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Three hours later, they had eaten their fill of cinnamon rolls, and he’d cleaned the kitchen and cleared out the wrapping paper while she took a shower and got ready. He drove them to his parents’ where she promptly kicked him out of the kitchen despite his protests that she should rest and not be on her feet.
Slowly, guests started to arrive. His parents’ house had always been a gathering place for those without other family during the holidays, and this year was no different.
Mason arrived with Aspen and his brother, Sebastian. Damon and Steven were right behind them with a bottle of wine and whiskey from a distillery in Colorado. The shy woman from the diner, Brynn, arrived with a pie, cookies, and her teenage son, David.
The doorbell rang. Finn opened it, not bothering to hold back the smile as a cold gust of wind entered along with Link, his dad, and Emma.
“Hey, man. Merry Christmas.” Link gave him a slap on the back and a quick hug.
“You too. Solomon.” Finn nodded to the old man who clapped him on the shoulder before handing over his coat.
“A good day to celebrate,” Solomon said, following his son inside, his voice rising as he greeted Finn’s father. They’d been friends for as long as Finn could remember.
“Emma. Wow. You sure have grown up.” It was the first time he’d seen her since his accident.
She smiled before giving him a hug. “If only everyone could see that.” She cut a glance towards Link before plastering on a smile. “Where is the pregnant goddess?”
Finn chuckled. “In the kitchen with all the other ladies.”
“Oh, they kicked you out, huh?” She smirked.
“Do me a favor and tell her to sit down and drink some water.”
“Okay, daddy bear.”
He laughed and shook his head as she disappeared into the kitchen.
Laughter and voices rose from the different areas in the home. Aspen and David were playing a card game with Sebastian and Steven. The ladies were all in the kitchen. Thankfully Charli was seated at the island, a cup of what seemed to be hot cocoa in front of her while she laughed with Emma and Brynn. Finn’s mother chatted away with Damon while they inspected the turkey next to the ham. All manner of savory smells drifted out of the warm kitchen.
His parents’ home was brimming with love, laughter, and holiday cheer. The difference between now and Thanksgiving was like night and day. Rather than the numbing hopelessness and anger he’d had a month ago, now he could feel the warmth of the season and the joy of having so much to celebrate and be thankful for.
“Retirement! Ha! Coming from you, that’s rich.” Solomon slapped his knee and shook his head at Zeke.
Finn leaned against the doorway to the living room, observing the men around the tree.
“I’m stepping away from the bar. I only do the books as it is now that we hired more help. Claire and I want to take a trip to the Bahamas this spring,” Zeke said, taking a sip of his whiskey.
“You should listen to Mr. Reed, Papa. Maybe you should take a trip to Ghana and see Aunty,” Link suggested before lifting the beer to his lips.
“You should be the one to go to Ghana. You need to practice your Twi.” Solomon waved his hand dismissively.
Link shrugged.
“How are you doing?” Mason asked, standing next to him.
The instinct to dismiss the question with a simple “fine” was on the tip of his tongue. Instead, he spoke the truth. “I’m okay. I just wish I hadn’t fucked up. I don’t like her staying at the house alone.”
Mason nodded. “You still seeing Dr. Cole?”
“Yeah. Once a week. Thank you, by the way, for recommending her.”
Mason took a long pull from the bottle in his hands. “Stick with it, and I’m sure it will all work out.”
“Dinner is served.” Claire’s voice came from behind them.
Finn went in search of Charli as the kitchen grew even more crowded. Everyone lined up for the buffet-style dinner.
Charli was now seated in the dining room, her drink in front of her.
