Page 115 of Three Pucks and a Baby

When she pulled back to look at me, she shook her head. “I’m so, so sorry for blurting it out like that. I was just so overwhelmed at the thought that my little girl was going to be a mom.”

“While I know your heart was in the right place, it’s going to take me a little while to get over how you outed me.”

Mom tittered in mortification. “I promise you can use it against me for years to come.”

With a wink, I replied, “Don’t worry I will.”

Dad whistled, getting all of our attention. “All right then. Let’s eat before it gets cold.”

As I sat back down in my chair, my stomach rumbled with longing for my favorite turkey and stuffing combo. But one whiff of the turkey, and I was making a mad dash to the bathroom to puke.

In the end, I guess my secret would’ve come out no matter what.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE: BENNETT

As I sat wedged beside Vivian on her parents’ couch, I couldn’t remember a better time on Christmas Eve. Probably not since my grandfather had passed away when I was fifteen. After that, my mom’s siblings hadn’t gotten together as one big family again. Then two years later, my dad had thrown me out and banned me from attending our family Christmases.

If it hadn’t been for the goodness and tolerance of my mother’s sister, I would’ve been alone on Christmas for years. Although I was always welcome at her house during the holidays, it wasn’t the same as being able to go home to be with my mom and sisters.

But tonight made up for the last shitty years. After spending just a little time with Vivian’s family, I could see why she was the warm, compassionate, and empathetic person that she was. She’d been blessed with two of the best parents possible.

Her extended family was the best as well. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d laughed so much.

Of course, things had been pretty dicey for a bit when Laura outed Vivian’s pregnancy. To my surprise, everyone took it well. I knew the baby was going to be surrounded by love.

When everyone had left and it was just Vivian’s brother and his family, Laura came across the room to sit beside me. “Did Vivian tell you about our Christmas breakfast tradition?”

As Vivian tensed beside me, I replied honestly, “No, ma’am, she didn’t.”

Laura tsked. “I’m not surprised. Well, anyway, we have breakfast here at nine. Walker and his family aren’t able to come anymore because they go to Josie’s family. For the last couple of years, it’s just been Miles and I and Vivian.”

“Mom, it’s already been a big evening. I’m not sure I want to overload Bennett on my family.”

I gave Vivian a genuine smile. “I don’t mind at all.”

She blinked at me in surprise. “Are you sure?”

I nodded. “I’d love to come to breakfast.”

Laura clapped her hands together with glee. “And I’m sure you bring a hearty appetite, don’t you?”

With a laugh, I replied, “Yes, ma’am, I certainly do.”

“Oh good. We always have too many leftovers.”

Grinning, Vivian elbowed me playfully. “We’ll have to make sure you wear your stretchy pants tomorrow.”

“I have just the pair.”

As the enormous clock over the mantle dinged ten o’clock, Vivian rose off the couch. “If we’re coming back for breakfast, we better go home.”

“Why don’t you two spend the night? Then you won’t have to get up so early to come back for breakfast,” Laura suggested earnestly.

Her genuine invitation sent my chest clenching. I’d never imagined such acceptance from Vivian’s parents. Especially notafter allegedly knocking her up. But here was her mother rolling out the red carpet for me.

Desperate to chase that feeling, I blurted, “That would be amazing.”

Laura beamed. “Really? Vivian never wants to stay.”

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