Me?
I just got the worst Christmas present ever.
Troy’s mom walking back into our lives.
Merry fucking Christmas.
Chapter Eighteen
SUTTON
“I’m glad you could come tonight, Mom. I didn’t want you to be alone.”
Mom pats me on the arm as the two of us walk up the path toward Derek’s front door.
“Oh, shush. I would have been just fine on my own.”
“Well, it’s more me then.”
I hate when I don’t get Lydia for Christmas. It’s my favorite holiday, and even though I know she loves spending time with her dad, I miss her.
It’s hard not to miss your baby when she’s not with you.
“It’ll be nice to meet Derek’s parents.”
“I’m glad you are.”
I couldn’t hide the smile if I tried. Because I’m hoping this will be the first of many holidays all of us will spend together.
Before we even get to the porch, the front door swings open, and Troy’s happy face is there with Derek standing behind him.
“Hey, Sutton. Hi, Tammy. Merry Christmas!”
“Merry Christmas.” Mom presses a kiss to his cheek. “It’s nice to see you again, Derek.”
She’s only met Derek once, but she was instantly smittenwith him. As she said, if any man that fine can make me feel the way he does, I shouldn’t let him go.
“Merry Christmas,” I tell them, stealing a quick kiss from Derek.
“Merry Christmas, Sutton!” Troy hugs me around my legs. “Can I show you my presents?”
I pat his back as he leads me into the house. “Yes. Tell me what your favorite present is.”
“My new hockey game.” Troy lets go of my hand and runs into the living room. What look like two, small plastic hockey goals are set up in the room. Two sticks and a puck are waiting between them. “Daddy said Lydia can play with me.”
I take one of the foam sticks from him and try to shoot the puck. It misses the net and lands somewhere under the tree. Troy giggles at my failed effort.
“Hopefully she’s better than I am.”
“Daddy isn’t very good either,” Troy tells me.
“Ouch. Way to call me out, bud.” Derek ruffles his hair as he comes up to us. “Maybe take it easy on Sutton, okay?”
“Troy can teach me after dinner. How does that sound?” I ask him.
“Okay!” His eyes are bright. “I’ll go tell Grandpa he can play too!”
“You’re too good to him,” Derek whispers to me.
