The snow is coming down a little harder as we all climb into the truck.
Cody’s parents have the big house all decked out with lights and garland. A wooden nativity scene is in the flower bed next to an inflatable snowman.
My nerves tangle more as we reach the front door. They’re all going to be so excited to hear about the engagement.
Cody pushes the door open but lets me step inside first. I hear classic country Christmas music coming from somewhere and conversation filling the empty spaces. It also smells like bacon, cinnamon, and butter.
“Merry Christmas,” Cody calls out, Emma in one arm, diaper bag in the other.
“Merry Christmas!” Maureen replies, rinsing her hands at the sink before embracing all of us.
I glance at all the food on the table—French toast, biscuits, ham, sausage, cinnamon rolls, grits, fruit, two kinds of eggs…it looks amazing.
Addison’s over by the tree, doing something with the presents. Leonard’s got a Santa hat on as he fills a pitcher of water at the sink. I hear Jesse and Ella in the dining room setting the table.
Everyone’s here except Mason.
I don’t mention the ring because Cody suggested waiting for everyone to be in the same room when we announce it. So, for now, I try to hide my left hand and help as best I can until we sit down.
The front door opens just as we all get settled in at the table.
“Sorry. I’m here,” Mason calls from the entryway.
“All good, we’re just sitting down!” Maureen hollers back.
“Hurry up, food’s gonna get cold,” Cody grumbles, making everyone laugh, but I nudge him.
Then Mason rounds the corner. With a girl.
She’s got long, wavy blonde hair, rosy cheeks, a pretty smile, and bright blue eyes. Mason’s holding her hand but none of us have ever seen her before.
“Oh,” Jesse says, turning in his chair more.
“This is Megan.” Mason gestures toward her.
“Hi.” She waves shyly.
“Welcome. Merry Christmas! Let me get another chair. Wesley, can you scoot down?” Maureen says and quickly shuffles to the kitchen.
Addison speaks next. “Didn’t know you were bringing someone.”
“I didn’t know hehadsomeone,” Jesse mutters, just loud enough for Ella to jab him in the ribs.
Cody stays quiet, surprisingly, which tells me…he knew about this girl? He didn’t say anything to me, though. Which is fine.
Maureen comes back with a place setting and Leonard grabs the extra chair from the corner of the room.
“Here, sweetheart, take a seat. We’re happy to have you, even if it’s last-minute!” Maureen exclaims, setting the place setting just so.
Mason’s hand hovers over the small of Megan’s back as she sits.
“I told Mason he should tell you I was coming, but he wanted to surprise everyone,” she says, leaning into Mason, pressing her fingers to his cheek. He smirks at her and blushes like a stop sign.
I’ve seen that look before. It’s the same one every man at this table gives the woman he loves—Leonard to Maureen, Jesse to Ella, Wesley to Addison, and Cody to me. Boys in love.
Once they get settled and the sibling banter dies down, Leonard removes his Santa hat and we all join hands and bow our heads in prayer.
The meal doesn’t go as I was expecting. I thought we’d be announcing our engagement, showing everyone the gorgeous ring on my finger, but not right now. Megan is sorta center stage. Everyone wants to get to know her and Mason cannot stop talking her up. It’s sweet, really, but I wish it wasn’t today.
