Dad already bought us a condo. Something I was opposed to, but he wouldn’t take no for an answer. And him and Tom offered Adam a job with a generous salary and benefits so I understand why Adam couldn’t accept anything else.
He’s a proud man, and I’ll never criticize him for that.
He enrolled in a local community college, and he’s taking some business classes, hoping he can assume running the business side of Dad and Tom’s company, as they would much rather focus on the coaching and consultancy side of the business. Adam is up for the challenge and looking forward to it.
The door chimes again and this time Dad leaves his grilling station to welcome the last of our guests.
Sam and his new girlfriend Marie, and Carter and Rachel step outside with matching smiles. Phoebe rushes to Sam, jumping into his arms. He loves her every bit as much as Adam and I do, and she worships the ground he walks on. Honestly, he can do no wrong in her eyes.
“Hey, hoss.” Carter slaps Adam on the back as Rachel leans in to hug me.
“How was the trip?” I ask.
“Not too bad,” Rachel admits as Tom wanders off to rustle up more cocktails. “I thought the traffic would be crazier with the holidays approaching, but it wasn’t.”
Carter pulls her into his chest. “We left at the right time is all.”
“I saw highlights from the game last weekend,” Adam says to his buddy. “You fucking nailed it, dude.”
Carter shrugs casually. “It’s still not the same without you.”
“I miss you guys too,” Adam admits, “but I’m loving my job and classes, and I have the girl of my dreams sleeping in my arms every night, so I’m good. And I’ve been talking to the football coach at the local university about possibly joining the team next year. His son comes in for coaching.”
Carter’s eyes light up. “That’s awesome.”
“It’s a lower division school, smaller program,” Adam says. “But it’s still football.”
I snuggle into Adam’s side, stretching up to kiss him. Honestly, he’s the most romantic man I’ve ever met. Not a day goes by when he doesn’t tell me he loves me or show me in some way. I constantly pinch myself because some days I can’t believe this is my life.
It hasn’t been all plain sailing. I’ve had some hard days. Stressful times when I’ve wanted to turn to drugs so badly, but I haven’t succumbed because I have a great support system and a wonderful life that is not worth risking.
I hug Sam and Marie next. “Thanks for coming. We hate that we don’t get to see that much of you anymore.” Sam is in his senior year at CU, and Marie just started junior year, same as me. We’re all busy so we don’t get to meet up as much as we’d like.
“We’re hanging around for a few days before heading to my parents’ place for Christmas,” Sam says, clapping Adam on the back.
“Cool,” Adam says. “You can come to ours tomorrow night for dinner. Emily makes some mean ribs, and her shrimp salad is to die for.”
“Food is just ready,” Dad shouts. “Grab a seat.”
Tom and Adam push the two picnic tables together while I help Dad put the grilled meats on two platters, carrying it over to the tables alongside the salads and breads we prepared earlier.
Conversation flows naturally around the table, and the cocktails are in plentiful supply. Hours pass, and we remain outside, chatting and laughing, even as daylight turns to nightfall. Megan and Phoebe leave first when Phoebe’s eyelids grow droopy, and it’s clear she needs her bed.
We wave Sam and Marie and Carter and Rachel off before helping Dad and Tom clear the dishes. They offer to let us stay, and I’m down with it, but Adam insists we leave, promising we’ll stay over Christmas night instead.
When we return to our condo, Adam surprises me by tugging me out onto the beach instead of going inside. I don’t fight him on it. I’m happy to follow him wherever he wants me to go.
The beach is deserted at this hour of night, and we plonk down on the sand on our favorite spot, wrapping our arms around one another as we stare out at the sea. The water is placid, lapping gently at the shore a few feet away. A balmy breeze tosses strands of my hair around my face as a contented sigh leaves my lips.
“Everything okay, baby?” Adam queries, tucking me in closer to his side.
“Everything is just peachy.” I look up at him. “I love you, Adam.”
He kisses the tip of my nose. “I love you too, Emily. So fucking much.”
He delves into the pocket of his jeans, producing a small black box. My eyes startle in surprise. “It’s not what you think it is,” he says, popping the lid. I stare at the small emerald ring in awe. “And I didn’t want to give this to you on Christmas Day and have everyone rush to assumptions.” He removes the ring, sliding it on my index finger. It’s a perfect fit, but that doesn’t surprise me, because Adam is so thoughtful and I’m sure he grabbed one of my rings to get the right measurement.
He pulls me onto his lap. “Because the day I propose will be a very special day with no expense or thought spared.”
