Page 30 of Eggnog and Edging
“But I would have reacted the same if it was from you,” she says gingerly.
I nod, wondering how that reality would have worked out. “Yeah, but I realized I’d never be enough for you. Even if I told you that it was from me, I could never undo the connection I witnessed between the two of you and deny you that happiness.”
The silence sits uncomfortably. I fill it with, “And then your dad walked in and then we saw you in the dress and said things that infuriated you. It’s been a rough week.”
“You were my secret admirer and Cullen remains my bad boy.” She looks into the distance as if reframing what she thought was true. “Thank you.”
“I played by the rules far too long. I’m no more a bad boy than you’re a good girl.” Cullen motions for me to move closer. We both intertwine our hands with Starla’s.
I say, “I couldn't resist telling you I loved you any longer. I don't know why this year or this Christmas. I just know that I had to do it.”
I shift my gaze to Cullen. “And I’d been noticing the way you two looked at each other. I might have been worried I wasn’t the only one aware of how special you are.”
“And he was right. I was reaching a breaking point.”
Starla shifts uncomfortably. “So how will this work? I don’t think Dad will want me there anymore. Which means I have to give up the lovely kitchen suite you made me, Ryker.”
“I—wecan build you another one.”
Cullen nods in agreement. “I love you, Starla. We’ll do whatever you need to make this work.”
“I’d hate for my dad to throw his back out moving all of my stuff to the street. What do you say we go talk to him?”
Cullen stretches his neck side to side. “We’re ripping this bandaid off a lot sooner than I expected, but that’s a good thing. I don’t want to hide what I feel for you any longer.”
“Your bad boy side is showing.”
The three of us embrace for a moment, the reality of our commitment sinking in.
Starla says, “When we go back to my house, I’ll pack the essentials, and then I’d rather be away from Dad tonight. Can you two help me with that?”
I piggyback on her plan. “We’ll keep him occupied, talk things through while you pack, then we can hire professional movers to get the rest.”
She gives a coy look. “And where are we going to take my things?”
“My house,” both of us say at once.
Cullen continues, “Seriously, I have plenty of space for both of you here under my roof.”
He’s right, but I don’t give in that easily. “Let’s see if Dad murders either of us, then go from there.”
Chapter 11
Cullen
We discussed driving in one car, but want to give Starla room to bring as many things as we can get on this first trip. Courtesy coupled with atonement for my indiscretions, I suggested that she ride with Ryker.
My drive's painfully lonely while I watch their silhouettes in the car in front of me. It's funny how I can miss Starla so much already, and also Ryker.
A couple of days ago, when we were bonded as family, I didn't think we could get any tighter. But it happened. Now to convince Ross that we’re serious about each other. The good thing about not having Starla and Ryker in the car is that I have plenty of time to go over every objection Ross can throw our way.
I pull into the driveway behind them, but get out of my car first and lead the way inside.
Ross is at the wet bar in the entertainment room to the left of the front door when we enter. He must have been watching for our headlights because he’s pouring drinks. His demeanor is more of a smoldering than a raging fire. That’s better than I expected.
He’s a master bartender. It feeds off of his love of culinary skills, which means he’s not completely angry.
That's a good sign, as long as he hasn't poisoned them—that’s nothing more than a silly thought, an attempt at levity. I still trust him, even when we argue. We didn't survive this many years together without arguments.
