“Wait,” Luca says, leaning forward and looking at Ma. “If you’re not surprised, then why were you trying to set me up with Arlo?”
Mom looks as surprised as Dad at the question. She shakes her head. “I wasn’t. I thought you two would be great friends. That’s all.”
Arlo and Luca share a glance before cracking up laughing.
“So,” I say, sitting back in my chair and grabbing Luca’s hand under the table. “Anything the two of you need to share?”
Arlo bites his bottom lip, glancing at Jasper before turning away.
“About what?” Jasper asks, cool as a cucumber, like always. This man is impossibly hard to rattle, and it’s the bane of my existence.
“The two of you,” Luca cuts in, waving his hand back and forth between them.
Ma is entirely too invested in this if the rapid flipping of her eyes between Jasper and Arlo is any indication.
Arlo shakes his head slowly. “No. Nothing notable.”
I can’t be sure, but it seems like Jasper’s shoulders slump a little at that. Just the tiniest amount, like he’s disappointed.
After sharing a look with Luca, I can tell he saw it too, and by silent agreement, we decide to let it go. If there is something going on, it’s nothing that either of them wants to talk about.
The timer on the stove goes off, and Mom stands to get dinner.
She’s prepared a damn feast. Ham, mashed potatoes with homemade gravy, green beans, mac and cheese, and rolls. “Is this an early Christmas dinner?” I ask, glancing over the spread on the table when she’s got it all laid out.
“Something told me you and Luca would want a quiet Christmas morning at your own house, and I shouldn’t expect you guys to be here for dinner.”
Dad leans forward in his chair, looking at the food. “And I’m not complainin’ one bit. Thank you, honey.”
Everyone piles their plates high with food, and Dad breaks out a bottle of wine. Dinner is delicious, and the company is even better. The longer we talk, the more Arlo comes out of his shell, his eyes lighting up with excitement as he tells us stories abouthis childhood.
I’m glad that he’s finding some peace here. Something tells me he hasn’t had the easiest road. The longer he talks, the more convinced I am that Luca’s right, because Jasper can hardly pull his gaze away.
Luca laughs and smiles throughout dinner, his eyes bright with happiness and his posture relaxed. He’s home, he’s safe, and he’s loved, and that’s visible in his every interaction.
I’m so fucking glad his home and safety and love are with me.
Chapter 34
Luca
“Morning,baby.MerryChristmasEve.”
It’s always a good morning when I wake up snuggled against Austin. God, how did I go so long without him and his touch? Who knows.
I hum. “Mornin’. Merry Christmas Eve to you.”
Warm lips settle on mine, and I can’t help but smile. Snuggles and warmth and kisses are the best way to wake up.
“Did you sleep well?” Austin asks after our kiss.
“I always sleep well with you.” It’s the truth too. There isn’t a better sleep in the world than the sleep I get with him. “I need to get up and make breakfast.”
Austin laughs, and I peel my eyes open to lookat him. He’s smiling at me, brown eyes twinkling. Fuck, I love him so much. “How about I make breakfast?”
“You don’t have to,” I argue, sitting up and stretching.
“I know, but I also know that I woke up at three in the morning and you were sitting up, just typing away.”
