Page 34 of Milo
Callie fakes a swoon. “That’s the dream.”
“They’re out there somewhere. I know it.”
She gives me a sad smile. “I thought I had it.”
“Mommy! We’re gonna be late.”
“It’s okay, Em. They’ll wait for us,” Milo says.
“But it’srudeto be late.” She stomps her little foot and we all suppress a grin.
“You’re right, and Santa doesn’t like rude people, do they?” Milo asks.
“No he does not.”
We take Callie’s van, with Milo sitting in back chatting with Emily. Callie shakes the closer we get to the Doyle house.
“It’s okay,” I whisper. “You’ll love them.”
“I’m just nervous.”
“I was too, the first time I met the whole Doyle family. But they’re the best. Shannon asks a lot of questions, so be prepared.”
By the time we pull into the drive, Callie’s calmer. She grabs the gift basket from the back and takes Emily’s hand as we walk up to the door.
Before we get to the door, it slams open and a child, probably no older than ten, rushes out. “Milo!” She squeals as she runs into his arms. He spins her around.
“Shannon! I want you to meet Emily.” He holds his hand out to Emily.
“I love your dress!” Shannon says, and Emily twirls.
“It flies!” Emily says.
Callie visibly relaxes and chuckles as Milo introduces us all. We enter a cozy, warm house and Rory rushes to us. He helps Milo go over more introductions. Seems we’re the last to join, but no one appears annoyed, which is good.
“Come with me.” Shannon tugs Emily’s hand and away they go.
It’s an evening filled with food, laughter, and presents from Santa, even for Emily. Milo leans into me and whispers that he hoped Emily liked the coloring book.
“She loves coloring. Thank you, sweetheart.” I press a kiss to his forehead.
The only lights in the room come from the Christmas tree as Ben plays the piano in the corner and everyone softly croons Christmas carols with him. I sway with Milo at my side. Emily climbs onto the couch and cuddles against Callie. I’m glad my sister and Emily came with us. I feel properly at home surrounded by people I love and new friends I’m getting to know.
Jacob nods at me from across the room. Milo kisses my cheek when I excuse myself. Jacob leads me to an empty bedroom, but I’m not afraid. Jacob’s a good half a foot on me and covered in tats, same as me. I have to look up at him.
“You make my brother happy,” he says. “Welcome to the family.” He holds out his hand and grins. “And welcome to the Doyle family. They’ve adopted the three of you now like they have Milo and me.”
I pull him in and wrap my arms around him in a hug. Maybe it’s weird for two Daddies to hug it out, but I think he understands how much this means to me. I hadn’t thought he’d be cruel, not with how Milo talks about him. I don’t know what I thought, but he’s a big softie, just like me.
Jacob pulls away first. “Sorry I haven’t had time to meet you before now. The garages take a lot of my time and I like my employees to know I care, so I split between Louisville and here when I can.”
“It’s no problem. And you did a good job with Milo.”
Jacob gives me a lopsided smile. “That was all him. I was a damn wreck most of the time. I had this child to raise, and I didn’t know what the hell I was doing most of the time. We wereboth in therapy for a while. I think he still goes when he needs to.”
I nod. “He had a couple of sessions lately. His anxiety was upsetting him.”
“I’m glad he went. And I’m glad he has you, too.” Jacob clamps a hand on my arm. “And your family is lucky to have you, too.”
