Page 103 of Falling for You

He chuckles. “No, like she wanted me to stay around for dessert, and by dessert I mean…”

“Okay! I’ll just set this on the table, too,” Olivia suggests, interrupting whatever Paul was about to say while nudging Ethan forward. He has a canvas bag in his hand that I know holds some rolls and a dessert for later. Chloe told Paul not to bring anything and even though he protested, she won out.

Earlier today, she stressed over the perfect table setting. A red table cloth and some arrangement that had greenery and candles. Then she took it all away, afraid she was trying too hard. I made her put it all back, complimenting on how pretty it looked.

Between finding out that she’s pregnant and preparing for a holiday dinner with her new family, I’m surprised she hasn’t had a breakdown.

“Good. Yes. Do that.” She’s nodding her head like a bobble head. “I mean, thanks.”

I step over to Chloe, lean down and whisper, “Relax, gorgeous.” She melts into me and looks into my eyes.

“I’m nervous.”

“You don’t say?” I tease to which she elbows me in the gut. I chuckle then grab the carving knife off the counter. “Paul. Since you’re the old guy here, wanna do the honors?” I ask, pointing to the large prime rib.

“Between him being a little shit and you being a punk, I think these ladies deserve a medal.”

“I’d like to thank the Academy,” Olivia starts then she and Chloe fall over into a fit of giggles.

Chloe might have been nervous as a whore in church when they arrived, but a few jokes and teasing and she’s relaxed.

I place the meat at the head of the table and Paul stands in front of it while we finish placing the rest of the dishes around the table.

Once we’re seated, Chloe clears her throat. “Before we begin, can I say something? I know I’ve already apologized, but having you all here, I feel unworthy. When Mom died, this is what she wanted for me. To open myself up to family. And, well, love,” she says reaching over to hold my hand. “Thank you, all of you, for allowing me this. I’m well, grateful.”

Ethan stands up and moves around the table, pulling her into his arms.

“Merry Christmas, Chloe.”

“Merry Christmas, Uncle Ethan.” I almost choke on the water I was just drinking.

“Thanks.”

He sits down at the table and places his napkin on his lap. Looks around at everyone staring at him.

“What?”

“Ethan?”

Chloe’s lips are pressed together so tightly, the skin is turning white.

“What? Do you want me to say grace?”

Olivia looks at her husband like he’s an idiot. “Did you hear Chloe?”

“Yeah?”

Paul grumbles. “Boy. Think about what Chloe said.”

“Merry Christmas?”

“No. The other thing.”

We all watch as he finally gets a clue. He stands up quickly, his chair falling back and landing against the tile with a loud thwack.

“Uncle?!”

Chloe nods, my emotional girl’s eyes flooding with tears again.

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