Page 160 of What About Us

“That’s for me?”

“Yep.”

He approaches the painting and rips the paper, and when the image is exposed, he steps back so he can take it in.

It’s the pond behind our house in the fall when all the trees are a riot of red, orange, and yellow. Moose stand at the far end, one lazily drinking the water.

And in the foreground, standing together facing the pond, is the two of us. We’re holding hands, and my head is leaning on his upper biceps.

But I’m watching him to get his reaction.

“Jesus, babe.”

He swallows thickly, and then I’m in his arms, crushed to his chest, and he’s rocking us back and forth.

“You’re so fucking talented, Ivy.”

“I’m glad you like it.”

“Like it? I fucking love it. It’s going in our bedroom.”

I nod because that’s exactly where I thought to put it too.

“Now, we have to put our Christmas jammies on and go to Tucker’s,” I tell him.

The whole family is going, and apparently it’s family tradition that everyone comes in their comfiest pajamas to eat, lounge, play games, watch football, and eat some more.

I’m kind of excited for it.

“Let’s go.”

Xander

Ivy’s laughing with Darby and Indigo in the kitchen as they set out yet more food for my huge family to graze on. It’s midafternoon, and we’ve been here quite a while, but this day won’t wind down until well after dinnertime.

We’ve always spent Christmas like this, even when I was a kid. Dad was a huge fan of pajama day, with food and games and movies, and we’ve carried that over into adulthood.

We’re not quite cheesy enough to all be wearing matching pajamas, and a Christmas pattern isn’t required.

Of course, Chad the tool is in jeans and a white button-down because he’s a killjoy and an asshole.

Honestly, I’m surprised he’s here at all.

“When do you head back to Denver,” Zack asks. We’re sitting in the living room, watching football.

“Tomorrow. I have to get back to rehab and work. How long are you here for? Headed back to LA?”

He shrugs. “I’m between movies right now, so I might stay through New Year’s.”

I nod, and when the girls laugh again, I notice that Zack’s gaze wanders over to Indie.

Interesting.

Dad was the one to invite Indie to join us today, which shouldn’t surprise anyone. And he said it only took him ten minutes to talk her into it. I’m glad that she’s feeling more at ease around us.

“I have to go,” Easton says as he stands and passes Bellie Boo to me. She immediately grins and grabs for my nose. “I have to work tonight.”

“You got the evening shift on Christmas?” Tucker asks. “Don’t you have any seniority at all?”