Page 44 of Stolen Holidays
Ditching my brothers, I rush to Callie.
“Ladies. I am sorry to interrupt, but I need a moment with my girl. Callie?” I hold out my hand.
Without hesitation, she places her hand in mine. I lift her up and lead her towards the front of the inn.
“Eli, what’s going on?” She looks at me with worry in her deep-brown eyes.
“Your next present is about to arrive any minute now.”
Callie groans. “I told you, no more presents. You’ve given me too many already.”
“Woman.” I yank her hand and capitalize on her imbalance, pulling her to my chest. She grips my biceps as I curl my arms around her back. Unable to help myself, I kiss her sweet lips. She tastes sweet and tart, like the lemonade she’s been drinking. “How many times do I have to tell you? If I want to buy you a present, I will. Okay?”
Callie bites her lip, fighting back a smile. “Whatever you say, handsome.”
“Good.”
She’s a little liar. She loves it when I give her presents.
Tires crunch gravel as my parents pull up in their rental car. Dad cuts the engine, and he steps out of the car along with my mom. Both have wide, rakish grins on their face as I lead Callie down the porch steps to the car.
“Sweet girl.” My mom rushes Callie and wraps her in a motherly hug, which Callie returns.
“Karen, it’s so good to see you. Merry Christmas.”
“Merry Christmas, Callie,” Mom returns as she squeezes Callie tight.
“Alright, break it up. It’s my turn.” My mom releases Callie with a scowl as my dad cuts in and gives Callie a bear hug, lifting her off the ground.
My heart soars, knowing that my parents adore Callie.
Callie chuckles as Dad sets her back onto the ground. “Daddy Miller. It’s so good to see you.”
My dad wiggles his eyebrows at my mom. “Hear that, angel face? She called me ‘daddy’.”
“You old coot. I swear, you’re incorrigible.” My mom scowls at him.
“And you love it.” Dad smacks a kiss on Mom’s face, making her blush. She totally loves it.
“Guys, focus. The present,” I remind them.
“Oh, yes. Sorry.” Dad rushes to the back door and waits for my order.
I cup Callie’s cheeks and turn her head so she has no choice but to look me in the eye. “This next present was too hard to wrap, so I had to get it specially delivered to you. Are you ready?”
“As I’ll ever be.” I give her one last kiss before I nudge her forward and give my dad the all-clear.
Dad opens the door, and two booted feet appear, then Diana’s head pops up over the passenger door.
Callie gasps and jumps back in surprise, clutching her chest. “Mom?”
“Hey, honey.” Diana takes a few tentative steps towards Callie, who turns to look at me in awe.
“You did this for me?” Emotion coats her voice as she tries to keep it together.
“I’d do anything for you.”
“I love you, Elijiah Miller.” On tiptoes, Callie kisses my cheek and then runs into Diana’s waiting arms. They hug and cry for what feels like hours in the driveway.
