Page 73 of From Rivals to I Do

“Even after all this,” he replies as he leans down, pressing his lips to mine as nurses and a doctor pile into the room, along with a cop, all to check on Eli. But he doesn’t let go. He just keeps kissing me like no one is watching, and I hold onto him tighter.

I never want to let go again.

Epilogue

The early morning sun beats into my eyes as I sit up with a yawn, Eli still asleep next to me. Shoot, my alarm clock never went off! I think to myself as I rush to get dressed, pulling the clothes I’d brought with me out of my little travel bag and hurrying off to the bathroom to shower.

Although I have my own house, I stay with Eli and the boys most nights. While things between the two of us are grand to say the least, we are still taking it all somewhat slow, just living life and enjoying every moment the best we can. And having my own house still feels like the safety net I need, even though more than a year has passed.

All the boys are home for Christmas, including Robert, and my son, Little Joe, is here too, spending the night in one of the rooms at Eli’s ranch. Sparrow, Daniel, and baby Jade are coming too. Except she’s not so much a baby anymore, toddling around and terrorizing her mama—which I constantly tease Sparrow about. Telling her it’s retribution for all she’d put me through in her terrible twos.

I speed through my shower, get dressed, head out to the kitchen, and pop an apron on so I don’t ruin my dress. I preheat the oven, pull the ham out of the fridge and put it on the counter, open up a new package of brown sugar, and begin rubbing it all over the outside. Everyone loves candied ham, and though I am nervous about getting everything right, not much can go sideways with that.

Or at least, I hope.

Soon as it’s preheated, I throw it in the oven and begin peeling potatoes to mash when I hear footsteps come up behind me, and feel arms slide around my waist.

“I told you to wake me up, darlin’,” Eli says as he squeezes me tight, kissing me on the cheek before he takes the peeler out of my hand.

“I know, but you were actually sleeping in for once,” I say with a sigh.

“Animals still got to be fed, Darla,” Eli replies. “And you need help with dinner.”

“Actually, animals are all accounted for,” Zack says as he comes through the front door, Noah following in right behind.

“We got up early to grab ‘em so you could relax,” Noah says with a grin.

“That’s so sweet of the two of you,” I say with a smile.

“Yes, thank you boys,” Eli says as he begins to peel the potatoes.

“Anything we can help with?” Zack asks.

“No, I think I’ve got it covered,” I say. “You boys might want to shower and get dressed so you don’t smell like a barn though.”

“Ten-four, step mama,” Zack says with a wink, and the two boys wander off, leaving Eli and I to prepare for an early Christmas dinner. More like lunch, I suppose. We wanted to make sure that all the other Christmas festivities weren’t overshadowed by the food.

Eventually, everyone else wakes up, and I keep shuffling things around as Eli gets breakfast ready for everybody. After that, I get the sides ready to go into the oven about a half hour before we’re going to eat—yams, green bean casserole, baked beans, and all that—plus, there’s stuffing, collards, and mashed potatoes I still have to make on the stovetop.

Sparrow finally shows up with Daniel and Jade at about one o’ clock, and by that time I have everything done and spread out on the large kitchen table. Luckily there’s plenty of seats, and all of us dine together happily, talking amongst one another and having a good ol’ time.

After everyone is nearly in a food coma, we sit with Jade and watch all the old Christmas classics—Rudolph, Frosty, and more—until the pies are ready, and everyone goes back into the kitchen to peruse the desserts. Cookies, cakes, candies, and pies. I’ve made enough to feed our small platoon of kids, and enough to send them home with, that’s for sure.

Then, it’s finally time for what everyone has been patiently waiting for—present time. It’s my favorite time, honestly, besides the food. Getting to see the joy on everyone’s faces as they peel back that wrapping paper to find something they’ll love.

I was sure I had nailed Noah, Zack, and even Jeffrey’s presents since I knew them so well now. But Robert was a bit of a wild card, and as we got to him, I held my breath since I’d taken a stab in the dark.

“Oh wow, workout clothes, I’ve been needing these!” Robert says with a smile. “I love them Darla, thank you.”

“You’re welcome,” I say as I return the smile. “Well, that’s all for gifts!” I say as I watch Jade play with her toys in a pile of wrapping paper.

“Not true,” Eli says. “We haven’t traded gifts.”

“We have so,” I reply. “I got you a bunch of stuff right there.”

“Yes, well, I’m not done,” Eli says with a shrug.

“What? You already got me these beautiful earrings and the dress I’m wearing,” I reply. “That’s more than enough.”

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