Page 164 of Beyond Protection
My throat tightened. "Yeah. That's what this is."
Someone suggested a movie. Ma announcedIt's a Wonderful Life. No one argued.
They dimmed the lights. I shifted so Eamon could lean against me. His weight was warm and solid.
I didn't watch the movie. I watched my family.
Marcus sat close to Ma's chair with James seated on his other side. Michael on the floor, Alex's fingers in his hair. Matthew and Dorian pressed close. Miles and Rowan by the tree.
Claire in the corner chair. Shoes off. Feet tucked under her.
Everyone home.
"You're not watching," Eamon murmured.
"I'm watching something better."
The movie ended.
Ma stood first. "It's almost midnight."
"Already?" Matthew stretched.
Ma checked the mantle clock. "Everyone outside. We're doing this right."
"Doing what?" Rowan asked.
"Midnight. Family tradition." Ma pointed at the door. "Coats. Move."
Cold slammed into us. Wet, bone-deep. The whole family crowded onto Ma's small porch—fifteen people in a space for four.
Eamon stood beside me, gripping the railing. I stayed close, providing a windbreak.
Church bells started from the east. St. James, then the downtown cathedral, and then others joining in across the city. Layer after layer of sound, like the whole city was singing.
"Merry Christmas, everyone!" Ma's voice cut through.
Everyone started talking at once. Ma grabbed my face and kissed my forehead.
"Merry Christmas, sweetheart."
She moved to Eamon. Hugged him carefully.
Miles clapped his good shoulder. "Welcome home."
We all filtered back inside, stamping the snow off our feet at the door.
I caught Eamon's elbow. "One minute."
Everyone else was inside, and the door closed behind them.
Eamon leaned on the railing.
"I thought I was here to protect you," he said quietly.
"You did."
"But you saved me right back." He looked toward the window. Inside, someone gestured wildly. "You and your family. This whole loud, messy, perfect family that decided I belonged before I believed it myself."
