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“The Ericksons won’t mind what he looks like. They consider him part of the family.”
“That may well be,” Isla said firmly. “ButIhave standards.”
* * *
“Sit down, son, you’re like a cat in a roomful of rocking chairs,” Chip called out to Caleb, who was pacing the kitchen floor. “Dinner’s cooking, your father’s in a good mood, and the roads are clear right down to town. They’ll be here before you know it.”
“If Lucy goes along with it,” Caleb said. “She didn’t sound very happy when she texted me earlier.”
“What did she say?” Chip inquired with great interest.
Caleb took out his phone and read the message out loud. “‘I have a few things to say to you, Caleb Erickson, but they’ll keep until I can say them to your face.’”
“Uh-oh. Sounds like she’s got her britches in a knot.”
“I dumped her whole family on her on Christmas Day.”
“I’m sure she’ll be thrilled when she gets over the shock,” Chip said comfortably. “She hasn’t turned around and sent them all packing.”
“Not yet,” Caleb muttered. “But I’m not holding my breath.”
He spotted a large SUV making its careful way down the drive. “I think they’re here.”
“I’ll give Isaiah a shout while you go out and say hello.” Chip was already on the move before Caleb could offer to change places.
He opened the front door, allowing his father’s dogs to mill out to investigate the new arrivals. He spotted Dan almost immediately and then saw Lucy. She had her arms wrapped around her chest and her head was down. She wore a fluffy blue jacket and black velvet pants that fitted her like a glove. He checked to make sure his tongue was still in his mouth and went down the steps to greet the new arrivals.
“What’s up?” Dan gave him a brotherly punch and hugged him hard. “Long time no see, dude. Are you a billionaire yet?”
“Nope, and I’m not going to be,” Caleb replied. “Way too much work.”
Dan grinned and stepped aside so his parents could greet Caleb. Even as he tried his hardest to smile and be polite, Caleb was aware of Lucy hanging back and watching him. Eventually he persuaded them all to go into the house and turned to face her.
“Hey.”
“Hey yourself.” She raised her chin. “You did this, didn’t you?”
He nodded. “I thought you needed to see your family at Christmas.”
“Why would you think that?”
“Because you made me see how important it was to see mine?” He shrugged. “And I guess I didn’t want you to be all alone at Christmas.”
She stared at him for a long time and then slowly came toward him. He wasn’t sure whether to stay or run.
“Thank you.” She wrapped her arms around him. “Thank you for everything.”
He settled her against him and kissed the top of her head. “You deserve all the good things, Lucy. You always have.”
She looked up at him. “Did you know they’re all watching us from the kitchen window?”
“I can’t say I’m surprised.” He held her gaze. “Wanna strip off and make love in the snow?”
“In front of my parents?” She shuddered. “Hell, no. How about we go on inside, smile, and say nothing? It will drive them all insane.”
She started to move, and he caught hold of her hand. “There’s something I need to tell you first.”
“Okay.”
