"Oh, yes," Ayla said.
"They have a great youth group here," Dad said.
We weren't members of the church, and we'd never participated in any of the youth groups, not from my parents' lack of trying. I think Mom thought it would make us less wild to be part of something that wasn't related to sports.
I gestured toward my brother, who'd worn a suit. "You haven't met my brother, the doctor in town, Lincoln, and his better half, Penny."
"It's so nice to meet you," Angela said to them, and they repeated the sentiment.
I waved a hand at Ford, Maverick, and Morgan. "And you've already met my other brothers."
Mom leaned close to Angela. "Are you coming back to the house? I was going to have a bit of food."
"Oh, we couldn't possibly intrude," Angela said.
I pretended to pout. "You rode with me though, and I want to go."
Angela paused, knowing she couldn't say no if I wanted to spend time with my family.
"Besides, Mom can give you cookies for Santa so you don't have to bake tonight." I wanted to take one thing off her list. And I knew she'd have fun at my family's house.
"I suppose we can come for a bit then," Angela said.
We made our way to the door, shaking the minister's hand on the way out and wishing her a Merry Christmas. Outside, flurries were dropping to the ground. It only added to the ambiance.
For the first time in a while, I was excited about Christmas, and it had nothing to do with a present I might get. I was too old for those anyway. I was hopeful about whatever this was between Angela and me.
After seeing her in that red teddy, I wanted to unwrap her and see what she was hiding under those clothes. I had a feeling it would be sexy with lots of satin and lace.
We got into my truck, and I drove toward my parents' house.
Angela chewed her lip. "Are you sure it's okay that we come along?"
"The more the merrier. Ford's bringing Natasha, and obviously Lincoln's with Penny."
"Yeah, but they're family. I'm just a friend."
"Friends are family at our gatherings." Besides I wanted her to be more, and I was fairly sure my mother caught onto that. But Angela was a single mom, and I had to take my time with her. Make sure we were on the same page.
My parents' house was decorated with lights and a few blowup decorations, Santa and a snowman. I helped Ayla get out, and then we walked together toward the front porch.
Inside, everyone was gathered in the living room and the kitchen. There was loud talking and laughing. It was a normal gathering for me, but I wondered what Angela thought.
Aspen pulled Angela away from me and took Ayla with her. I ended up standing next to Ford.
I braced myself for the inevitable questions I knew were coming.
"So you and Angela, huh? You're doing more than fixing her pipes?"
I ignored the innuendo. "She asked me for help getting Ayla's bike home. It didn't fit in her car. I invited her along since she didn't have any plans for the evening."
He raised a brow. "You don't have an ulterior motive?"
"And what would that be?" I asked.
He lowered his voice. "To date the single mom?"
"And if I did?" I asked, testing the waters.
