Page 81 of Saving You

Bailey’s eyes jump up to her daughter’s. “Yeah, Baby Girl, I love them.”

She sets the box aside and hugs her. I pull my phone out and snap a picture of the two of them. They both turn and look at me, and I snap another, then set it as my lock screen.

When Charlie goes back to her toys, I say, “My mom has my dad’s old record player. She doesn’t use it and said we can bring it home with us tonight after dinner.”

“You’re not real,” is all she says before returning to her position at my side.

I wrap my arm around her as we sit and watch Charlie play with her new toys.

We eventually clean everything up and head upstairs, getting changed before heading to dinner at my mom’s place. We load all the gifts for my family into the back of the truck before heading over. When we get there, Bailey insists on helping in the kitchen and Sarah wants to hang out with Charlie, so Max and I sit on the couch in the living room, each with a beer in our hands.

“You love her,” he says.

My head whips to him, and he looks at me with a shit-eating grin and chuckles.

“Never thought I’d see the day when my baby brother was head over heels for a woman, but I’ve got to say, I’m happy for you, man.”

I take a deep breath and lean my head against the back of the couch. After a minute, I lift my head and look towards Bailey through the entryway between the kitchen and living room. “I’m not sure she’s ready for the words,” I say. There’s no point in denying my feelings because he’s right. I’ve fallen for both of these girls, but I’m not sure Bailey is ready to be loved again, no matter how much I want to.

“Don’t give up on her.” Max’s voice is soft as he says it.

I look him dead in the eyes. “Never. I will never give up on her. She will always have me.” My voice is full of conviction.

He pats me on the shoulder. “Good,” he says before pushing off the couch and making his way over to his wife. He kisses the top of her head then heads into the kitchen.

“Dinner’s ready,” Mom calls from the kitchen.

Dinner is relaxed, and everyone laughs as we eat and talk. When we finish, we move into the living room for our gift exchange. Mom has completely spoiled Charlie. Bailey grips my hand as she watches Charlie unwrap everything Mom got her.

“It’s too much,” she whispers.

I kiss her temple. “Mom wouldn’t do this if she didn’t want to. Don’t worry about it,” I say.

“I thought you could keep some of these new toys here, for when you come and visit Gran,” Mom says, and Charlie nods excitedly.

Mom got Bailey a peacoat and a scarf, and brings out the record player for her. Bailey fawns over it, and it has both Mom and me smiling.

Max is looking at us like his every suspicion has been confirmed. I get up and make my way into the kitchen to grab a glass of water when Mom joins me. She jerks her head towards the stairs, and I follow her up them. She leads me into her room and makes her way into her closet before returning and handing me a small velvet box.

“Your brother wanted to buy a new one when he proposed, but I have a feeling that your Bailey will like the sentimentality of this one. Your father would have loved both her and Charlie. He’d be so happy for you,” she says.

I look down at the box in my hand and open it. Inside is my mother’s engagement ring. It’s a simple white gold band with a round stone in the centre. It’s not overly showy, but big enough to be a statement piece. It was for years. It represented my parents’ love for one another. I know Mom’s right, this is the perfect ring for Bailey when it’s time.

“I see it in your eyes,” she says softly. “The way you look at them both. I see your love and devotion for both of them. I know you’ll spend the rest of your life protecting and loving them. Your father would be so proud of the man you’ve become.”

I take a deep breath and close my eyes as I wrap my arms around my mom. There’s something about a hug from her that centres me, even at almost thirty years old.

“Thanks, Mom.”

She pats my back and pulls away. “I’m happy for you, Caleb.”

Her hand comes up, and she gives my cheek two light taps before she leaves her room. I stare at the ring for a minute before stuffing the ring box into my pocket and heading downstairs.

CHAPTER 29

Caleb

Boxing Day morning is easy and relaxing. We sleep in, eat breakfast, and cuddle on the couch while watching Christmas movies. Josh and Liv are hosting us for Boxing Day dinner, so after lunch, we load gifts into the car and drive to their place.

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