Page 42 of A Gingerbread Romance

Jonathan squeezed Greta’s hand. “I’ll be back in a few minutes, okay?”

“Of course. No problem,” she said casually. He leaned over and kissed her cheek.

“What am I, chopped liver?” said Luke to the boys with an exaggerated flair, falling in behind. “I want to see the planes.”

Jonathan looked back to check on Greta and caught her eye. She smiled. What a great Christmas this was turning out to be.

THIRTEEN

Hours later, Greta smiled, enjoying the scent of the burning logs in the fireplace and the pine wreaths in the windows. Jonathan held her close, his arm draped over her shoulders as they sat on the sofa after dinner, enjoying the good-natured banter and caroling in the living room.

Ever since she’d been a child, opening presents on Christmas morning with her grandmother, Greta had always longed to celebrate the holidays with a big family. Aunts, uncles, cousins, siblings, parents, little ones.

Now and then, over the years, while her grandfather had still been alive, she’d spent a holiday with a friend’s family—Abby’s in particular—or a boyfriend’s family, because she wouldn’t have dreamed of leaving her grandmother alone.

So, she knew the joy that a warm gathering could bring, just like in the movies or the front of a Christmas card. But she thought those times were all behind her, at least until she had children of her own.

She glanced around the living room at the massive fir tree, adorned with glistening ornaments and strings of multi-colored lights. They’d all returned here after the meal, enjoying the sounds of conversation as it mingled with the Christmas carols that Ethan played on the piano.

Good food, good company, and the man she’d fallen in love with by her side. Nothing could make her happier. She laughed as Luke joined Chloe’s parents and Rhonnie, loudly harmonizing in a rather botched rendition ofThe Little Drummer Boy,while James played a makeshift set of drums on the wooden end table.

Jean would love this group, too. They’d spoken this evening after work, before Jonathan picked her up, and Jean said she couldn’t believe how beautiful San Antonio, Texas, was. No snow, of course, but bright with colorful lights everywhere.

She’d visited the Alamo yesterday and was having dinner on the Riverwalk this evening with the group of seniors she was traveling with. They were all planning to dress in their Sunday best for Christmas Eve.

They were even taking a river cruise afterwards. She’d be back in a few weeks, but she sounded like she’d been having the time of her life. Greta was so happy the trip had turned out the way she’d hoped.

Jonathan tugged her closer to him where they sat on the sofa. He looked so handsome tonight in a forest green woolen sweater and a pair of gray cargo pants. “I’m so glad you came here with me tonight.” He offered her a quick kiss on the lips.

She met his attentive gaze. “So am I.”

Jocelyn returned to the room, passing around a plate of goodies before the pies were sliced. Besides the sugar cookies that Trista and the twins had baked themselves, Greta had brought several dozen of her gingerbread cookies from the bakery, along with the bottle of wine and a poinsettia she’d offered Jocelyn as a hostess gift. They were delicious, if she might say so, herself.

She’d enjoyed telling them all at dinner how a local family with three small children—very loyal customers of the store—had won the gingerbread house giveaway. Greta had delivered it today and had been thrilled at the children’s excitement when their parents had set it up on their dining room buffet.

Greta smiled as Ethan finished playing the song, and Trista stood up, asking Ethan to hold off before playing the next song. “Hey everyone, listen up. Our lovely hosts have an announcement.”

Jocelyn and Wade stood up as Trista returned to her seat and the twins hurried to her side and plopped themselves on the carpet.

“So, hey, all,” Wade began, “thanks for coming tonight and for sharing this Christmas Eve with us. It means so much to us to have you here.” Jocelyn smiled gratefully at everyone as he spoke. “And we have an announcement, like my lovely sister-in-law said.” He clapped his hands together and looked to his beautiful wife. “You want to tell them, Joss?”

Jocelyn smiled and nodded. “Sure.” She wrung her hands together, and with a nervous look around the room, she smiled brightly, placing a hand over her middle. “We wanted to tell you all at the same time—Wade and I are going to have a baby!”

The room burst into excited chatter.

“You are?” said Trista, jumping up to give Jocelyn a hug.

Jonathan squeezed Greta’s shoulders with a grin, then jumped up to congratulate the happy couple. He hugged his brother and then Jocelyn.

“When are you due?” Aunt Linda asked with excitement.

“June!” said Jocelyn. “I’m three months along.”

“I’m going to be a grandpa?” Ivan exclaimed, wrapping his arms around his daughter and then around Wade.

Greta offered her a warm congratulations after the others had all gotten their warm hugs and kind words in.

“Thank you, all, so much,” Jocelyn said.

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