He studies my face in the dim light from the TV. "None of your foster families keep in touch?"
"Nope. Most foster parents aren't exactly keen on their temporary kids."
His hand tightens around mine. "I'm sorry."
"Don't be. I made my own family." I gesture around the room. "Dysfunctional as it is."
Under the blanket, his hand moves to my thigh, his touch gentle but deliberate. "Still. Everyone deserves something good on Christmas."
"I've got something pretty good right now."Wow, that’s… honest.
His eyes meet mine, something vulnerable flickering in their depths before he masks it with a smirk. "Careful. You're starting to sound sentimental."
"Must be all the Christmas cookies. Rotting my brain."
He chuckles, his hand inching higher on my thigh in a way that's definitely not appropriate for a room full of people. Catching his wrist, I raise an eyebrow.
"Behave," I whisper.
"Make me," he says with a smirk.
Across the room, Ian catches on to us and gives a knowing grin before pointedly turning back to the movie. There's no judgment in his look. I'm still getting used to that, being seen and accepted without hiding or explaining.
As Die Hard gives way to Mixed Nuts, my contribution to the movie marathon, I find myself paying less attention to the movies and more to Caleb's head resting on my shoulder, his breathing steady and warm against my neck. His hand is still in mine, our fingers intertwined.
There's a break where some people head out and others get up to stretch. Caleb and I are here for the night, so we shift around a bit but mostly just wait for the next movie.
When Tokyo Godfathers starts playing, Haru straightens up and is suddenly animated as he provides cultural context for some of the jokes and references. Everyone pays attention, and his stiff way of acting starts to break down as he gets excited talking about his favorite parts.
"It is about finding a family where you are not expecting it," he explains during one scene, his English becoming more fluid as he relaxes. "In Japan, we say 'en' for this kind of connection, like fate bringing people together who are meant to find each other."
His words hit me hard. I've never really bought into the idea of fate, not when my life has been more about random luck and paperwork than some grand plan. But sitting here with Caleb, thinking about how we went from practically enemies to... what we are now, it makes me wonder.
"I need a break," Caleb whispers as the movie continues. "Come with me?"
Chapter 22
Emotional Edging
CALEB
We slip out while everyone's attention is on the screen, earning only a few knowing glances as we head toward the stairs. Instead of going directly to my room or his, Caleb leads me to the small study at the end of the hall, the quietest room in the house, where people go to get work done.
"You okay?" Once the door is closed behind us, it's safe to talk.
"Yeah," he says, perching on the edge of the desk. "Just needed a minute away from everyone."
"Too much Christmas spirit?"
He smiles, but it looks fake. "Something like that. I'm not looking forward to tomorrow."
I step up close and lean against the desk beside him. "When do you have to leave?"
"Early. Car's picking me up at seven." He rubs a hand over his face. "Three days of campaign events dressed up as a family Christmas. Can't wait."
"Will your brothers be there?"
"Yeah. They're better at playing along, though. Thomas is thinking about running for office himself someday, so he'sall about supporting the family brand." He says it without bitterness, just resignation.
