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And I hoped that Kiernan would take my hand and jump with me.
Kiernan
With a stunning sunset behind us, and a feast in front of us, the Carter family and crew settled in for Christmas dinner.
Rowan stood at the head of the table, with one arm around Andrew and the other with a raised glass. “I’d like to make a toast. First off, thank you all for being here over the Christmas holiday. There’s nothing more important to Andrew and me than our family, and that includes everyone here at this table.”
“Cheers to that!”
“Sláinte!”
Over the din of cheers, Rowan continued. “As everyone knows, Andrew and I met on this ship at Christmas when he came to work for me. And so, this holiday is extra special and holds many memories.”
“Especially the office upstairs,” Aiden yelled out.
Andrew laughed and shook his head. “As my husband was saying, this holiday, and everyone here, is special to us. And that’s why… that’s why—”
Andrew coughed and shook his head, his eyes watering.
Rowan smiled. “That’s why we are beyond happy to tell you all that there will be an addition to this family. Andrew and I have found a surrogate. We’re expecting a baby girl in five months!!”
Yells, cheers, and even a scream—from Rowan’s mum—rang out as everyone got up and congratulated the pair on their news.
“I knew it! I knew there was something big going on!” Rafe exclaimed. “Andrew kept tearing up and I was worried that he was suddenly allergic to Ro.”
“Never,” Andrew answered.
And yes, the tears were now freely flowing down his cheeks.
Rowan’s face too.
Looking around, everyone was teary-eyed and red-nosed. Even Aiden.
Once the excitement of the baby news settled, and all the hugs and congratulations were done, we sat down to dinner.
Chef Lisette and her wife and sous chef, Cassie, had prepared a British-American feast with prime rib, roast turkey, and the best gravy I’d ever tasted in my life.
Charlie and I got to sit side by side and even though conversation flowed all around us, it felt like we were the only two people in the room. I had a moment of melancholy, missing my mum and brother, but sharing this holiday with Charlie made it feel like I was at home.
After dinner, the group split up into fours to play cards.
Charlie and I begged off and agreed to meet up on the sun deck to exchange our presents.
I got there first, holding his gift in my damp hands. Fuck, I was sweating all over as I waited for him.
“Don’t crush my gift.”
I turned to find Charlie holding a glittery red bag.
“Another minute more and it might have happened,” I quipped.
He walked over to me and reached up, pulling me down for a languid kiss.
“Merry Christmas, baby,” he whispered.
It was the first time he’d used an endearment outside of the bedroom. It made my heart take off running and I swore it was about to fly out of my chest.
“Merry Christmas, luv,” I replied, my voice hoarse with emotion.
