“Hello?” The front door opens, and a lot of noise fills the house. “We’re here!”
My mom gets a guilty expression. “It’s Erin.” She glances at the clock. “They just got here from Denver.”
I love how she’s explaining it to me as if I didn’t know Erin and Tommy were driving in for Christmas Eve.
“It’s okay,” I say, pulling her to a stand. “I can explain things later.”
“No, just quickly tell me.”
“It’s not something that I can just quickly say.”
“Grandma?” Cora calls.
“Go.” I smile, pushing her toward the living room.
“Okay, but we’ll talk later. Don’t marry him until we’ve talked.”
I think she meansdon’t say yes to his proposal until we talk,but I wave her away anyway.
I sit, letting our conversation sink in for a second.
Justin is going to propose.
My mom thinks he’s bipolar.
And she wants me to be with the guy that’s been hanging around all holiday season.
MyI don’tcaremotto isn’t going to solve this problem.
CALEB
* * *
“Haveyou ever tasted better eggnog than this?” My dad lifts his glass to me.
I stare at him for a second. “Why are you always trying to compete for the best meal or drink?”
“Because I do have the best eggnog around.”
I hold my cup up to him. “You’re right. It is the best.”
“I’m going to let the beef brisket cook a little longer.” My mom breezes into the room and sits on the edge of the couch. She twists her fingers like she’s anxious.
“Mom,” I say with a smile, “you don’t have to be nervous about the food. We’ll eat whenever it’s ready.
“I’m not nervous about the food.”
“Then what is it? You’ve been high-strung ever since I got here.”
She looks at my dad.
He kicks out his recliner, leaning back. “Just tell him. He’s going to find out anyway.”
I glance between them. “Tell me what?”
“Well, it’s supposed to be a surprise. But…” She hesitates just enough that my anticipation is at an all-time high. “Justin stopped by this morning and picked up Grandma’s ring. He’s proposing to Summer tonight.” She smiles at me, but the longer she stares at my expression, her smile drops. Something on my face gives it away. “Oh, no.” Her shoulders fall. “You love Summer too.”
“No.” I shake my head, intending to lie, but then I decide that it’s not worth lying to my parents. “Okay, fine.” I sigh. “I love Summer too.”
