Page 69 of Merry Little Sugar Rush
Before we can continue our conversation, chaos erupts at the door. “Merry Christmas,” my uncle Karl bellows as he enters the house, followed closely by his wife, Sheila, as well as Klint,Gretchen, Noah, and Tasha. They’re loaded down with gifts, as well as delicious smelling food for our breakfast together.
I stand up and help take boxes and gift bags, delivering them to the tree while everyone removes their boots and coats. I’m pulled into a tight hug from my aunt Sheila, as well as from Klint’s wife, Gretchen. My youngest cousin, Tasha, walks over and gives me a fist bump, while little Noah runs over to my leg and gives me a hug and toothy grin, and yells, “Merry Christmas!”
This is home. This is family. Yes, I miss my parents. They should be here, celebrating with everyone else. Maybe someday they’ll get to that point again. I truly hope it happens.
As the noise level increases and everyone gives Gramps a little extra attention, I catch movement out of the corner of my eye. I lift my arm and pull my Gram against my side. Her familiar arms wrap around my waist as she rests her head against my chest. “I’m so glad you’re here, Burk.” There are tears in her eyes as she looks up at me.
“Me too,” I assure her, feeling my own eyes burn with emotion.
“You’re always welcome here. Always.”
I give her a smile and press a kiss to her forehead. “I know.”
“Good. Now, I’m going to say something else I think you need to hear. I know I’m probably overstepping my bounds, but I think it’s important.” She levels me with a gaze full of love as she says, “If you love her, make sure she knows. Even if you return home afterward as planned, don’t let the words go unsaid. They’re too important, too meaningful not to say them.”
My throat closes and I find it hard to draw air into my lungs. “I will.”
She nods. “Good, because that woman deserves to feel your love and hear you say the words.”
“I promise I’ll tell her.” There’s sadness in my voice.
She cups my cheek with her hand and offers her own sad smile. “One day at a time, Burk. That’s all you can do. And maybe, someday down the road, the day will come when you return to Snowflake Falls. Return to her. But even if that day doesn’t come, she’ll be okay. You will be too. Because love doesn’t just die when you leave someone. It’s always there, deep inside you. Your heart just continues to grow and make room for more love. It’s one of the most beautiful, yet painful parts of life.”
I know she’s talking about more than just me and Joy. She lost her son, daughter-in-law, and grandson the day my family’s pride ripped through us. Like a photograph, it was torn in two, separating us into two sides. Gram kept in touch with my dad, mom, and me the best she could, but it was difficult. There was still tension, and it was felt by everyone.
“You’re a very wise woman, you know that?” I state, needing to lighten the mood a little.
She giggles and grins. “I do know that. I like to remind your grandfather of that point on many occasions.”
I bark out a laugh. “As you should.”
She keeps her arm wrapped around my waist as she pulls me toward the kitchen, where my family is gathered. “Come on, let’s eat.”
I pullopen the heavy wooden door and step inside the small chapel. What I see when I enter is nothing short of beautiful. The old stone fireplace straight ahead is glowing with warmth andthere are a combination of white twinkle lights and fresh flowers everywhere. The room feels like Christmas, mixed with elegance and love, and I’m honored to be included.
Movement catches out of the corner of my eye and I look to my right. When I do, my heart stops beating. My jaw drops and I struggle to do something as simple as breathing. The most exquisite creature in the world is standing there, smiling.
“Hi.”
I run my hand over my mouth and try to catch my bearings. “Hello,” I reply, taking a few steps toward her. “You look…wow.”
Joy smiles, her deep-red lipstick the same color as the dress she’s wearing. “You look very handsome,” she states, taking in my dark denim jeans, black button-down dress shirt, and deep red tie. Funny I chose this tie from Gramps’s closet without knowing what color dress Joy would be wearing. She steps forward and grabs the silk tie, gently running her fingers down the material. “Doesn’t it look magnificent?” she asks, turning her gaze to the small chapel.
My eyes, however, stay glued to her. “Breathtaking.”
As if feeling my eyes on her, she glances my way and smiles. “I was talking about the church.”
“I know, and I was talking about you.”
“Burk!”
Before I can take Joy into my arms and smear that red lipstick all over my face, we’re interrupted by Joy’s dad, Ray. “Good to see you, sir,” I greet, extending my hand for a shake.
“Hey, hey, now none of that, remember?” I nod. “Good. Glad you could come tonight. How’s your grandpa doing?”
“Very well, thank you. He’s happy to be back home,” I confirm, noticing that Joy shifts to standing directly beside me. Without taking my gaze off her dad, I reach down and slip my fingers around hers.
“I’m sure he is. Cindy and I plan to stop by tomorrow for a quick visit,” he says with a jovial smile.
