“Gotcha covered.” I held up a new helmet, elbow pads, and knee pads.
“Cool!” Faith exclaimed.
Faith jumped up off the floor and snatched the safety gear out of my hands. She was fucking excited, and it made me the happiest damn man on the entire planet.I was the best damn present giver ever!
“That’s kind of you, Jack.” Joy smiled as she helped Faith get the right measurement for her helmet and she glanced over at her husband. “Right, dear?”
“Yes, it’s a fine gift for our granddaughter.” My best friend agreed and peered down at the whiskey glasses I got him. “Far better than the present he got me.”
“That’s only half the gift, my friend...” I patted Gabriel’s shoulder. “I’ve got a bottle of Jack Daniel’s at my place for later with your name on it.”
“Now you’re talking.” Gabriel nodded with a grin.
“All in celebration of what I’m about to do next.” I pulled out a small jewelry box made of red velvet and kneeled down in front of Elle. “My Christmas present to the woman who holds the key to my heart.”
“Jack...” Elle whispered in shock, and a hand covered her mouth. “What are you—”
“Whoa...” Faith sighed in surprise. “Mommy? I think Jack wants tomarry you.”
Shit.I hadn’t thought this whole fucking ordeal through. I sweated balls over this decision for hours, but I thought this was the right choice. The perfect time to see if Elle...Jesus, Timber, ask her already!
“I know things are moving kinda fast, but...” I opened the box. “Would you like a key to my house?”
Elle blinked. She peered up at me, uncovered her mouth, and revealed the most beautiful smile I had ever seen. She was every fucking thing in my entire world.
“Yes, I’d love to accept a key to your home,” Elle whispered with tears in her eyes.
“Thank God it wasn’t an engagement ring.” Gabriel sighed.
“What? Why?” I exclaimed and snapped the box shut. “I’d love to marry your daughter someday.”
Gabriel raised an eyebrow. “I’d want you to get my permission first.”
“Absolutely.” I beamed and locked eyes with the love of my life. “How about next Christmas?”
I passed the velvet box with the key to my heart and home to my stunned girlfriend, and Chip barked. Elle jumped. She laughed nervously, but Faith erupted with a squeal.
“A boy is moving in down the street!” Faith exclaimed in excitement and pressed her nose up against the window. “Come see! Quick!”
Before Elle could get away, I grabbed her arm. “About the whole marry me stuff...” My voice trailed off, and I rubbed the back of my neck.
“I can’t wait until next Christmas.” Elle smiled and pecked me on the lips.
I stood there blinking, one hundred fucking percent dumbfounded.Does this mean little Elle would marry me?I’d bet all my billions on my girl becoming my wife in the near future.
I couldn’t wipe the fucking grin away as I made my way to the window frame and gazed over Faith’s shoulder. There was asoldsign up on the house next door to my sister’s, and a man threw a snowball at a boy around Faith’s age. He playfully ruffled his hair, picked him up like a damn football, and brought him inside.
Awesome!Another dude in the neighborhood who knew how to have fun.
“The house beside Sage’s sold fast.” Gabriel peered over his daughter’s shoulder. “We have a new family to welcome into the neighborhood, dear.”
“Wonderful! I’ll go bake a pie for Faith to take over.” Joy clapped her hands together in happiness. “Come help me in the kitchen, Gabe.”
“Right behind you, dear,” Gabriel called out, but he kissed his daughter and granddaughter on the cheek. “Merry Christmas, you two.”
“Right back at you, Dad.” Elle smiled.
“Merry Christmas, Gabe.” I shook my best friend’s hand, and he headed after his wife.
Elle gazed out the window, and I watched her with admiration. I was glad I hadn’t let our age difference impede my happiness. She was the woman of my dreams, and I couldn’t wait to start the rest of my life with my girls.
“Hopefully, your sister gets along with this guy,” Elle expressed with her breath fogging up the glass. “The last neighbor hightailed it off the street.”
I hugged Elle close and Faith too. “Cozy Court wouldn’t be the same without Sage or my girls.”
To be continued...
