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“One more gift left,” James announces, turning to Sarah who stares at him with love pouring from her eyes. It would be sickening if I wasn’t already aware that this is probably how I look every time I glance at Hadley.
My girl’s hand slips into mine, and I feel the brush of the ring I gave her only a week ago against my finger.
I know it was crazy, but I promised myself that if she ever decided to give us a second chance I wanted to prove to her just how serious I was, and I couldn’t think of anything more serious than asking her to be mine forever.
She smiles up at me as if she can read my thoughts, and I drop my lips to her forehead right as Sarah gasps in surprise.
Turning toward my father, I find him on one knee before the woman he loves.
“Oh my God,” Remi whispers as she looks between the two of them.
“Sarah, you’ve become an invaluable part of my life, my family, and I can’t imagine a day here without you by my side. Would you do me the honor of agreeing to be my wife?”
Tears stream down Sarah’s cheeks as she agrees, and, after dropping to her knees with James, she allows him to slide the ring onto her finger.
“Oh my gosh, I can’t believe it,” she says before James sweeps her up into his arms.
“Aw,” Hadley whispers beside me, curling into my side.
“That was romantic and all, but you do realize that Ace and Remi are now officially going to be brother and sister?” Conner announces.
“Step,” Remi barks. “And Conner?”
“Huh?”
“Shut the fuck up,” we all say at the same time before launching cushions at him.
“I’d like to say a few words before we dive in,” James says, pushing his chair out and standing at the head of the table.
Conner’s face drops as he continues staring at the bird in the center of the table before slumping back in his chair in disappointment.
“Only a few months ago, all our lives changed forever. While the three of you came here kicking and screaming, or should I say fighting, I got everything I’d ever wanted.
“I spent my whole adult life wanting to finally get the chance to be your father, and despite the awful events that got you here, I couldn’t be more grateful to finally have this chance.
“I know things haven't been easy. The past few months have been challenging for all of us in more ways than one.” He looks around the table at each of us. “But I hope that as we move into the new year, we’ve all turned a corner.
“The five of you have exciting times ahead of you. Ace with your job, Cole with your new team and college, and Conner with whatever you decide to do. I know you’ll make me proud, Son,” he says looking around the table, “and I just want you all to know that I couldn’t be prouder of the adults you’re quickly becoming.”
“So as my soon-to-be bride said earlier,” he grabs his glass and lifts it into the air, “to our first of many family Christmases. Conner, you may now eat.”
Laugher erupts from the table as James tilts Sarah’s head his way and captures her lips with his. Following their lead, I do the same with my girl. And when I pull back, I find Ace followed suit too, leaving Conner alone with his bird.
“At least she doesn't talk back,” he mutters, cutting himself off a huge piece and dumping it on his plate.
“This time next year, bro. You’ll see.”
He grumbles something in response, but I don’t catch it.
Everyone dives for the food, but I stay put, just watching their happiness and excitement.
“Dad?” I say, making everyone stop moving.
“Yeah, Son?”
“Thank you.” The words reverberate deep inside me. “You didn’t have to put up with the three of us after the drama we brought on you, and I want to say, for the three of us, that we really appreciate everything you’ve done. Hell knows we’d all be dead or in prison by now if it weren’t for you.”
“Speak for yourself,” Conner mutters.
