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My grumpy mountain man pulls me into his arms, tangles his fingers in my hair, and kisses me like he’s never going to let me go.
As we walk up the driveway, Rogue wraps an arm around my shoulders and pulls me close.
Mackenzie opens the door, and I freeze. I glance at Rogue, looking to see how he wants to handle this. But he tightens his hold on me and presses a kiss to my temple.
“It’ll all be OK,” he promises softly, and because it’s him making that vow, I know it’s true.
Mackenzie casts an anxious glance her father’s way. “We found a flight at the last minute, and I wouldn’t let Ace tell you. I knew you’d be worried about us flying in that weather,” she explains and glances to me. “I didn’t mean to ruin your holiday. I’m sorry.”
“No, you didn’t ruin anything,” Rogue says.
“I’m really glad you’re not alone anymore. I’m happy you found someone,” she says to her father before giving me an apologetic look. “This is kind of weird.”
When I flinch, she shakes her head and says quickly, “It’s a good weird. I’m really happy my dad found someone.”
“You are?” I ask, doubt coloring my tone.
She nods, her expression hopeful. “I already think of you as a sister. This just further cements the bond.” Before I know what she’s doing, she reaches out and pulls me into a hug.
I meet Rogue’s gaze over her shoulder, and he gives me a soft smile. I know it’s alright, just like he said it would be. I’m now part of his family.
10
SUSIE
“I think we did good.”Mackenzie nods as we shove the last bag into her car.
It’s Christmas Eve today, and we spent the last two hours together, combing through the mall in Asheville looking for gifts. Between her wedding and honeymoon, she hasn’t had a lot of time for Christmas shopping. This relationship with Rogue is so new that I haven’t either.
More than that, I wanted to get some alone time with Mackenzie and make sure she’s truly okay with this relationship, even though she’s been nothing but supportive and kind.
“We should grab some lunch,” Mackenzie suggests as we get back in her car. We set out early today, grabbing hot chocolate and cookies from Courage Cookies before driving into the city.
We’ve been on the road for a few minutes when I clear my throat. “Thanks for being cool about everything.”
Mackenzie grins at me. “It would make me a hypocrite, considering I took his best friend.”
I chuckle. “Well, I hadn’t thought of that, but it’s still different.”
She merges onto the interstate. “It is different, but I’m really glad he’s with someone, and I’m excited that it’s you.”
My heart bubbles with joy at her words. I’ve spent so much of my life alone, longing for community and family. I found both right here in Courage County.
When we get back to Rogue’s cabin, we find it empty, which gives us plenty of time to wrap gifts. Well, it givesmetime to wrap gifts. Mackenzie prefers to chuck things in bags. She shakes her head at me. “Wrapping is literally the worst.”
“I like it,” I explain as I smooth out a crease. “It’s fun to rip off wrapping paper.”
“To each their own,” she says right as the front door opens.
Ace comes through first, then Rogue. His eyes light up the moment he sees me, and I smile back at him. He plucks a piece of tinsel from my hair before giving me a quick kiss.
The four of us spend the rest of the day preparing dishes for Christmas dinner and singing along offkey to Christmas carols. The four of us are a great team. I’m in charge of desserts while Rogue is on casseroles. Ace takes care of the other food because it was decided unanimously that Mackenzie would be chief dishwasher. She just laughed when her dad teased her about that. Every so often, I see them exchanging a look like they have a secret. Ace seems oblivious, so maybe it has to do with a Christmas gift for him.
Later, when Rogue and I are in his big bed, my head is on his chest and his hand is around mine, touching the engagement ring he bought me. I wouldn’t do any food prep that required taking off the ring. I’m not ready do that yet. I might not ever be ready. This ring is proof that I have a family, that I’m wanted.
“I was thinking,” Rogue says softly. “How do you feel about a Christmas wedding?”
I smile. “That would give us about a year to plan. That would be perfect.”
