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Eric shook his head. “Those are terrible—like really, really bad. But I guess if you guys ever decide to start a family, you’ll have the dad jokes down.”
A twinge of uncertainty gripped me. A family? Kids? Up until that second, the idea had never genuinely crossed my mind.
Yet envisioning a serious mini-Mason with his deep thoughts, a young Bodhi with artistic genius, or an adventurous Liam in miniature form set my heart racing. I wasn’t ready for kids anytime soon, but perhaps, in time.
Mason squeezed my hand under the table and whispered, “Are you okay?”
Squeezing his hand back, I replied, “I’m just thinking about how happy I am.”
“Me, too,” he said.
It was then that I realized how much more relaxed Mason had become since arriving in early December. His distance from his own parents was evident, but here we were, forging a family of our own.
As the banter flew across the table, my parents were in stitches. It was heartwarming to see them so at ease with the dynamics of our unusual situation, laughing at the guys’ antics.
I couldn’t be more grateful. I was surrounded by people I loved and who loved me back in all their unique ways.
Throughout the entire holiday dinner, playful teasing never ceased. Mason tried to regale everyone with his college tales, only for Bodhi to chime in with his own version that usually made my cheeks flame. Liam’s tales of his adventures and the close calls he’d experienced made me anxious, tempting me to keep him close forever.
Each of them was so different, but together, they completed me.
The guys complimented the meal, but my mom brushed off their praise with a demure smile. “Oh, it was nothing.”
She liked having them around, and my father seemed to appreciate the vibrant energy they added to our gathering.
The meal drew to a close with delicious apple pies that Liam had made.
With our stomachs full and spirits high, it was time to tackle the aftermath—a mountain of dishes. I volunteered to wash, and Bodhi immediately offered to help dry.
The water ran, and we began our task with vigor. The gentle hum of the conversation from the dining room provided a soft backdrop.
“Today was fun,” I said, breaking the silence between us. “You seemed so comfortable with everyone.”
Bodhi offered a half-smile, his eyes distant. “It reminds me of family gatherings from when I was younger. Things changed after what my brother did.”
I placed a plate down and faced him. “Do you miss your family? Your brother?”
He sighed. “I do. A lot. Especially during the holidays.”
I took a deep breath, choosing my words carefully. “Would you consider forgiving him? In the spirit of Christmas and everything we’ve learned this past month? We’ve both realized that love isn’t always convenient or simple. Just like Eric had to accept our relationship, maybe it’s time you give your brother another chance.”
Bodhi was quiet for a long moment, and I could see the battle of emotions play across his face. “He hurt me deeply, Zo. But you’re right. It’s been years, and holding onto that grudge... it’s exhausting.”
“I know it won’t be easy,” I murmured, touching his arm. “But life is too short to hold onto anger and resentment. And think about your nephew. You’re missing out on watching him grow up.”
A heavy sigh escaped his lips. “You always know how to make me see reason, don’t you?”
I grinned. “It’s one of my many talents.”
Bodhi chuckled softly. “After we’re done here, I’ll give him a call. If Eric can accept our relationship, I should at least try to forgive my brother for his past mistakes.”
As we finished the dishes, my heart swelled. Forgiveness wasn’t about forgetting; it was about moving forward. I leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to Bodhi’s cheek.
After drying the last of the dishes and setting them neatly in the cabinet, I pulled Bodhi by the hand toward the living room. “Come on, it’s time for my annual Christmas movie pick.”
Bodhi groaned playfully. “Not another one of those Christmas romance movies with small towns and unrealistic snow?”
“Exactly one of those!” I declared with a dramatic flair, eliciting chuckles from the room.
