romona, I love you with every cell in my body, so I’m gonna need you to keep your ticker working.
One scare a decade is more than enough.”
I can’t help the roll of my eyes. “You and Mick both act like I had any control over that. Even the doctor says I’m pretty damn healthy.
We aren’t counting this cinnamon roll I’m about to have for breakfast, but I eat much better the other three hundred and sixty-four days out of the year.
” He gives me a quick kiss, hands me a cinnamon roll, and takes one for himself.
“As always, you are right, my love. Let’s enjoy the peace of the fire and the beauty that is around us before the chaos commences. ”
Jason
Romona is running around in the kitchen. It’s an organized chaos. She’s got both ovens going and at least two slow cookers on the counter. Shelby, her friend Paris, and Madison are all there helping her. I’m smart enough to know to stay out of the way unless asked to do something.
Mick is changing their little one in the guest room, and everyone else should be arriving here in the next few minutes.
The house smells amazing. There are a couple of turkeys, ham, potatoes, scalloped corn, green beans, homemade rolls, and at least three types of pies.
She’s even got lefse for those who want it.
The dining table is set with room for at least sixteen people, but it seems like people kept getting added to the list. I can’t keep track of it all, but I know Romona has it all under control.
I hear at least one vehicle pull up outside, so I go to the door to see who all is here.
As soon as I open the door, I hear Zaria and the boys calling out to me.
“Grandpa! Come see what we got for Christmas!” I look over at Thomas’s truck and am surprised to see that it’s just him and the kids.
Well, that is until the door to the backseat of the truck opens and a hairy flash jumps out.
It tries to run to me, but Jack pulls him back by his leash.
“You guys got a dog?” All three of the kids nod and give me huge smiles.
Zack is the first up the steps. “Come on, Jack, we gotta show Mona! Maybe she can help us name him.” All three take off into the house.
I look over at Thomas, who’s grinning and shaking his head.
“Yeah, I caved on the whole dog thing, but they haven’t fought all day over him.
I know it won’t last, but I think you were right and it’s gonna be a good thing. ”
I can’t help my reaction of clutching my chest. “Whoa, son. I think that’s three times this week that you admitted that I was right about something.
” He glares at me. “I do believe, Dad, that I’ve admitted that you’re right pretty damn often about this whole parenting thing.
” I reach over and give his shoulder a squeeze.
“That you have.” I’m gonna finally ask something about the dynamic I still haven’t quite figured out.
“Where’s Trent? I figured Brett would be over at Anna’s tonight since she does a big spread too. ”
Thomas sighs like the world is on his shoulders.
“Apparently, his long-lost brother has reappeared, so he and his sister Amanda are going to have dinner with him. He’s not seen him in close to ten years and hasn’t heard from him in almost that long.
You know his sister is the paramedic who works with Logan.
I think this is the first time since high school that they’re having a family dinner together.
I told him if it blows up or finishes early to come over here. ”
Well, that’s more than he’s told me about either one of them in a good long while.
I know he’s still interested in dating women, as I’ve seen it, but the detective in me is still curious.
“Son, you know I don’t make a habit out of prying into my kids' love lives, but if you ever want to talk about something, you know I’m here.
I won’t judge you.” He nods in acknowledgment, and he looks like he’s about to say something when we’re interrupted by the sound of a couple of vehicles pulling up.
I look out and see Jeremy pulling in, and behind him, it looks like Jameson and his mom, Millie, are in his truck with him.
Thomas quietly says just what I’m thinking.
“So he got her to agree to come, but I’m betting he ain’t won her over yet.
” I give a wave in greeting to our visitors.
“Son, I think you hit that shit on the head. I have a feeling she’s gonna make him work for it after he put his foot in his mouth so many damn times. ”
Just as they are walking up the drive, a couple more vehicles pull up.
Time to get this holiday dinner shindig started.
“Welcome! Anyone want a beer? Millie, a glass of wine or something?” Millie steps up onto the porch and gives me a hug hello, and a smile.
“I always knew you were the smarter brother. I’d love a glass, but maybe deliver it to the kitchen ‘cause I’m going to go see about helpin’ Romona.
” Ever know someone is glaring at you without looking?
I know Jeremy is staring daggers at me this very second.
As soon as Millie’s inside with Jameson following her to go find Mick, I speak up without even looking at my dear old brother.
“Relax. She ain’t interested in me. I’m the safe brother who’s with her good friend.
” He bumps my shoulder with his, and I look over and see him still glaring at me.
“I’m also not the one who makes her heart pitter-patter and who she’s been half in love with for over a decade.
” He gives me a sigh like he’s got the whole world on his shoulders at this very moment.
“I know. I also know I gotta earn her trust and make her believe that I’m really interested.
” I ask the one question that matters most. “Are you interested in the conquest or are you interested in something real with her?”
Jeremy looks at me with a very serious look on his face and clenches his fists.
“This ain’t about a fucking conquest. I’ll admit you and Rob were right, and I didn’t see what was right in front of my face for far too long.
But now my eyes have been opened and I ain’t gonna let her slip through my fingers.
Millie will be mine.” I smack him on his arm.
“Good deal. Glad to see you took your head out of your southern orifice. Come on inside and have a beer with me.” I can’t wait to watch this all play out.
This afternoon has been great with plenty of stories and laughter. I haven’t seen Romona stop smiling once, and that makes the chaos all worth it. She loves taking care of people and giving our friends and family who have nowhere to go a place to enjoy a warm and comforting Christmas.
Romona just announced it’s time for dinner, so everyone is filing into the dining room.
She stands next to me and announces to the group, “Sit anywhere you like, except the head of the table, as that’s Jason’s spot.
” People start finding places, and Romona squeezes my hand, so I look down at her and the beautiful smile she gives me.
“We’re under the mistletoe, my love.” I look up, and we most definitely are.
“Well, who am I to deny tradition?” I lean down and give her a quick kiss.
“Everything smells amazing. I can’t wait to dive in. ”
We take a seat like everyone else has, and I take a moment to look around the table as Romona explains everything there is to eat.
Zaria is sitting next to her Mona, and Jack and Zack are sitting down near Jameson since he’s their current idol.
Everyone else seems to have just grabbed a spot except for Micah and Jameson.
Both managed to sit next to the person who’s captured their attention all afternoon.
Shelby and Paris are sitting next to each other, bookended by Micah and Jameson, respectively.
Between them and Millie’s attempts at ignoring my dear old brother, things are gonna get interesting around here.
Thankfully, I’m going to get to observe it all with my love at my side.
If you told me five years ago that I would be spending Christmas Day dinner at home with my love and some of our large family of choice, I would’ve thought you were crazy.
Sometimes those wishes we’re too afraid to wish for are the ones we’re most thankful to have come true.
I tap my spoon on my glass to get everyone’s attention, and as soon as I do, I say what’s on my mind.
“I want to thank everyone for coming tonight. Romona and I are thankful for each of you being here. This time of year reminds us just how important family is. Family is who you choose to make it, and we both consider all of you family. You’re all welcome every year from now on.
I like to think that when you find your people, the ones you can laugh with and wade through the tough times with, everything else in the world just kind of falls into place.
” I hold up my glass and look at my love, my kids, and my family.
“Now, I know enough to quit talking so we can eat this amazing dinner, so I’ll just say this.
May the warmth felt at this table tonight carry you through the new year.
Merry Christmas to each and every one of you. Let’s eat!”
The End
Merry Christmas!