Page 134 of Falling for the Grumpy Bad Boy

We sat in comfortable silence for a few minutes, sipping our wine and mulling over our own thoughts. It felt like we were in our own little bubble of peace.

“Dad?” I said finally.

“Hmm?”

“Thank you for believing in this project. For believing in me. I know it wasn’t easy, bringing me onto the tour when I had so little professional experience.”

“Sweetheart, you earned your place on that team. Everything that happened tonight proved that.”

“Even the part where I fell in love with the head chef and caused a media scandal?”

Dad laughed, a rich sound that carried across the patio. “Especially that part. Life’s too short not to take chances on love.”

Before I could respond, the patio door slid open and Mom appeared, wrapped in her favorite cashmere robe and carrying a steaming mug.

“Are you two having a party out here without me?” she asked, settling into the chair next to Dad.

“Just debriefing from tonight,” Dad said, reaching over to squeeze her hand.

“I watched some of the livestream from the event. You were magnificent, sweetheart.”

“Thanks, Mom.”

“Although,” Mom continued with a sly smile, “I have to say that public apology from your young man was quite something. Very romantic.”

“Mom,” I groaned.

“What? I’m just saying, if a handsome chef had declared his love for me in front of three hundred people, I would have melted into a puddle.”

“She did melt into a puddle,” Dad said with a grin. “I saw it happen.”

Before I could defend myself, Henry appeared in the doorway, drawn by the sound of laughter.

“What’s everyone talking about out here?” he asked, grabbing an empty chair. “Are you all eating pie without me?”

“We’re chatting about your sister’s love life,” Mom said cheerfully.

“Gross,” Henry said, but he was smiling. “Although I have to admit, that guy seemed pretty cool when he scared off that reporter. Very protective energy.”

I smiled. “He’s very protective.”

“He might be my brother-in-law someday,” Henry said. “I’m going to be related to the mob.”

“Okay, that’s enough,” I said, though I was laughing despite myself. “Can we please change the subject?”

“Fine,” Mom said. “Let’s talk about Christmas instead. We’re putting up the tree tomorrow morning, and I’ve already made a list of everything we need to do.”

Dad and I shared a knowing look. We’d both predicted this was coming.

“The day after Thanksgiving?” Henry asked. “Isn’t that rushing it a little?”

“Christmas starts tomorrow,” Mom said firmly. “I’ve been patient long enough. I want to make it extra special. You’ll be going to college next year and you won’t be here to help with all the fun stuff. I want this to be our last Christmas all together before you two go off and start your own lives.”

A lump formed in my throat. “Who said anything about it being my last Christmas at home?”

“Mother’s intuition,” Mom said with a soft smile. “You have that look about you. Like you’re ready to spread your wings.”

“I’ll still try to come home for Christmas,” I said quickly. “No matter where I end up.”

“I know you will, sweetheart. But it won’t be quite the same as having you here for all the preparation, all the little moments.” Mom’s voice was wistful rather than sad. “That’s okay, though. That’s how it’s supposed to work. Children grow up and build their own lives.”

“But not until after we get through this Christmas,” Dad said, raising his glass again. “To family traditions and new beginnings.”

“To family,” I said.

“To Christmas starting tomorrow,” Mom added with a grin.

“To not having to untangle those nightmare lights again,” Henry said, making us all laugh.

“To the best Christmas ever,” Dad finished.

I looked around at these three people who meant everything to me. I felt so grateful I thought my heart might overflow. I knew I was fortunate, but after tonight, I realized just how lucky I was.