“Probably.” Eli holds his cup of eggnog out for me to tap.
We sip and watch Rylann count Rhys’s bows and let him pick out a prize for beating Cameron. I internally roll my eyes, thinking about my big baby who hates to lose.
I glance his way to find him fake sulking so Talia pays him attention. Cheeky bastard.
“But seriously, how are you?” Eli asks again.
“I’m wonderful, kiddo. I’ve got everything a man can dream of.”
“Me too.” I don’t think he realizes he’s grinning as he stares at Callie.
She’s with her mom on the other side of the room, laughing and talking to my other daughter-in-law, Emery, and Emery’s brother, Christopher, while Mason stands close by. He’s so protective of her and their baby. My nose itches again as pride fills my lungs with each inhale.
“Are you nervous about tomorrow? Is everything all set?” I ask with a change of subject. I’m excited for Eli and this next step in his journey. His Christmas proposal and surprise wedding are going to knock Callie on her ass.
“Not nervous, just really fucking excited, Pop. Emery and the inn owners have decorated the barn, and they’ve assured me everything is ready to go. All I need to do is get down on one knee and make her mine.”
The excitement and joy in his voice make my heart swell, growing too big for my chest. “It’s going to be one hell of a Christmas.”
“It really is.”
After a game of White Elephant, where everyone gets a little out of hand stealing gifts, we sit down for dinner. Karen and Rylann’s mother, Rita, who we have grown close too over the last couple of years, commandeered the kitchen and cooked us all a mighty feast. There’s ham, tamales, a wide variety of side salads and vegetables, turkey, and of course, loads of desserts.
As everyone takes a seat around the table, I stand.
“If I could get everyone’s attention for a few minutes.” The room quiets, and I take a deep breath. “I just wanted to thank you all for being here. We Millers take the holidays pretty seriously, and I couldn’t ask for better people to celebrate the holidays with.” I turn to Eli. “Son, you outdid yourself planning this trip. I speak for everyone when I say thank you. Despite the crazy emu, we’ve all been having a great time.”
The group laughs at my joke as Callie grins with a nod and kisses my son on the cheek. “Best Christmas ever.”
Eli clears the emotion from his throat before answering, “You’re welcome. All of you. And thank you for helping me make this Christmas extra special for my girl.” Callie blushes as Eli wraps his arm around her shoulder and brings her in for a kiss.
Ignoring them, I continue. “I’m also grateful to have the Prices present.” I nod towards Rylann’s parents, Ryan and Rita, who lift their glasses in thanks. I turn to Emery’s brother, who has become another extension of our growing family. “Chris, it wouldn’t be a celebration without you.”
“You got that right.” He winks at me and lifts his glass to a round of “hear, hear”.
“And of course, Diana. Thank you for taking a chance and joining me and Karen up here. We are lucky to have you and your amazing daughter here with us. Welcome to the family.”
Callie wraps her mom in a tight hug as unshed tears cloud both their eyes. My chest fills with warmth at the sight. They’ve been through the wringer.
“Boys, you all have turned into some really fu—”
“Grandpop,” Rhys scolds, stopping me from dropping an F-bomb.
“Freaking. Is that okay, kiddo?” He nods in approval. “As I was saying… You’ve all turned into great freaking men. I couldn’t be prouder of you all for working hard to be successful in both your professional and personal lives. And especially for finding good, strong women who put up with your stubborn a—Butts. Rhys, Riah, Remy, and baby Miller, you kids are my heart. I love you all so much. I would love to say our family is complete, but I have a feeling you all might have other plans, so I’ll say complete for now.”
“Damn right,” Jace grunts as Rylann shakes her head.
“And finally, to my girl: Karen, my love, you are my heart and soul. Without you, this”—I point to everyone around the table—“never would have happened. You’retoo good for me, and I hope I’m doing a good job showing you just how lucky and grateful I am that you chose me. Love you, sweetheart.” I lean down and kiss the top of her head. Her sweet floral scent reminds me of our younger days. Of home.
“Love you, Marky.”
Pretty sure my cheeks heat from hearing her call me that nickname in front of everyone. She usually reserves that for the bedroom.
“Alright, enough of this gooey show of emotion. Here’s to us!” I raise my glass and everyone mimics.
“To us!”
I take the seat beside my wife. She pats my thigh and flashes me the bright smile that won me over all those years ago. Leaning in,