It’s nice to be home for Christmas. Being here after all these years makes me think that maybe my parents are right. Maybe being with the people you love during the holidays is more important than anything else.
The car rolls to a stop in front of the garage, and I look over at Park. “You passed the carpool buddy test, so if you want, you can come in and meet my family.”
He smiles at me. “I was hoping you’d say that.”
We climb out of the car, and he grabs my suitcase, carrying it to the porch for me. I knock on the door twice, then twist the handle. “Hello?” I call, pushing the door open. “Is anyone home?”
I peek my head around the wall. My mom and dad stand by the stove, both wearing Christmas aprons, while my two sisters sit on barstools on the island.
“She’s here!” My mom wipes her hands on her hem and runs to me. Her short brown hair bobs up and down with each jog until she wraps me into a hug, rocking our bodies back and forth. “And she brought a man!” She pulls apart, bouncing her eyes back and forth between Park and me. An excited smile creeps across her lips. “Who’s this?”
I turn to face him. “This is Park Bradshaw. My rental car reservation got lost, and he was kind enough to drive me to Leavenworth.”
“Oh.” Disappointment runs through my mother’s eyes. She was obviously hoping that I had brought him home as my date. In a way, I have, but my mom’s not interested in holiday flings. She wants the whole happily-ever-after package for me.
“This is my mom, Gina Warren.”
Park extends his hand to her. “It’s so nice to meet you.”
I gesture to the rest of my family, who have gathered around us. “And this is my dad, Bruce.”
My dad steps forward, shaking Park’s hand. “Thanks for giving our baby girl a ride home.” Then he drops his arm over my shoulder, pulling me in for a side hug. My body smashes into his padded stomach, and his distinct caramel smell fills the air around me.
“It was no problem at all. I’m basically a glorified Uber driver.” Park smiles at me. “But I did enjoy Lacee’s enthusiastic rendition ofGo Tell it on the Mountain.”
“You didn’t?” My sister Erika gives me a pointed stare.
I stand taller. “I did. You know how that song gets me going.”
“I apologize for my sister’s singing,” Erika says, reaching her hand out to Park. “I’m Erika, by the way. The middle sister.”
“You’re not as weird as Lacee made you out to be,” Park jokes.
Erika turns to me, eyes wide in offense. “What did you say?”
“Nothing!” I push Park. “You can’t trust anything this guy says.”
“No, you told me she smells weird.”
“You little punk!” Now it’s my eyes that go wide. “I did not!” I turn to Erika, shaking my head. “Don’t believe a word he says. I like what you’ve done with your hair.” I give her newly dyed auburn strands a quick tug. “You’re obviously trying to copy my red hair.”
“Or mine,” Cassi says, flipping her long braid behind her shoulder.
“This is my youngest sister, Cassi,” I tell Park.
“And you’re the sister that lost all of the weight?” Park’s expression is completely serious.
“What?” Cassi gasps, turning to me.
“Oh my heck!” I push Park again. “Would you stop? Or I’m never inviting you inside my house again.”
“I’m just kidding. Lacee didn’t say any of that.” He laughs, losing his balance from my shove. “It’s really great to meet you all.” He points to the three of us girls. “And as a completely impartial guest, I like all of your versions of red hair. Dyed or real.”
Cassi nudges me. “Now that I know for sure he was joking, I like him.”
“You think?” I eye Park with a smirk. “I’m still trying to decide if he can keep up with me.”
“No one can keep up with you.” My dad pats me on the back. “Now, let’s not stand here talking. I’ve got toffee on the stove.”
