“Right, the one in Calloway’s class.”
“Yep,” I nod. Frowning, I think about all the times Cici has hung out at the practice. “Now that I think about it, he is always feeding her.”
Callie’s sister lets out a light laugh. “I just know that trick always worked on Calloway and the twins when they were little. So I think Mom’s just sticking with what she knows. If they were all asleep, we could watch holiday movies with a little more of a bite to them.”
“SoChristmas Vacation?”
“Exactly,” she grins. Pulling a knit blanket further up her legs, Imogene offers the afghan to Callie, as well. A reserved smile warms Imogene’s face as my love accepts the offering.
I can’t help but wonder if it was really just a way to hide her red, bell-embellished monstrosity of a sweater.
Leaning down to Callie’s ear, I whisper, “Imogene isn’t seeing anyone, correct?”
Callie quirks a brow, moving so that her lips touch the shell of my ear. “Tired of me already?”
Smirking, I roll my eyes. “I was thinking about John.”
Callie peeks over at her oldest sister, who has gone back to watching Marigold frenzy at the stockings. “Huh.” Her brows knit together, and Callie bites her lower lip in concentration. “Maybe. She’s never really dated much. I don’t even know what kind of partner she would like.”
Turning my attention back to the tiny center of Lillian and Ira’s world, I can’t help but wonder what John would make of Callie’s oldest sister.
“Here, Goldie,” Chris says, handing his niece another gift box featuring a large red bow. “Aunt Connie helped me pick this one out to go with your doll.” It’s the only time I’ve ever seen the man crack a smile that wasn’t at his youngest sister’s expense.
Though how the man could remain serious wearing a sweater with an oversized rabbit holding a cake is beyond me.
Marigold plops to the floor in front Chris and Connie, tearing into the gift and producing a white plush dog and accessory kit. The little girl squeals in delight, inspiring laughter from everyone in the room. “It’s Coco!” Goldie jumps up and shows off the dog. Clutching Coco to her chest, Goldie pounces into Chris’s lap and plants a big kiss on his cheek.
To his credit, the man who’s been nothing but a giant pain in my ass blushes at Marigold’s affection. Holding his niece, he helps her open the dog’s accessories from the packaging while Connie opens the doll.
Checking my watch, I nudge Callie. “We’re supposed to meet the others in about twenty minutes.” I murmur in her ear. “We don’t have to go if you want to stay here.”
Nodding, she smiles. “I want to. I’ll get my coat.”
“Where are you two going?” Imogene asks as Callie stands and heads toward the kitchen.
Still not used to Imogene speaking much, it takes a moment to understand she’s talking to me. “To meet my friend John. He and his daughter have been here the past couple of days.” I stand, following Callie’s example. “And now his sister, the other doctor at our practice, and her wife are here for lunch. So we’re going to go meet up with them for a bit.”
Movement from the kitchen catches my eye. A glimmer in the sunlight thanks to all the massive windows.
Callie is showing off her necklace to Connie.
Pressing my lips together, I try to suppress the irrational pride of having Callie be excited to show off something I bought her. And then attempt to keep my thoughts away from ring shopping on a day when all the stores are closed. Instead, I make a mental note to ask Ian about what kind of ring Callie would like best.
Connie’s eyes meet mine, a satisfied grin greeting me. She gives my love a hug before leaning to whisper something in her ear.
A clap on my shoulder brings my attention back to the Christmas chaos taking place in the living room. Ira Rutherford stands beside me, watching his daughters interact.
I’ve never been jealous of what another man was wearing before, but Ira’s Oxford button-down has never looked better than right now.
“You know, I think you’ve had an interesting effect on our family, Rhodes.” He shakes my shoulder, grip tightening.
“I promise, it’s all Callie, sir,” I say, nodding to the woman of my dreams.
He laughs in the skeptical way men like him do. “Whatever it is, keep it up.”
“I’ll do my best.” Silence fills the space between us until Ira realizes he’s missing Marigold searching for the Christmas pickle ornament.
Callie makes her way back to me, coat in hand. “What was that about?” She casts a glance toward her father’s retreating figure.
