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“It’s nice to meet you as well, Mrs. Monroe,” Holden replies politely.
“I’m Peyton.” My younger sister waves at him.
“Nice to meet you.” He nods, then turns to face my father. “Mr. Monroe,” he says, offering my dad his hand.
Dad takes it, and with an elbow nudge from Mom, speaks. “Nice to meet you.”
“Where’s Paisley?” I ask, taking a seat at the island. Holden stands next to me and settles his hand on the small of my back. His silent support for me makes me smile. I should be supporting him after the cool greeting he received from my father.
“They’re on their way,” Mom answers. “Jett was having fun playing with all his new toys. It took them a little longer to get him out the door.” No sooner than the words are out of her mouth, the front door opens, and Jett’s laughter greets our ears.
“Grandpa!” Jett yells as the pitter-patter of little feet comes roaring down the hallway. “Look!” He runs to my dad, who is bent down to catch him in his arms. He stands, and his smile is as wide as Jett’s. “I gots a dinosaur. Rawr!” Jett pretends like the animal is going to eat my dad’s ear.
“Wow!” Dad exclaims with all the excitement that my nephew is expecting. “Santa was good to you.”
“Hims was. I got lots and lots of toys.” He nods.
“Hey, everyone,” Paisley says, her hands resting on her tiny baby bump. “Hi, Holden. Glad you could join us.”
“Wait. You two know each other?” Dad asks.
“He’s my teammate,” Cameron says, coming to his wife’s rescue.
“Merry Christmas,” Holden tells them.
“Time to eat. Everyone, grab a plate,” Mom says.
I remain seated and let Paisley and her family grab their food, with Peyton following them. “You ready for this?” I turn to ask Holden. “I’m telling you my mom’s Christmas morning breakfast spread is somewhat of a religious experience,” I boast.
“After you, sweet pea.” He smiles at me as he offers me a hand to help me down from the barstool I’ve been perched on. Together we fill our plates, and I notice that Holden samples a little bit of everything, just like Cameron and my dad. It makes me smile. He fits in with them so well. I just hope they’re both willing to give him a chance.
“So, Holden, what does your family do for the holiday?” Mom asks once we’re all seated.
“We do dinner and gifts at my aunt Lottie’s every year.”
“You’re from around here, right?” Mom asks.
“Yes, ma’am. I moved away for college and then was drafted to the Tomahawks.”
“Well, we’re glad you’re here.”
“Thank you for having me.”
“I can’t believe you’re leaving early,” my dad grumbles from his place at the head of the table.”
“Easton,” Mom warns.
“What, queen?” he asks her. “It’s not going to be the same without all three girls being here.”
“Dad, we’re staying for dinner and leaving after. That’s us spending all day here,” I defend.
Holden turns to look at me. “Babe, we can reschedule with my family. If you want to stay, we stay.” He doesn’t bother to lower his voice.
“No. We told your parents we would be there, and we will be.”
“I think it’s a great idea,” Dad chimes in.
“Dad?” Paisley says.
“What’s up, princess?” he asks.
“Do you not remember what happened with Cameron and me? Back off a little.”
“I don’t know what you mean. I just think having my duchess here with her family is a good idea. Cameron is here.”
“And so is Holden. And last year, when Cam and I had to leave early to have Christmas with his mom, you didn’t act like a child.”
“I’m just saying” Dad starts, but Mom speaks up.
“Easton, a word.” Her voice is tight as she pushes back from the table and stands, stalking off toward the kitchen.
“Don’t let him get to you,” Paisley tells Holden.
“He did the same thing to me,” Cameron tells him. “You want one of the Monroe sisters, you have to stand up to him.”
I turn to look at him. “I’m sorry.”
His hand rests against my cheek. “You have nothing to be sorry for. I’m sure when I have a little girl, no matter how old she is, I’ll act the same way.”
“He’s out of control,” Peyton tells us. “I’m the baby. He’s going to flip out when I’m in this position.”
“I guess you haven’t asked him about spring break yet?” I ask my little sister.
“No, and I’m sure as hell not asking him today.”
“We’ll be there when you do,” Paisley tells her. “Three strong and he won’t be able to turn you down.”
“I’m eighteen,” Peyton defends. “I’ll be nineteen in six weeks.”
“Yeah, but as you said, you’re the baby. You’re his last hope at holding on and keeping us young.”
My parents come back to the table, and all talks of spring break are dropped. Mom and Dad take their seats. Everyone is quiet until I hear Holden clear his throat.
