Page 43 of Bear Creek Christmas
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Sunday morning
Gathered around the breakfast table, Levi wished he had a bit more time before returning home. This rushed holiday mashup celebration wasn’t ideal for several reasons, but it clearly demonstrated two things: his family loved him, and it never would have happened without Knox. The month of December promised to be brutal, and he didn’t know when he and Knox would find time to be together. Without the pressure to somehow make it back to Ohio for Christmas, he looked forward to spending the actual holiday with his man.
When they finished eating, Knox leaned over to kiss Levi’s cheek.
“Let me take care of the room and pack the car. You need a few minutes alone with your family.”
Knox left before Levi could argue and looked up to find his loved ones smiling at him. Jett broke the ice.
“So, you’re going to marry him, right? My friends are going to freak when they hear my new brother-in-law is a bear!”
While no one else was bold enough to say it that way, they all laughed as Levi turned red. Rachel raised her hand.
“I vote yes! If he gets away, I will personally hunt you down.”
Both Erin and Todd gave him a thumbs up, nodding vigorously. Peggy reached over to pat Levi’s hand and share a thought of her own.
“Your father and I just want you to be happy, and that manadoresyou. I think we all agree he’s a keeper.”
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Passing through theliving room with their bags, Knox heard Peggy’s ringing endorsement. His smug bear couldn’t have imagined any other outcome, yet their support meant an awful lot. His own family was a mess, so the prospect of joining this one promised something special. Hopefully, if Levi retained any lingering doubts about becoming his mate, the support of his loved ones would sweep them away.
As this was the last load, Knox reentered the house and came to fetch his mate.
“Everything’s in the jeep, so we’re ready to go.”
That started a hug-fest of goodbyes, thanks, and wishes for a safe trip. Ted gave them one last admonition as they opened the front door.
“Call when you get there, so your mother doesn’t worry.”
Moments later, Levi honked and waved as they headed down the street.
Chapter 13
On the ride home
After traveling south for about twenty miles, Levi merged with interstate eighty near Boston Heights, heading east. Knox quietly observed out the passenger window, taking in the unfamiliar view. Levi wondered what he could be thinking.
“You all right, love?”
Knox stirred, settling a warm hand on Levi’s thigh.
