Page 129 of Before I Loved You

Footsteps are heard quickly approaching. “Paul? I didn’t know you were… Oh my God, Sarah!” My mom pushes past me, circling her arms around Sarah. “I didn’t know you were coming! Why didn’t you tell me, Paul?” She lightly punches my arm.

“Ow.” I rub my bicep. “Don’t damage the money maker.”

She shakes her head, laughing. “Well, I am so glad to see you, Sarah.” I arch my brow as she says, “The both of you.”

“Don’t worry. I know I’m still your favorite,” I add.

She takes the pie from my hand. “I don’t have favorites, but if I did, it would be Sarah.” I see her wink over her shoulder at Sarah, who laughs.

“I’m insulted,” I say, grabbing Sarah’s hand and leading her into the kitchen behind Mom.

I pull out a stool for Sarah and sit on the one beside hers.

My mom places the pie in the fridge and then turns around, smiling. “I didn’t expect you until later. So what brought you here early, sweetheart?”

I squeeze Sarah’s trembling hand. “Well, actually, Mom…” I sit up straighter. “Sarah and I have something to tell you.”

“I knew it!” My mom claps her hands together.

“You knew what?” I ask cautiously.

“If you didn’t come here on Christmas Eve to tell me I’m going to be a grandma, then I’m sending back your gifts.” She places a hand on her hip, glaring between us.

“Well, technically, you already are a grandma…” I murmur, noting her genuine happiness. Her reaction was precisely what I had expected because nothing makes my mom happier than her family, especially a growing one.

“You really did know,” Sarah murmurs softly, her shoulders relaxing.

“Of course I did! Call it a mother’s intuition, but I just knew it in my gut.” She squeals, making her way around the counter so that she can wrap her arms around Sarah. “I am so happy for the both of you.”

Sarah’s eyes close as a smile shows on her beautiful face, looking at peace.

I didn’t realize how much my mom’s approval weighed down on her. But I hope she’s ready for the day this baby is born. Because she’s not just gaining a child, but also a whole damn family who will love her like she’s always deserved to be loved.

* * *

Sarah’s white-gloved fingers intertwine with mine as we walk out the house’s front door. Her deep breath leaves her lungs in a white puff of smoke as the tip of her nose turns rosy-pink, making her look adorable.

She’d kill me if I ever called her that, though.

“Sooooo…” I tenderly squeeze her hand. “Didn’t go as badly as you thought it would, now did it?”

She smiles. “No, it didn’t. Your mom is pretty cool.”

“What can I say? She takes after me.” I shrug.

She laughs. “You wish you were that cool.”

“Pshh.” I lead us down the street lit up with Christmas lights as far as the eye can see, enjoying the feel of the holiday magic in the air. Snow falls around us in big white flakes.

And everything about this moment with her right now is…peaceful.

After the rest of the family came over for Christmas Eve, it was nothing but chaos, noise, bickering, and laughter for the next few hours. Followed up with a dinner feast ready to serve an entire army. I watched as Sarah fit in with my family so naturally. She and Mom talked about some of their favorite paintings, Kevin teased her like she was his little sister, and Sarah made me proud by giving it right back to him. And Ray plated Sarah’s food and made her laugh a few times with some dumb dad jokes, looking out for her like a big brother would.

God, when she laughs, it makes everything around me disappear. The way her eyes squint as her smile grows, it’s nothing short of enchanting.

And when the time came for dessert, we broke the good news to everyone. Sarah was hugged so many times I started to get jealous, and that’s when I decided we should get some fresh air and take a walk.

She places her free hand on her stomach over her black coat. “This baby will have so many people who love them.” She looks up at me, smiling.

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