“Happy to.”
“I think, the only way to repay you all, is to pay it forward.” She paused. “I’m doing a fundraiser, a food and gift drive for the women’s center as a way to thank you all.”
People hurried forward, friends she knew, and people she’d just met, all with suggestions on what the center might need and how they could kick in. The Christmas spirit and the spirit of giving flooded the room, and her heart, too.
Jesse smiled down at her. “Merry, early Christmas.”
She rose up on her tiptoes and brushed her lips across his. “Merry Christmas.” She knew what those words cost him, and surprisingly, they seemed to come out easily.
Chapter Twenty-One
Jesse paused on the sidewalk in front of Hailey’s parents’ house. It was Christmas morning and they were running late. They should have been here an hour ago. He turned to look back at his mother. Her skin glowed with health. She’d lost her pallor. She’d lost weight and looked fantastic. The picture of health. Rehab and exercise had worked its magic on her. She’d traded in her stilettos and revealing clothing for sensible shoes and a pretty, festive outfit. “Come on, Mom, we’ll be late.” Jesse urged his mother to step up the pace. She was dawdling on purpose.
“I’m coming. I’m just nervous. I haven’t seen anyone since I started rehab. That was weeks ago. I don’t have gifts. I can’t do this!” She turned around and headed back toward the truck.
He caught her arm and turned her around to face him. “It’s Christmas, Mom. Gifts don’t matter. You being here, clean and sober, is the best gift.” He tugged her gently toward the house.
The entire house and yard were lit with multi-colored lights. Inflatable Santas and snowmen filled the yard. It was a Christmas paradise and he had to admit it didn’t look bad. It was cheerful. Hailey’s optimism and Christmas spirit were rubbing off on him.
He wished his mother would hurry up. Hailey peeked through the curtains for the second time, but he understood his mother needed a moment to face the past before it collided with the present and the future. She wasn’t finished in rehab, she had two months to go, but part of her journey was to make peace and spend time away from the center to test her resolve.
“They won’t want me here after what I’ve done.” She brushed away a tear.
“They asked me to bring you.” And Amy Jo, her husband and three kids were inside as well, but he’d keep their presence to himself because his mother had refused to let anyone visit her in rehab. Not him, not his sister, or her friends.
“Why would they do that?” He read the fear in her eyes. She was afraid of ridicule.
“Because what happened is in the past. Over and done. They forgave you. I swear it’s going to be fine. Half an hour, please. And then, if you want, we’ll go home. No questions asked. Okay?”
She stood there, halfway up the sidewalk, mixed emotions on her face. Her indecision was tearing him apart. She’d love the reception she’d get inside, but he didn’t want to spoil it for her. He understood she had to make this decision, willingly, to progress in her recovery. She had to relearn decision making, but dang it, he was impatient.
She squared her shoulders and pushed past him. “Let’s get this over with.” She paused on the step, obviously not quite ready. He reached past her and knocked. Three hard thumps as pre-arranged and he pushed the door open and nudged her inside.
“Grandma,” three childish voices screamed excitedly as Amy Jo’s kids rushed to embrace her. “You’re here.”
“Merry Christmas, Mom,” he whispered in her ear, handing her a tissue to wipe her tears.
Hailey’s family stood to the side, watching his family’s reunion. Her mom and dad stood arm in arm. Her sister and brother-in-law stood with their kids, beside Hailey. Rover sat at their feet, wearing his Santa hat. Everyone was here, for the holiday, for his mother. Jesse shed his coat and boots and hurried to embrace Hailey.
“Merry Christmas, Hailey.”
She threw herself into his arms. “Merry Christmas, Jesse.” Unless she missed her guess, her Scrooge was beginning to like Christmas.
When the chaos of the reunions settled, Hailey clapped her hands. “Everyone grab a seat, it’s present time.” Pandemonium ensued as the adults settled into their chairs. Hailey perched on the couch between Jesse and his mother. The children who could read passed out the gifts.
When Jesse’s mom began to tear up over receiving gifts from everyone, Hailey whispered in her ear. “Relax. You’ve given us the best gift; we have you back.”
Jesse whispered something in his mother’s ear that Hailey couldn’t hear. Mrs. Phillips lit up like a Christmas bulb and hugged her son.
“One last gift,” Jesse stood and reached inside his pocket. He knelt on the floor in front of the couch.
Hailey looked at him. How nice, he was going to make a production of giving his mother her gift. She hoped it didn’t embarrass his mom too much.
“Hailey.” He turned slightly so he was facing only Hailey. He pulled a small purple velvet box out of his pocket. “I know we haven’t been together long, but you’ve given me everything. You’ve given me pride in myself. You’ve given me family. You’ve given me my mother back and you’ve even, I swear, given me a love for Christmas.”
She giggled and sniffed at the emotions ripping through her. He was going somewhere with this and she didn’t dare hope she knew where. She nodded, her heart in her throat.
“You’ve become the most important person in my world.” He opened the box; a beautiful poinsettia shaped ring, fashioned of emeralds and rubies, glinted up at her.
