Chapter Twenty-One
“He’s coming outof the garage, right?” Natalie asked. Her mother flung an exasperated arm in the air, showing that she couldn’t care less if her husband made an appearance on Christmas Eve, before continuing to chop tomatoes for salsa.
“Is everything set for the dishwasher delivery?” Natalie asked Mariana, who had taken the lead on the gift for their mother.
“Yeah, don’t worry. It’s already at Tío’s and he’s going to bring it by tonight. Carla bought a big red bow to put on it and everything. It’s all going to be fine.”
Her sister had the calm, in-control energy she needed this evening. Natalie was becoming anxious, in particular about inviting Mason to join them. When she’d asked him, it had felt right but she was becoming less sure. Was it too soon? Even her “ex-fiancé” had never come to a family get-together, thank God. Unfortunately, she’d already mentioned Mason’s invitation to her mother who then mentioned it to everyone else. They were acting as if the Pope and everyone else at the Vatican were coming because suddenly there wasn’t enough food. It didn’t make any sense, considering there was always plenty of food and Mason was only one additional person. There was no point in reasoning with anyone.
Mason also appeared to be excited to attend, sending her texts and asking how he should dress and if he should bring anything. The last one was answered with a resoundingNObecause the last thing they needed was more food.
Apparently, the only one nervous about the whole situation was her because, holy cow, Natalie was really doing this. She was trying to be in a relationship, and both liked it while being absolutely terrified as she waited for the other shoe to drop. She was afraid, as soon as the holidays were over, reality would hit and the relationship would return to pumpkin form or whatever the Christmas version was.
“Hola, Papá. Feliz Navidad,” she said with all the gentleness of confronting a lamb, approaching his recliner where he was bundled in a blanket and listening to music on the radio. She gave him a hug and kiss on the cheek.
“Hey, baby. You bring back my truck.”
“Yup. Filled it up, not a scratch on it. Thanks for letting me borrow it. You’re the best father a girl could have.”
“I haven’t seen you as much lately. You met your mother and sisters for lunch, and you didn’t invite me. No one ever invites me because your mother hates me.”
She pushed down her aggravation at the insinuation her father was purposely left out of things. Especially because thelunchwas here at the house and it happened when she dropped off a couple of gifts since they were already wrapped and in her car. Her mom feeding her while she was here was happenstance and a common occurrence. “I’ve been busy working. You know Tío has had me working extra these last few weeks. You can complain to him and see if he’ll give me a double vacation.”
She deserved it, plus a promotion to partnership. Also, if she got double time off, a tropical vacation with Mason could be an actual possibility. It would allow their relationship to exist in a daydream state for a little longer.
“You work too much,” her father agreed.
“Right? I agree. But I’m happy to spend today with you and the rest of the family. You know Tina is going to be here with the baby soon.” If there was one thing her father was a sucker for, it was babies. He adored them. The few times he perked up and looked happy was when he was able to gush over a baby, whether it was her cousin’s or a stranger’s. “Oh, and I invited someone over because I want him to meet you.”
Her father’s mood lifted. “You invited a friend? To meet me? Is it a boyfriend?”
“Mm-hmm,” she replied. “His name is Mason and I met him working at the Christmas tree farm. He’s really nice. You’ll like him.” She couldn’t imagine anyone not liking Mason. She had no doubt he’d win over both of her parents easily.
Her father’s happiness flickered away. “How come I haven’t met him before?”
She rolled her eyes but kept her smile in place. “It’s brand new. Only Tío Enrique knows him. You come inside, and when he gets here, I’ll introduce him to you first because you are mi papá. Okay?”
This did the trick and her father stood, letting her lead him into the house. As soon as they entered, Enrique was there to pat his brother on the back and other people shouted their holiday greetings as if her father had returned from a long trip. It was the type of reaction he loved, and she was willing to do whatever she could to humor him today.
Enrique answered the door when Mason arrived. Her uncle was confused at first until he figured out that the business arrangement with Daniel may have jump-started an additional arrangement of a different sort. He gladly welcomed Mason with a pat on the shoulder and handshake, ushering him inside.
“This is Mason,” she said, bringing her father over as promised. “Mason, this is my dad.”
He was dressed in a nice button-down shirt with dark pants. He’d had a haircut and beard trim, the cleft in his chin becoming slightly more visible again. Mason smiled easily, although he appeared somewhat overwhelmed with an audience building around him. She probably should have warned him this could happen, especially when word went out about Natalie having a boyfriend for the first time in forever.
“Hi. Nice to meet everyone. Here, I brought this for you.” He handed a large, luscious pink and red potted poinsettia plant and a small jar to Miguel.
Her father took the items, studying the label on the jar. “Honey?”
“Oh, yeah, that’s a small gift from my beehive. It’s from my stash I harvested this past year. It’s a good one.”
Her father looked at the jar again and then to Mason, his expression amazed as though he’d been gifted with liquid gold. “You brought this for me?”
“Well, you and anyone you want to share it with. Maybe not any bears.” He grinned, before bestowing a friendly wink in her direction. If she was the type, she would have swooned. Prince Charming was exactly what was needed at this moment, and she couldn’t stop her heart from swelling, wishing they were alone so she could fling herself at the man.
Her father transferred the items to one arm, taking Mason’s elbow with the other. “Come. Come. Are you hungry? First, we eat and then we will visit Tina’s baby. Todos, él es el novio de Natalie. He brought me honey.”
While other people fawned over him, Mariana leaned close to her. “Good job, Nat. Looks like you brought home a winner. He brought a bigger poinsettia than Carla brought home from work, and Dad’s introducing him to Mom like it’s nothing.” It was true. Miguel brought him to her mother and Mason had to lean down for her to hug. The older woman practically beamed in happiness at the introduction. Things got better when her father handed the poinsettia over to Abuelita becauseshe likes gardening. Miguel kept the honey for himself though.
