Page 265 of The Parkers' Handsome Holiday
“That you love me.”
I smiled, looking deep into those glowing golden eyes. “I love you, Emma, and I always will.”
The kiss she gave me was so sweet that I thought I’d died and gone to heaven. But it was even better than that because we were still here on Earth, with a whole lifetime to spend together.
EPILOGUE
EMMA
I couldn’t remember a happier Christmas Day. I’d spent the last several hours in the kitchen, baking and slicing and preparing a wonderful family dinner. My guys had spent the day enjoying each other’s company and staying out of my way, which was much appreciated.
I’d snuck out of Jack’s bed in the wee hours of the morning to get back before Dad noticed me being gone. We hadn’t told my father and brother about our relationship yet. It had only been a week or so, and we hadn’t wanted anything to puncture the perfect bubble we’d built around ourselves.
Loving Jack was so effortless. He was kind, strong, and funny. He knew how to make me smile, and when he touched me, I thought I would burst into flames. The way he looked at me, with such longing, could make me wet. Jack was extraordinary, and I was overjoyed that he was all mine.
I pulled the turkey out of the oven and then concentrated on the sides. Jack snuck into the kitchen and came up behind me, kissing my neck. “Need any help, sweetheart?” he asked. I told him that it was time to set the table, and if he was willing to help, I’d appreciate it.
We carried out the plates and silverware, setting the dining room table, then returned to the kitchen for the food. Matt wandered in, and I slapped his hand away before he could plunge it into the mashed potatoes. “Get out of here, you animal,” I yelled. “And on your way out, put the green beans on the table.”
“Yes boss,” he grumbled, then picked up the green beans, stopping to grab one and pop it into his mouth.
I rolled my eyes, then caught Jack’s glance. He was smiling, and I couldn’t help but laugh. I was so filled with joy, to be spending the holiday with my family and the man I loved. Even if our relationship was a secret, I was still blessed to have him at the same table as my guys.
When we’d all settled in, Dad led us in grace. Then Matt started digging in, filling his plate to overflowing. Dad asked if he was planning on going on a hunger strike or something, and I laughed. Matt always ate like it was his last meal.
We talked about the day, my brother complaining because I’d made them watch the same Christmas movies I made them watch every year. Jack jumped to my defense, saying that Christmas traditions come in all shapes and sizes.
Matt laughed, then told a story of the tradition Delta Force had on Christmas when Jack and he were still in the service. It had involved a camel spider in someone’s stocking, and it sounded like a horrible way to wake up on Christmas morning to me.
Then Dad had chimed in about the Christmas he’d spent in South America and how half of his unit had had the beginning stages of jungle rot due to inferior footwear. They’d re-written the lyrics to ‘Jingle Bells’ for the occasion.
Dad sang it now, his deep voice croaking and out of tune. “Jingle bells, your foot smells, it might rot off today! If we don’t get new boots then Santa brings new foots!”
“Dad, that’s a terrible song,” I said, making a face. The guys started to laugh and I joined them, enjoying the feeling of closeness, of having all the people I loved around me on a special day.
The conversation continued until we’d all had our fill of the food. I received many compliments on my cooking and I appreciated each one, although I wasn’t looking forward to the mountain of dishes I would have to clean up after dinner.
In the quiet lull, Jack tapped his glass with his knife. We all turned and he stood up, holding out his glass.
“I can’t thank you all enough for welcoming me into your home. You’ve always been kind to me, and I appreciate it more than you’ll ever know.”
Jack’s gaze met mine and I stiffened, anxious about what he might say. He was looking at me with such love in his eyes that I was worried he’d give us away. I didn’t want my Dad and brother to drive him away like every other boyfriend I’d had. I wouldn’t be able to stand it if they didn’t approve of our being together.
“I hope that you will continue to show me such acceptance after I say my piece today.” Jack took a deep breath, then turned his attention to my father. “You have raised two wonderful children. Matt is my best friend, and we’ve been to Hell and back together. He’s always had my back, and I’ll always have his.”
Dad smiled, nodding his head. So far, so good, I thought.
“Your daughter Emma is the kindest, gentlest, sweetest woman I’ve ever met. She’s smart, capable, and really a wonderful woman.”
My eyes started to fill with unshed tears. Jack was really too sweet. I expected him to stop then, but he didn’t sit down. Instead, he continued.
“In the time I’ve spent with your daughter, we’ve grown closer. I know it’s bad form to fall for the boss’s daughter, and to make a move on your best friend’s sister, but I couldn’t help myself. Emma is just too beautiful, too perfect to resist.”
My eyes widened, and my glance shot to Dad and Matt. They wore twin expressions of stony astonishment.
“I promise to treat her with respect and to keep her safe. I will try my best to fulfil her every wish, and to cherish her forever. I hope that you will give us your blessing.”
I held my breath, my eyes fastened on my father’s face. Dad looked stern for a moment, and I was worried that he wouldn’t accept Jack. It would be every other boyfriend all over again. I couldn’t take that, not with Jack. I loved him more than I’d ever loved anyone, and if Dad and Matt couldn’t accept it, then they could go climb a Christmas tree.
