“I just need to brush my teeth, and I’ll be right out,” I said.
“You got it, Jeege.” His eyes scanned me from head to toe.
“Can I ask you one thing?” Emerson said as they walked toward the door.
“Ask away, Mama.”
“Is this girl a good one?” she asked.
“This girl is the best girl.” He glanced over his shoulder and winked at me.
My stomach fluttered and I scooted out of bed, escaping to the bathroom before they caught on.
I splashed water on my face and brushed my teeth before pulling on a sweatshirt and making my way out to the kitchen.
Everyone I loved was here, and the laughter made my chest squeeze.
I wished my brother was here, but we’d all be home for Christmas, and I was looking forward to it.
“There she is,” my father said, and I made my way over to him and kissed his cheek.
“Good morning.” I took my seat between Cutler and Nash and glanced around at the spread on the table. Waffles and fried eggs and sausage. “That was nice of you guys to cook for us.”
“Cutler was the first one up today. I think he probably woke up early because he was a little traumatized by his unexpected date last night,” my father said, raising a brow at my mother and Emerson.
“Hey, she just asked if he was single. It wasn’t like I promised him to their family.” My mother shook her head in disbelief. “Okay, let’s talk about Thanksgiving and Christmas, Gracie girl. I know you’ll be living in New York then, but you’ll be home for the holidays, right? Burke will be done with his semester abroad, so he’ll be home from Italy in early December. I’ll be happy to have both of my children back in the same country as us.”
“I know. I’m ready for him to be home too. And of course I’ll come home for both holidays—I wouldn’t miss it.” I glanced over at Cutler, who was watching me.
The realization was hanging over our heads like a dark cloud.
When would I see him next? I was leaving at the end of September. I’d be flying home to Cottonwood Cove in November and December. I didn’t know when I’d be able to come visit him.
The thought made my heart heavy.
A sick feeling settled in my stomach.
Everything was going to change when I left.
And I didn’t want to think about it.
“Are you guys going to celebrate Christmas in the new house here with everyone?” my father asked Nash, Emerson, and Cutler.
“That’s the plan,” Cutler said, smiling at his mom, but it appeared forced.
I knew exactly what he was thinking, because I was thinking the same thing.
It would be a while before we’d see one another again.
“Any chance we’ll get to meet your special lady friend when we come for the holidays?” Emerson asked, and Nash laughed.
“His ‘special lady friend’? That’s very fancy, baby.” Nash tugged her chair closer and kissed her cheek.
Our parents had such great relationships.
It was what I’d always wanted, but I’d failed immensely in that area of my life. Maybe having examples that were so amazing made it even more challenging to find.
“We’ll see. If we’re still together, I’ll definitely bring her to Christmas dinner,” he said confidently.
