Page 69 of Paradise in Progress
“What did your dad do?”
My body relaxes deeper into the couch. “He didn’t say much that I remember. He probably stood by with a scotch in his hand as he let everyone pick up the pieces.”
Her brow furrows and creates an adorable crease between them. With my thumb, I massage it away. “Don’t think too much about it. Dad was always a little distant with family functions. He was never mean about it, but he was definitely cold when it came to the holidays. Mostly just uninterested. Mom was the one to shower us with love and try to make our childhood memorable.”
The grip of her hand on mine tightens, and I glance down at our connection. She pulls herself closer to me and peppers gentle kissesalong my scruff-covered jawline. Turning my head, I kiss her, smiling across her lips. I love how she knew I didn’t need words of sympathy, just a few kisses instead.
“What about you, Firecracker? Any special Christmases?”
Her head tilts, as if she’s recalling her memories. “Honestly, there aren’t too many that stand out. Mom worked hard at always making sure each Christmas was memorable, and Dad was there leading a supporting role.”
Just when I think she’s going to let the conversation end, her eyes widen, and a glow radiates around her. “Oh my gosh, I can’t believe I almost forgot about this story!”
She turns, tucking her legs underneath her as she faces me. “It’s also a Christmas Eve one.”
“Seems like Christmas Eve is full of excitement for both of us.”
With a nod, her lips quirk. “Every Christmas Eve, Mom would prepare a nice dinner in our dining room, which she would have decorated like a magazine too.” Her eyes sparkle as she recalls the memory. “We’d be dressed up in our church clothes for the Christmas Eve service that we went to after dinner. Anyway, dinner was halfway over when either Olivia or my dad said something. I can’t remember what, but all I know is that it was something hilarious. I had just taken a big drink of milk but didn’t have a chance to swallow.”
My eyes widen in anticipation. “I spewed milk all over my plate and part of the table. My ham loaf was floating on a plate full of milk. Now every year, there’s a running joke about it every time I’m served ham.”
I can’t help but erupt in a fit of laughter as I imagine the scene she’s just described. She shrugs but laughs along with me. “There you have it, my embarrassing Christmas Eve dinner.”
“Remind me to watch my plate next time I eat with you, Firecracker.”
“Ha. Ha.” She smacks my chest, and I quickly grab her hand, pulling her closer. She lands across my front and moves until she’s in a comfortable position resting over my body. The credits of the movie play, and I reach for the remote on the armrest.
“Mind if I put football on?”
“Nope,” she says as she cuddles against me. I click through the channels until I find the Colorado Colts game, smiling at the TV as the announcers discuss the Colts’s star running back, Quinton Boyd, who happens to be married to a friend of mine.
“No promises if I’ll stay awake. Turns out, you’re pretty comfortable.” We fall into a peaceful silence with the only sound coming from the game, and I know it’s likely we’ll both be napping soon.
The warm glow of the Christmas tree flickers, a reminder that this Christmas I’m getting more than I ever thought possible. Everything I need is right here in my arms.
I love her and she loves me. I could live through thousands of Christmases and never tire of the way loving her makes me feel.
My thumb traces up and down her soft skin, and I feel her sigh, content in this moment. Glancing down, I find her already staring up at me.
Leaning down, I brush a loose strand of hair off her neck and place a gentle kiss on the flesh beneath her ear, where I can feel her pulse speed up. “I love you,” I whisper. Smiling, her eyes sparkle like the damn Christmas tree.
“I love you too.” Her words are quiet, barely above a whisper. It feels like the whole world slows, just enough for me to savor the moment of her in my arms.
This right here is the Christmas I’ll remember most. The one where I didn’t need anything but Kennedy Reed.
Chapter twenty-nine
Kennedy
“Well, if it isn’tmy long-lost office bestie. I’m surprised you remember my number.”
“It’s a good thing you’re saved in my contacts.”
Zoe laughs lightly. “But seriously, how are things going? I’m surprised I haven’t received any death notifications.”
“It’s going…surprisingly well.”
“I bet it is.” Innuendo drips from her lips, and I bite my own to keep a smile from breaking free. Thankfully, we’re on a call and not a FaceTime or my expression would have totally given away all my secrets.
