Page 141 of The Parkers' Handsome Holiday
"More than sure. They talked about it last night. Parker told me. Leave them be. They're adults and they'll make the right decision." He reached out and squeezed my shoulder. "Now, tell me how fucked up your insides are. You freaking out yet?"
"No. Feels like Christmas is coming early this year." I smiled and welcomed my sister in my arms as she moved close for a hug.
"Speaking of Christmas... what did you get me?" She glanced up at me and gave me a cheeky grin.
"I brought you on a ski trip. That's not enough?"
"No, and you better not forget to get me a snow globe. You know I've been collecting those my whole life." She pulled back and gave me a serious look.
"I know. I'd never forget." I turned as someone approached in a black tux.
"Morning, sir. Sorry to keep you waiting. The back room is all yours." He moved back and bowed slightly.
"What are we doing?" Parker moved up beside me as we walked to the back.
"Decorating a little for tonight. I’m proposing to Becca.”
“Wow.” Parker glanced around. “Did I miss something? I didn’t know this was set in stone.”
I smiled and ignored his question. He had to know it was coming. Hell, she had to know it was coming. “Anyway, I ordered a few things last night after Rebecca passed out. I just need you guys to help me string up the lights and put the candles out. We'll get the playlist put together and the flower petals on the floor and we'll be good to go."
Adam moved in front of us and turned to face me. "You want me to make sure the ring is sitting out here and the candles are lit tonight?"
"Sure do." I pulled the small black box from my pocket and handed it to him. "Don't lose that, man. It's more than both of our future houses put together."
He chuckled and took the box. "You can trust me. I'd never let you down."
"This is really happening, right?" Parker turned around in a slow circle as Christmas music started to play from the speakers in the ceiling.
Natalie laughed and reached out to stop him. "Why are you so surprised?"
"I don't know." His attention moved toward me. "I just never thought she would settle down. Kade McMillian did a number on her, and I kept trying to figure out how to undo it all of these years, but it wasn't mine to undo."
I stiffened as warmth blasted through the center of my chest. "It was mine."
"Agreed." He extended his hand to me. "I love that woman like she was my own sister. She's the only family I claim, and you're officially stuck with me if you have her. We're a two-fer."
I laughed and pulled the big idiot into a quick hug. "If it means getting Rebecca, I guess I'll take you too."
"All right. Enough of this man-baby stuff. Let's get busy. It's going to be time before we know it." Natalie picked up a roll of crimson silk and pointed to Adam. "Go close the door, and Parker, you help me get this on the table. Jason, you get the candles out and check the wicks."
We all stood there for a minute before busting up like a rack of pool balls that had just been hit. Parker was right.
It was really happening.
I couldn't wait.
CHAPTER 19
REBECCA
"Where are you?" I growled into the phone as it rang over and over. Jason wasn't picking up.
I tossed it on the bed and walked to the bathroom, pulling my hair into a high ponytail and deciding to walk the whole damn hotel if I had to in order to find him. I wanted to go on the sleigh ride later that night and see the lights, but we would have to get our tickets quick. They were running out of spots, or so the lady at the front desk had barked over the phone moments before.
"Forget it. I'll just get the tickets and if we don't get to go, we don't get to go." I pulled a jacket over my long-sleeve shirt and pulled on gloves before walking out into the hallway. The sounds and smells of Christmas flooded my system, and I missed my mom all of a sudden.
I went back into the hotel room and grabbed my phone and wallet before leaving again. After dialing her number, I put the phone to my ear and walked languidly to the lobby. The beautiful greens and reds that filled the resort were breathtaking, but something seemed even more brilliant that day than the others. Had they just recently added the small white lights that twinkled from every nook and cranny?
