Page 88 of Wanting You

Shaking his hand, Tanner said, “It’s good to see you too. How was the drive?”

“Long! My God, every time it feels like it takes a wee bit longer and I’m getting too old for it.” He sighed loudly. “I know it’s only a matter of time before I move back, but I just wish it didn’t take so much out of me to make the trip.”

“That’s understandable. My folks drove down here when I moved, and they both said the drive home felt like it took forever. They were originally going to fly home but changed their minds.”

Nodding, Ronan studied him. “Are we going to get to meet your family anytime soon?”

“That’s the plan. They’ll be here for Christmas, so I’m sure we’ll all be together at some point.”

“That’s good. Hopefully you’ll be with us for all of it. No need to stay at home with just your parents. The holidays are meant to be spent together. The more the merrier!”

“Well…”

“Look around this house. It’s huge! I’m sure Jade and Levi are going to open their doors to everyone for Christmas. Trust me.”

Tanner wasn’t going to argue; he’d simply prefer to wait and see and not make any assumptions.

Reid walked over and joined them and for several minutes they talked about skiing and how Chloe had learned and how there was now talk of a family ski day.

“Everyone? Can you join us in the living room?” Levi called out.

Tanner followed Reid and Ronan before sitting down beside Chloe. Jade and Levi were standing in front of the fireplace, along with Silas.

“We’re so glad you could all join us today,” Jade said sweetly. “I know we get together a lot and we see each other throughout the week, but there’s something extra wonderful about getting together just for fun.”

They all nodded.

“We wanted to talk about Thanksgiving and Christmas,” Levi said. “I believe Mom has offered to host Thanksgiving at her house as long as we all help with the meal, right?”

Marie nodded. “I have enough space and I love having everyone over. I just don’t think I can do the entire meal. So, if we can divide and conquer, we’ll be fine.”

More nods.

Billie raised her hand. “I had planned on hosting Christmas Eve. We can do a buffet since my dining room isn’t big enough for all of us to sit down and eat, but it will still be great.” She looked over at Jade’s parents. “You’re both invited, of course.” Then she looked at Tanner. “And you and your family too. The more the merrier!”

“I told you!” Ronan said, raising his glass.

“And we’d love everyone to be here for Christmas Day,” Levi went on. “We have the most room and we’re planning on handling dinner if everyone will contribute to appetizers and desserts like we usually do.”

Everyone nodded again.

“Aren’t we gonna tell them about the baby yet?” Silas said with a huff. “Why are we talking about food all the time?”

“Baby?”

“Baby? What baby?”

“Oh my God! Jade, are you pregnant?” The questions seemed to come from every corner of the room, and then suddenly everyone was on their feet congratulating Jade and Levi. Tanner stood back and let the family celebrate, feeling oddly left out.

For now.

There wasn’t a doubt in his mind that he and Chloe were going to be celebrating these milestones in the future—maybe even this time next year.

And honestly, he couldn’t wait.

Just then, she was back at his side, her eyes shining with unshed tears. “This is amazing,” she said. “The first Donovan baby.”

Tanner pulled her into his arms.

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