Chapter 23
Reagan opened the door to her grinning brother and a blushing Alex. She wasn’t surprised when Grant threw his arms around her; he’d always been affectionate with her. He did seem extra jovial, though, and that left her wondering. She hugged Alex and ushered them past the foyer.
“Merry Christmas, everyone,” Grant called.
“Someone got lucky,” Davis said not-very-quietly.
If possible, Alex blushed darker.
Grant could not be deterred in his excitement. “Everyone, I would like to introduce you to my fiancée, Alexandra,” he said with a game-show wave of his arm in her direction.
Reagan gasped, and Luna stood from her spot on the couch. “Oh wow,” Luna said.
“That’s fantastic!” Davis said, getting up and hurrying over to hug Alex and slap Grant on the back while shaking his hand.
“What made you want to propose?” Reagan asked. She made her way over to the small group and hugged Alex again, followed by Grant.
Grant looked at Alex. “I can’t imagine my life without her.”
Her answering smile was huge. “I’m ready to spend it with you.”
“Well, congratulations,” Hudson said from the other side of the room. He took a few steps closer. “Any of us can see you’ll be happy together.”
Grant stuck out his hand, and Hudson accepted the gesture. Reagan warmed on the inside at them getting along.
“Let me see,” Reagan said to Alex, and held out her hand. Alex responded by showing her the engagement ring. It was simple, but beautiful.
“It’s exactly what I would have chosen,” Alex said. She didn’t mention that they were naked when Grant fished it out from under the bed and gave it to her.
“There’s no way anyone can top that gift,” Davis grumbled. “The rest of the presents will look paltry in comparison.”
“Well, we can always try.” Reagan winked at Grant.
“Gifts first or lunch?” Luna asked.
“I think we can eat first.” Reagan looked at Grant. “These two being late and all.”
They pulled together the folding tables and set them up in the living room. Regan and Hudson had made all the traditional foods; turkey, sides, and a few desserts. Everyone gathered around the tables and passed around the platters. They ate, they talked, and no one felt awkward for once. There was no tension, and Alex realized that this was what she had to look forward to for years to come. Hopefully, Luna and Davis would continue to join them when they were in Maryland, because Alex liked them so much.
“Did you set a date?” Hudson asked Alex.
“God, no,” she replied. “He just sprung it on me this morning. We haven’t talked about it more than that.”
“We want to live together, though,” Grant said.
“Are you going to give up the apartment?” Reagan asked, surprised.
“I might.”
“It would be weird to come visit and not be in the same space anymore,” she mused.
“It’s held a lot of memories, but we can afford something nicer together,” Grant pointed out.
“I hadn’t even thought about that,” Alex said. “There are some things we have to talk about.”
“Needs to be close to both of your jobs,” Luna pointed out.
“That would be helpful for the high school. There are so many nights when I have to go back and forth.” Alex frowned. They’d agreed to live together, but that was as far as it had gone. They would have to have an in-depth discussion about things like location.
