Everyone was smiling, Elvis Presley was singing “Here Comes Santa Claus” on the radio, and the food smelled incredible.
But she was too overcome with emotion to eat, so she pushed the food around her plate and soaked in the warmth and happiness of the family table.
It was clear that the kids were very excited to have so much extra attention. They were laughing and using such excellent table manners. It hit her suddenly that they had spent most of their lives with just their mom, and now just their dad, so family gatherings were probably a pretty big deal.
If she and Willow and Jensen were around a lot more, it was going to be a nice change for them.
“Are you okay, Hailey?” Mae asked suddenly. She was proudly wearing the Jessica Sugar Bomb belt, which she hadn’t taken off since she’d unwrapped the present from Hailey under the tree this morning.
“Oh yes,” Hailey said, smiling down at the little girl beside her. “I’m more than fine.”
“She’s in love,” Travis said wisely.
Mae giggled and then Willow joined her.
Hailey was definitely in love, and everyone around the table knew it, but she felt her cheeks heat anyway.
When she glanced up at Ransom, he was looking pretty pleased with himself.
“You’re in love too, Dad,” Travis pointed out.
“I sure am,” Ransom said, his cheeky expression broadening into a smile that filled Hailey with warmth.
After supper, they all washed up together and the kids got out a new board game to play while Ransom and Hailey gave the kitchen a last polish.
“You two should head out soon,” Jensen pointed out, joining them by the stove with Willow by his side and Henry on her hip, his little head resting in the crook of her neck. “I know you have a special delivery to make.”
“Thank you so much for staying with the kids,” Ransom said to Jensen and his sister. “And just for being here today. We appreciate it so much.”
“This was an incredible day,” Jensen said gruffly. “And you’re an incredible friend, Ransom.”
“So are you, man,” Ransom said, pulling his best friend in for a hug.
Hailey could see the slight tension in Ransom’s jaw only because she knew him so well. And his actionsmeant all the more because she knew they weren’t easy for him.
“It’s so great to see you here,” Willow murmured to Hailey as they hugged. “I hope you two will make it official soon.”
“You and Jensen too,” Hailey whispered back.
“Ransom would die,” Willow replied.
“I think you might be surprised at how much he can handle,” Hailey told her. “Besides, he loves you, and anyone can see how happy you are.”
“What are you two whispering about?” Ransom asked teasingly.
“I was wondering what everyone’s plans are for New Year’s,” Hailey said quickly.
The other three glanced at each other.
“What?” she asked.
“Want to go to a wedding?” Ransom asked her.
“Whose wedding?” she asked suspiciously.
“Captain Anderson from the center,” Ransom told her, his eyes twinkling. “He’s been talking about it for months. It’ll be loads of fun.”
“In that case, yes, please,” Hailey said. “I love weddings.”
