Total pages in book: 102
Estimated words: 101758 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 509(@200wpm)___ 407(@250wpm)___ 339(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 101758 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 509(@200wpm)___ 407(@250wpm)___ 339(@300wpm)
“That’s for me?”
“Yep.”
He approaches the painting and rips the paper, and when the image is exposed, he steps back so he can take it in.
It’s the pond behind our house in the fall when all the trees are a riot of red, orange, and yellow. Moose stand at the far end, one lazily drinking the water.
And in the foreground, standing together facing the pond, is the two of us. We’re holding hands, and my head is leaning on his upper biceps.
But I’m watching him to get his reaction.
“Jesus, babe.”
He swallows thickly, and then I’m in his arms, crushed to his chest, and he’s rocking us back and forth.
“You’re so fucking talented, Ivy.”
“I’m glad you like it.”
“Like it? I fucking love it. It’s going in our bedroom.”
I nod because that’s exactly where I thought to put it too.
“Now, we have to put our Christmas jammies on and go to Tucker’s,” I tell him.
The whole family is going, and apparently it’s family tradition that everyone comes in their comfiest pajamas to eat, lounge, play games, watch football, and eat some more.
I’m kind of excited for it.
“Let’s go.”
Xander
Ivy’s laughing with Darby and Indigo in the kitchen as they set out yet more food for my huge family to graze on. It’s midafternoon, and we’ve been here quite a while, but this day won’t wind down until well after dinnertime.
We’ve always spent Christmas like this, even when I was a kid. Dad was a huge fan of pajama day, with food and games and movies, and we’ve carried that over into adulthood.
We’re not quite cheesy enough to all be wearing matching pajamas, and a Christmas pattern isn’t required.
Of course, Chad the tool is in jeans and a white button-down because he’s a killjoy and an asshole.
Honestly, I’m surprised he’s here at all.
“When do you head back to Denver,” Zack asks. We’re sitting in the living room, watching football.
“Tomorrow. I have to get back to rehab and work. How long are you here for? Headed back to LA?”
He shrugs. “I’m between movies right now, so I might stay through New Year’s.”
I nod, and when the girls laugh again, I notice that Zack’s gaze wanders over to Indie.
Interesting.
Dad was the one to invite Indie to join us today, which shouldn’t surprise anyone. And he said it only took him ten minutes to talk her into it. I’m glad that she’s feeling more at ease around us.
“I have to go,” Easton says as he stands and passes Bellie Boo to me. She immediately grins and grabs for my nose. “I have to work tonight.”
“You got the evening shift on Christmas?” Tucker asks. “Don’t you have any seniority at all?”
“My guys have families,” Easton says.
“What are we, chopped liver?” Ava demands, making me smirk. I offer my fist for a bump.
“You know what I mean,” Easton replies. “But it was fun. Merry Christmas.”
It takes him another ten minutes to make the rounds for hugs and goodbyes before he gets out the door, as if none of us will see him for a year.
A couple of hours later, after we’ve all helped tidy the house, it’s time to go home. We brought the new truck, so I climb in the passenger seat while Ivy starts the engine.
“You just like being the passenger princess,” she says, grinning at me.
“Hell yes, I do.”
“So, that’s a normal Christmas for your family?” she asks as she drives to the highway.
“For our family? Yeah, it is. Did you hate it? They’re a lot.”
She shakes her head and bites her lower lip, watching the road in the darkness.
“What’s on your mind, Red?”
“Can we do this always? Even when we have our own kids?”
I reach over for her hand. Our own kids.
Fuck, she destroys me.
“You can have anything you want, baby.”
CHAPTER FORTY-THREE
IVY
The Stanley Cup Finals
Sixteen Months Later
“I’m so freaking nervous.”
The whole Hendrix family is with me in our box at the arena, watching Xander and his team play against Dallas. He’s been back in the game since the playoffs last year, and he’s stronger than ever.
The best part? No concussions.
But I won’t speak that out loud and chance jinxing it.
“He’s doing great,” Tucker says. He’s standing beside me. I can’t sit, so Tucker’s on one side and Easton’s on the other. Zack’s nearby too. It’s like all the brothers are hovering to make sure that I’m okay, as if Xander told them to watch over me.
Which is something he would totally do.
“He’s alert, he’s healthy, and they’re kicking ass.” Easton crosses his arms over his chest.
I look up at the jumbotron and check the score. We’re ahead by two in the middle of the third period.
I may be nervous, but I’m not freaking out, which is a huge win in itself. I’ve only had brief moments of worrying about Xander forgetting me, and when I do, he’s always there to reassure me and listen to me.