Page 113 of Finding Redemption

“Thanks for teaching me.”

“Damn straight.” He stares into the living room, motioning. “Why wouldn’t we be? Look how lucky we are.” Reese and Ava share a laugh as Andi runs over. “Two lucky assholes at that.”

“I’m ready. I hope I don’t freak her out.”

“You won’t. Just do it.” He pats me on the back. “And I’ll man the doors in case she tries to run.”

“Fuck you.” I flip him off and walk back into the living room. “Excuse me, the lady in green and her mother need drinks.” I point to them for the waiter. I take my place by the fire and the tree, grabbing the microphone. “Ladies and gentlemen, I’d like to welcome you to our annual Christmas Gathering. Having friends and family near this time of year is especially precious as we so very well know. So, thank you for joining us. Now, if I may, I’d like to switch gears for a moment.

“A few months ago, I had the pleasure of working with a new attorney. I went into the meeting thinking it was a man. Boy, did I get fooled? A gorgeous redhead sat across from me. She was as fierce as I had heard and as intelligent as I am. I was scared. For two reasons.” I wink at my red-faced redhead.

“I had never lost a case and I had never lost my heart. I didn’t lose in court but I most definitely lost my heart. Today is her birthday. To celebrate, we not only honor the reason for the season but my Reese. I’m the luckiest man in the world, humbled you chose me. Happy birthday, baby.” I raise my glass to a teary-eyed Reese.

I step down, walking to her as the cake is brought out. A strawberry-topped chocolate cake, almost too pretty to eat. “Happy birthday. I love you.” I kiss her, and the crowd joins in singing to her.

“I can’t believe you did this. I love you. Thank you.” She hugs me when the crowd dies down.

“I have presents but wanted to wait until later if that’s okay.”

“You shouldn’t have done that. I don’t need anything.” Her eyes glisten when she looks at me and my chest caves. My love for her has taken even me by surprise.

“I wanted to and here comes our family.” Reese is passed around with hugs, kisses and many birthday wishes.

Not long after the Christmas party ends, we sit around my parents’ dining room table, eating birthday cake. “Reese, I think you have a few gifts to open.”

“I wished you wouldn’t have done this,” she says as Riley sets her gifts in front of her. “All of this? It’s too much, y’all. Thank you.”

“The card is from us,” Ava says.

Reese picks it up. She rips into it, pulling a card out. “A spa day? I’ve never had one. Will you come with me?” she asks, looking at Ava.

“All of us girls are going before the wedding. Is that okay? We wanted to include you.” Ava smiles.

“It’s perfect. Thank you for thinking of me. It’ll be wonderful to get all dolled up for the wedding.” Her eyes sparkle.

“This one, it’s big.” Andi pushes the box toward her.

“It is big. Wonder what it could be?” Reese shakes the box to Andi’s delight. She removes the lid, peeking inside. “Are you kidding me?” She pulls the red bag out. “A Henri Bendel Briefcase?”

“We hope you enjoy it. Ian helped pick it out.” Mom slips her arm around Dad.

“Red is a power color. But I have a feeling you already know that.” He winks at her.

“Thank you. It’s beautiful.” Reese’s eyes shine with unshed tears.

“Now, mine. Although, I think my parents outdid me.”

“Oh, you hush. I love it already.” She opens the box, covering her mouth as she stares at it. “Walker, you shouldn’t have.” She takes the diamond studs from the box. “James Allen.”

“Only the best. Happy birthday, baby.” I brush her lips with mine.

“There’s one more.” Andi points to the card.

“Oh, no. I think that’s a holiday card.” Mom leaps from her seat, reaching for the card. As Reese picks the envelope up to reach it to her, she tilts it.

“It’s for Walker.” She hands it to me. “Open it. It’s your first holiday card.”

“I will later. How about another piece of cake before bed?”