Nolan’s brow wrinkled. “I have no idea of her ring size, but I’ll figure that out later. I’m going to be saving it for the right moment, so it might be awhile before I bring it back for sizing.”
“No worries. I’ll shine it up as well and package it up for you.”
Chapter 28
My first Christmas as a Patrick! I hum along to random holiday tunes in my head while I dress in my Christmas finest. I’m wearing my signature color of red in a knit, three-quarter sleeve tunic that falls to my hips in the front, but cascades full length in the back, almost like a long cape. My bottom half is covered in black velvet leggings and black velvet booties. In celebration of my new family, I’m wearing the Tiffany bracelet Sandy gave me. Speaking of Sandy, he related to me a few weeks ago that it’s a Patrick family tradition to exchange gifts after Christmas dinner, so everything I selected for the family is under the tree, including my gift for Nolan, since Sandy also informed me, with a wink, that he’d invited him to dinner.Gee, thanks, Dad. But, in reality, I don’t mind, since it takes the pressure off me inviting him myself and having Nolan read some deeper meaning into it than simply spending the holiday with a friend.Who am I kidding? Nolan is much more than a friend, but I’m not sure I’m ready to say that out loud. Not sure what I’m afraid of, but the fear is there.
After dinner, we’re all relaxing over coffee and brandy in what everyone calls the parlor. The house is decorated throughout in red, silver, and gold, and we’ve got a fire going even though it's a balmy fifty-eight degrees outside. I suppose white Christmases are a thing of the past for me. Nolan and I are sitting on one of the Victorian loveseats, his arm draped lazily over the back. Boots is enjoying his first holiday as well, sporting a new red collar with a bell, and playing with discarded boxes, ribbon, and paper.
Now that most of the gifts have been exchanged, I notice Sandy hasn’t passed his around yet. Apparently, there’s another tradition I’m not aware of. Sandy gives everyone in the family matching Christmas pajamas! It started out as a gag, but it stuck, and the family really seems to enjoy it. I get a warm tingly feeling inside when I receive my pj’s, and there’s even a box with Nolan’s name on it. The look on his face is priceless when he opens it and finds a one-piece suit with red-nosed reindeer all over it. It reminds me of that scene inA Christmas Storywhen Ralphie gets the pink bunny suit!
Even though Nolan’s gift from me is under the tree, he and I decide to exchange ours later. All eyes are on me now as I prepare to open my gift from Sandy. It’s in an envelope, rather than a box, so I’m assuming it’s a gift card or a check. I tear open the envelope to find a folder inside with two airline tickets. I scan the tickets for the destination and look up, confused. “Where or what is Bonaire?”
Before anyone else can speak, Barbara Jeanne squeals in delight. “Only the most beautiful place on earth! Paradise! And the location of the Patrick family Caribbean retreat.”
Elijah enlightens me. “One of the Patrick real estate holdings is a vacation villa in Bonaire, one of the Dutch Caribbean islands. You may have heard of the ABC islands, as they are popular cruise ship ports of call. Bonaire is the B in the ABC. And probably the least known of the three. No doubt you’re already familiar with Aruba and Curacao.”
I nod as Elijah continues. “The ABC islands are popular tourist destinations because the weather is always great and they lie outside of Hurricane Alley. Bonaire is actually considered by many to be one of the world's best diving destinations.”
Saundra sings its praises as well. “We’ve spent many family vacations there. The flowers and plants are beautiful and the ocean is breathtaking.”
“I’ve been dying to go back,” Barbara Jeanne says in that whiny tone she sometimes uses to get attention. “Why won’t you guys let me go down there with Morgan?”
Elijah goes into military mode. “We’ve discussed this before, Barbie doll; you know why.”
“But, Daddy! I’m twenty-five. Perfectly capable of taking care of myself,” she pouts.
At that, I give Nolan a huge, Chicago-style eye-roll, while Sandy intervenes as the good cop.
“Honey, we’ve talked about the dangers of human trafficking, especially in resort locations. It’s just too risky for you to be there without us.”
Oh, boy. I see what’s coming next a mile away. Barbara Jeanne pastes on her best smile. “I won’t be going alone. I can go with Sally.Pleeeeease, Sally.”
Sandy comes to my rescue. “Now honey, those tickets are Sally’s to use however she likes. Let her enjoy her gift and her first holiday with us.”
Nolan loops his arm around my shoulder, giving it a comforting squeeze. He must sense my anxiety level rising. “Sandy, everyone, thanks so much for inviting me today. I really enjoyed spending Christmas with you all, but I need to get going.”
The atmosphere in the room shifts and everyone seems to be ready to bring the day to an end. Nolan’s words must have triggered some southern code forokay, time to change the subject. Elijah rises and shakes Nolan’s hand. “Nice to see you again, Nolan.” He turns to Saundra and Barbara Jeanne. “Come on girls, time for us to get going as well. Let’s pack up and head home.”
I give Sandy a look, and he gets my hint right away.
“Well, I’m going to call it a night, too. Nolan, no need to run off. Stay as long as you like.”
Within a few minutes, we’re all alone except for Boots and a beautiful tree and a fire for mood lighting. Nolan takes me in his arms, and I relax against him. He speaks softly in the now quiet house. “Are you happy?”
“Yes. It’s a perfect holiday. But we have unfinished business.”
“We do? What’s that?”
“You haven’t opened my gift yet.”
“City girl, just being here with you is the best gift.”
Just when I think my feelings for this man can’t get any stronger, he proves me wrong. I break our contact, rising and pulling him over to the tree. I reach under it and grab his present, handing him the box. He sits back down on the loveseat and I snuggle up to his side as he rips off the wrapping and lifts off the lid. He pulls away the tissue paper inside and reveals the red lacy creation I picked out just for him. He looks at me with a grin.
“How did you know red is my favorite color?”
“What a coincidence,” I say saucily. “It happens to be mine, too. That’s for you to enjoy later. Perhaps when we ring in the New Year together. There’s something else in there for now.”
