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We’ve had another talk about birth control and teen pregnancy. How important it is to make sure to take it at the same time every day and that she’s too young to be a grandmother. We’re not taking any unnecessary risks, but there’s always the potential that something happens.

When I had the talk with the guys, Caden said it wouldn’t matter. That if anything happened, we’d take care of any babies together. I’m still not ready to be a mother though. Maybe after college.

Luke and I have our own rhythm, our own patterns. We dry off and then get ready together. I put on Christmas pajamas. I found a pair for him and gave it to him last night. His questioning brow made Mom laugh, but I think Luke likes having a family for Christmas.

I plan on making every Christmas count for him from now on.

He pulls on a t-shirt and the pajama pants with penguins wearing Santa hats. When we head downstairs, the only light is the Christmas tree all lit up. Stacks of presents fill the space beneath it. Some will wait until later when the others are here, but I wanted Luke to be able to open at least one on Christmas morning. I’m sure my mom also got him something too.

Mom is already in the kitchen in her pajamas. She smiles and takes a sip of her coffee. “I was afraid I’d have to wake you up for presents.”

My cheeks flush, but I push past it. Luke knows to lock the door so she wouldn’t have walked in on us, but it’s still embarrassing to think about her seeing us like that. There have been a few close calls over the past few months.

“Are the cinnamon rolls almost ready?” I ask.

“Five more minutes.” Mom sets two coffee mugs on the island.

I walk over to the coffee pot and fill them up, adding a sprinkle of cinnamon and topping it with a little whipped cream. I hand Luke one, and he arches an eyebrow at me.

“Just try it.” I roll my eyes, but he pulls me into him and kisses my temple before releasing me and sipping his coffee. I love that he’s been here and safe. That I don’t have to worry about him going back to his dad’s or have to take care of him after his father hurts him.

I sit at the island and he sits next to me. While I sip my coffee, I watch my mom. Mom hasn’t exactly been single herself lately.

“So, uh, are Cameron and Eli joining us this morning?” I wiggle my eyebrows at my mom suggestively.

Mom’s cheeks pinken. “They’ll be here in about ten minutes.”

Yeah, ever since Thanksgiving, Cameron has been more of a fixture around the house. The others have speculated what might have happened over the long weekend, but Eli and I don’t participate in those conversations. It’s a little too weird.

There have been dinners and movie nights. Not that I’m complaining because that means Eli is over more. But there have even been date nights out. No sleepovers that I’m aware of, but I’m not here on the weekends usually.

And honestly, if something more did happen between them, it wouldn’t be the end of the world. Even if it did feel weird at first. Mom’s happier than I’ve seen her. And that’s more important than whether she’s dating the father of one of my guys.

Luke chuckles.

Mom arches an eyebrow at him. “What?”

“Just happy to be here. Merry Christmas, Jennifer.”

Her eyes soften. “Merry Christmas, Luke.”

The cinnamon rolls finish, and when they’re iced, the doorbell rings. I answer it, and Eli sweeps me into his arms.

“Merry Christmas, kitten.” He plants a kiss on my lips that I try not to fall into.

He sets me down next to Luke and we turn as Mom greets Cameron. He bends down and gives her a chaste kiss compared to the one Eli gave me.

“Still disturbing,” Eli whispers. I rest my head against his chest. I agree, but I’m also happy they seem happy. Mom and Cameron settle with their coffee and cinnamon rolls on the couch, snuggling close, while we open a few gifts. Just the usual. Some silly socks. Earrings.

I’m just lucky she didn’t get the guys each an economy-size box of condoms for Christmas. I checked.

Mom made sure everyone had a gift under the tree. Luke has a small pile of gift items from us.

Cameron pulls out a long, small box from his coat pocket that looks professionally wrapped and hands it to my mom. He runs a hand through his hair and smirks.

“I know it’s a little early for jewelry, but I couldn’t resist.”

Mom takes the package like she’s a little shell-shocked, but then she leans in and kisses him on the cheek. “Thank you, Cam.”