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We take turns opening gifts, and to Parker’s surprise, my parents got her a sweater, and my aunt and uncle gave her a gift card for a massage. We laugh and cut up, and once all the wrapping paper is cleared, we settle in to watch A Christmas Story. It’s a tradition, and the five of us can recite it word for word, but we still watch it every year.
“Parker, have you ever seen this movie?” Dad asks.
“Yes. My sisters and I watched it every year growing up. It’s been a few years, though.”
I make a mental note that she and I need to start our own holiday tradition, starting this year. My mind is racing with the possibilities when Aunt Lottie’s voice breaks into my thoughts.
“Here we go.” Aunt Lottie turns down the lights, and she and my mom squeeze onto the big couch and snuggle up to my dad and uncle. Not together, but you know what I mean. This year is the first year that I have my own snuggle partner, and I happen to like it a hell of a lot. More than I ever thought I would.
CHAPTER 23
Holden
“I love your family,” Parker says from the passenger seat of my truck. We’re headed back to my place. At least that’s my plan. I haven’t asked her yet if she wants to stay with me, and I don’t think I’m going to. I think I’ll just drive us to my place and see what she says.
“Today was a good day.” Even though her dad did a little flexing, it was still good to get to see her with her family and get to know them. What was even better was seeing her get to know my family. She fits in with us, and snuggling with her while watching my family's favorite Christmas movie? Well, that turns me into a sap I never thought I’d be. I can recall countless times I’ve ridden my friend's and teammate's asses for going all soft over the women in their lives. Now I get it. I mean, I grew up watching it with my dad, but he was Dad, and it was for my mom, so that made it okay.
“It was. I just wish my dad wasn’t such an ass to you.”
“He’ll come around.” And if he doesn’t, that’s his problem, not mine. If he can’t see how much I care about her, then that’s on him.
“You don’t know that.”
“I do know that. He’s going to see what you mean to me.” At least, I hope he does. Either way, I’m going to continue to be respectful to him. No way would I ever want to put her in the position where she might have to choose. Part of it is the fear of losing her, and the other part can’t stand the thought of her having to make that decision. However, I’m hopeful that he’ll come around. He seems to have finally accepted Cameron. Maybe one day, that will be me.
“You’re not sick of me yet?” she asks when I pull up to the gate of my house.
“Never. Besides, I have your gifts to give you.”
“Oh!” Her eyes light up. “With everything going on, I forgot about you and I exchanging gifts.”
“Exactly.” Pulling my truck into the garage, I shut off the engine and hit the button on the ceiling to close the garage door. “Come on. You’ve got presents to open.” Not having to be told twice, she reaches for her handle and carefully climbs out of the truck.
Inside, we tear off our shoes and coats and make our way to the living room. I hit the switch that turns on the lights for the Christmas tree, and the room is lit with an intimate glow.
“Come sit.” Parker is already sitting on the floor in front of the tree, with the remaining presents in two piles. “These are yours,” she says, pointing at the pile in front of her. “And these have my name on them. And I’d just like to add that you’ve already done so much for me these aren’t necessary. You built me an office and bought me a computer.”
My girl is a breath of fresh air.
“I like spoiling you. And those things are selfishly for me too. I’m hoping that means I get to see you more.”
“That’s not why I’m with you, Holden.”
“All the more reason to do so.” I lean over the small stack of presents and press my lips to hers. “Now, how are we going to do this? One at a time or all at once?”
“I say we go one at a time. You first.” She points at the pile of gifts with my name on them.
Grabbing the first gift, I slowly pull off the ribbon and begin to tear at the paper. When I lift the lid from the box, I sift through the tissue paper and pull out a jersey. A Blaze jersey. I hold it up, take in the front before turning to look at the back, and my name, Bailey, is embroidered on the back. “How did you get this?”
