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Another shared laugh chorused through the room.
There was a silent moment of decision, and I finally broke the silence. “We should all be on the same page. If Zoey’s family isn’t comfortable with our... relationship, we all leave. No questions.”
Mason looked at me, his eyes intense. “Agreed.”
Liam simply nodded, taking another bite of his waffle.
“Thanks, guys,” Zoey murmured, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. “This means the world to me.”
A lightheartedness settled over the breakfast table, with Mason and Liam teasing each other about their Christmas shopping skills, or lack thereof. Mason claimed Liam wouldn’t know the difference between a designer handbag and a plastic bag, while Liam quipped that Mason’s idea of a thoughtful gift was probably an oversized teddy bear.
Zoey laughed, her melodic voice filling the room. “All right, boys, calm down. But speaking of gifts, let’s set some ground rules. No outdoing each other and driving each other bankrupt. It’s the thought that counts, remember?”
Liam grinned. “Even if Mason bought you a chocolate factory, that sort of budget wouldn’t break any of us. How about we just get you whatever we feel is right?”
“Sounds fair,” I agreed, ruffling his hair, which he promptly swatted away.
Zoey smiled at our antics. “Really, guys. I don’t want you spending a lot of money on me. I mean it. Let’s spend the next few hours apart. After I go shopping for you guys, I’ll stop and get groceries for our own little Christmas feast tomorrow. Meet back here later?”
We all nodded in agreement, the plans for the day set. The thought of spending Christmas with Zoey and the guys felt both exhilarating and terrifying, but deep down, I knew it was the right decision.
We were forging our own traditions, and I wouldn’t have had it any other way.
CHAPTER18
Zoey
Alight snowfall fell as the sun came up, and I watched the tranquil setting through the window as Mason slept next to me. I turned to him, his deep and even breaths a testimony to his peaceful slumber. I watched him for a moment, struck by the sheer tenderness I felt.
Despite wanting to remain wrapped in that tranquil cocoon for a while longer, the anticipation of our early Christmas morning gnawed at me.
Gently, I nudged Mason, urging him to wake up. “Come on,” I whispered into his ear, brushing my fingers through his tousled hair. “I can’t wait any longer.”
He groaned and blinked a few times before a lazy grin spread on his face. “Someone’s excited,” he murmured, stretching.
“I just can’t wait for you guys to open your gifts,” I replied with a teasing nudge.
We made our way downstairs, with his arm draped over my shoulders. The intoxicating aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls greeted us. Liam was already in the kitchen, pouring coffee into mugs, while Bodhi lounged on the couch, engrossed in some morning news.
“Morning, sleepyheads,” Liam greeted, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “Hope you’re ready for some holiday carbs.”
I laughed. “Always ready for your baking, Liam.” I approached the table, eager to dive into the cinnamon rolls.
However, my attention was diverted by the pile of gifts stacked neatly beneath the tree.
Liam and Bodhi exchanged glances, the former saying, “We thought you should go first, Zoey.”
“But I was so looking forward to you guys opening yours,” I protested, though the sparkle in my eyes betrayed my excitement.
“We insist.” Bodhi pointed to the array of colorfully wrapped packages.
With a playful roll of my eyes, I agreed.
The first gift was from Mason. As I unwrapped it, my eyes widened in surprise and nostalgia. It was a scrapbooking kit, complete with decorative paper, stickers, stamps, and all the tools needed. My fingers traced the items, memories flooding back.
“I remember you telling me about how you used to scrapbook with your mom,” Mason began, taking my hand. “I thought it might be a good time to start a new chapter. A scrapbook of us, the four of us, and our future together.”
Tears blurred my vision as I nodded, lost for words. The memories and the intention behind the gift pressed on my heart, making it swell with emotion. I took a shaky breath, trying to gather my thoughts and articulate the whirlwind of feelings inside me.
