“Thanks. And don’t worry about it. Life just wanted us to tell them then.”
“Well, now my brother and mom know.”
His face strains for a second. “And?”
“Both happy.”
“Good.”
I cringe at the next news I need to deliver. “But funny thing…”
Now he appears uneasy. “I’ve gotten to know you enough that when you say that, it normally isn’t funny at all.”
I hum in agreement. “You’re not wrong. However, this one there is no option. I can tell my dad by myself?—”
“No. I need to be there. It’s the right thing to do.”
My mouth gapes open, and I tip my hip out to grip. “Really? Now you want to discuss traditional options?”
He rolls his eyes before he steps back to give me room because he seems to notice something. “Yeah, I can sign your cousin’s hockey stick.”
My face wrinkles “Wha?—”
Declan, team owner, appears by my side. “Hello, you two. Didn’t expect to see you here, Gracie.”
“Just asking for a third night of Hanukkah present that she forgot,” he lies.
“Yep. That.” I click my fingers and point to Asher.
Declan draws a line with his eyes between Asher and me. There is zero belief in his face, and he sets his sights on Asher. “Well, I’m sure you can sign that gift to make oursponsor’sdaughter happy.” There is 100% warning in that tone.
“Don’t worry.”
Declan squeezes Asher’s shoulder in passing. “Great. I’m aware how much you valuethoughtfulactions.” Asher winces. “Make sure the guys and all of the team return from the break with a clear head,” he calls out as he walks away.
Asher releases a deep breath. “Fuck.”
“Let’s be honest here. We’re unraveling.” I’m dead serious.
“No shit.” He drags the back of his finger across his jaw. “What were you saying before that interruption?”
Looking away, I can’t bear to see his reaction. “You’ve been invited to Chrismukkah at my parents’.”
He sighs and chuckles bitterly to himself. “Well, hopefully Santa delivered some extra holiday cheer and kindness to your dad.”
Touching his arm, I forgot how much just touching anywhere on his body sends sensations through me. “I mean, my mom is baking his favorite Yule log dessert and that normally puts him in a good mood. I can ask her to add extra amaretto or rum to the cake this year.”
He stares at me blankly. “Please,” his reply is flippant.
If the Maccabees had their oil that lasted eight nights, then he will have my alcohol to survive these nights. See? Still in a festive spirit.
CHAPTER 12
ASHER
I’m carrying a fucking poinsettia. That’s what my world has come to as I stand outside of Gracie’s parents’ house. It’s large, on a lake, and there is an overzealous number of Christmas lights on the house that could possibly overload the Illinois power grid.
“Okay, just let me do the talking. Now isn’t the time for the man-to-man crap. Let me play into the daddy’s princess angle.” Gracie is more nervous than me as she straightens her hair and exhales deeply. “I’m an adult, yet I feel as though I might disappoint him, but then I remind myself that it’s ridiculous. Yet, here I am.”
