I smile at how cute he looks right now. “Everything is great. Mom came to tell us breakfast is ready.”
His eyes widen slightly. “She’s not mad at me?”
“What? Why would she be?”
“I ruined your family time.”
“One, you are family, so that’s not possible. And two, my mom loves you. So, how about we get dressed and go have some of my mom’s amazing French toast?”
His eyes light up. I knew that would win him over.
We get dressed, and I bring a very nervous Easton into the house.
Everyone is in the kitchen, still dressed in PJ’s.
“Merry Christmas!” Chase cheers, a big grin stretching across his face.
“Hope you like French toast,” Mom says, smiling over at us. “We have lots.”
I love my family. Not one of them gives Easton an odd look or makes it seem like his being here isn’t anything but normal. Despite the fact that it’s been eight years since he was last in this house.
We sit down and eat, everyone making small talk.
“You got tall,” Raiden says, catching Easton by surprise.
He chuckles. “Same goes for you.”
“So... you guys dating or what?” Isaiah asks, putting us on the spot.
I narrow my eyes. “Shut up.”
Easton grabs my hand under the table and gives it a squeeze. “We are.”
Looks are cast around the table, but none are judgmental. If anything, the smiles start to worry me.
“Guess you punching Bennett in the face is the equivalent of a guy pulling a girl’s hair, because he actually likes her?” Brody asks, and everyone swings their wide-eyed gaze at him.
“Brody!” Mom hisses.
“What? It’s true. We all knew these two were crazy about one another, even back then.” Brody waves her off.
I look at Easton in horror, feeling horrible about my dad’s comment, but he surprises me by smiling... and laughing?
“I guess in a way, yeah. Although I don’t recommend it. I think the best way to tell someone you like them is communication. Might hurt less.”
“Fair point.” Chase nods. “Don’t blame yourself, this family seems to have bad luck when it comes to communication at some point in our lives.”
Toby and Bishop look at Lilly with a guilty look, and my dads and Rain look at my mom with matching ones.
“At least it always works out in the end.” Lilly laughs awkwardly. “Glad to have you back, Easton. We’ve missed you.”
Easton swallows hard, looking down at his plate. “It’s good to be back. Thank you. You know, for having me over.”
“You’re always welcome,” Mom says, her voice soft and genuine. “I mean it.”
Easton smiles and nods at her. I give his hand a squeeze, my heart so damn full right now.
He smiles down at me, and I nudge him with my arm. He laughs softly, and I do, too.
