Page 78 of Off The Rush
We clink our glasses together, the sound echoing like chimes through the room. It feels like everything is falling into place, and for once, I don’t worry about the future or any lingering doubts. I’m simply present, cherishing each moment with those I love most.
As we finish our meal, Tessa glances out the window, noticing the soft snowfall blanketing the ground. She looks between me and my guys with a knowing smile.
“Hey, Tristan, want to go for a walk and check out the neighborhood? It’s so beautiful out there,” Tessa asks.
“Sure,” he agrees, pushing his chair back and standing up. “I could use some fresh air after that feast.”
“Have fun, you two,” I say, watching them bundle up in their coats and head out the door.
“Emma,” Luka starts, reaching across the table to take my hand. “We just wanted to say how happy we are that your brother came around tonight. It means the world to us that he’s giving us a chance.”
“Absolutely,” JD echoes, his eyes sincere. “We’re glad he can see how much we care about you.”
“Let’s exchange gifts,” Alec suggests, rubbing his hands together in excitement.
“Great idea!” I agree, feeling a mixture of anticipation and nerves as we gather around the small, beautifully decorated tree.
I hand JD his gift first, watching his face light up when he sees the lucky charm necklace. It’s a leather string with a four-leaf clover pendant, perfect for someone who believes in luck as much as he does.
“Emma, this is amazing,” JD says, beaming. “Thank you so much.”
“Of course!” I reply, relieved that he likes it. “I knew it was perfect for you. I thought you could use it whenever you need a little bit of luck.”
Next, JD and Luka each present me with their gifts. As I unwrap them, I find two jerseys with each of their names on the back. I can’t help but beam at the thoughtful gesture, knowing that even if it’s just for in private, these jerseys hold so much meaning.
“Thank you, guys,” I say, my voice thick with emotion. “This means the world to me.”
“Anything for you, Emma,” Luka replies softly, his gray eyes sincere.
I unwrap Alec’s gift. It’s a pair of skates. I look at him with a raised eyebrow.
“You said you can’t skate so I thought I could teach you. I couldn’t have my girl in some cheap rentals.” Alec leans in and presses a kiss to my lips.
“Oh, I want to be there,” JD says.
Luka bounces on his knees. “Me too!”
“Yes, you guys can come.” Alec punches both of them in the arm.
I hand Alec and Luka their gifts from me.
I got Luka a Dutch oven for all his cooking needs and Alec some personalized guitar picks for the guitar in his room. I’m dying to hear him play.
“And one more little thing.” I pull up the sleeve of my sweater and show them my new silver bracelet.
The three of them lean forward and see their numbers engraved: 40 for JD, 22 for Alec, and 11 for Luka.
“Fuck babe, that’s so hot,” Luka says.
“I want to support all of you and right now this is how I can do that,” I say.
All three of them pull me in for messy kisses and I’m so glad I got this.
Just then, the front door opens and Tessa and Tristan return from their walk, cheeks flushed from the cold air outside.
We gather together in front of the TV and turn on some Christmas movies.
We all decide that it’s best if we stay the night, considering we’ve all had a few drinks.
