Page 74 of Perfect Boy

I have no idea what a lighting ceremony is. Or if Watson planned for us to go. So, I just sit back and watch them all discuss if they are or not.

“No,” Jameson mutters, his tone suddenly laced with anger. “All set with that.”

“Jameson, you can’t avoid Maddy forev—” Jeanine starts, but Nora seems to know that whatever she’s going to say will make her brother feel worse, and she cuts her mom off.

“I want to take the kids for sure,” Nora says, rubbing her hand through Emmett’s hair to smooth it out. “Garrett is calling me around four to FaceTime the kids. But that will leave plenty of time for the ceremony.”

I frown, and Watson notices.

Leaning closer, he whispers in my ear, “Garrett is her husband. He’s deployed right now.”

“Oh.” The word comes out in barely a whisper.

It turns out even the happiest-looking families have shit they go through. She and her kids have to spend Christmas away from him while I’m sure she’s worried sick for his well-being.

There’s nothing light or easy about that.

Watson gives me a strange look, and I know he’s trying to tell me something. I widen my eyes and move my head to the side, trying to tell him I’m not picking up what he’s throwing down. And that’s when he points to my finger.

Wow, I forgot we’re both wearing our rings.

I suck in a breath and shrug. I’ll never be ready for the moment he likely breaks his mother’s heart and I sit here, looking like a villain. But I suppose now is as good of a time as ever.

Nodding once, he squeezes my hand before clearing his throat.

“Uh, guys, Ryann and I have something we want—well, need—to tell you.” He glances at me, and I swear my heart stops beating.

“We’re, uh…we’re not dating. We’re actually…married.” He stops, swallowing and chancing a look at his mom.

Nora’s head visibly rears back; Jameson says nothing, just stares with his icy-cool eyes; and Jeanine is quiet for a moment before she starts laughing.

“Good one, guys.” She points at us. “Almost had me for a second.”

Nora looks at me and then her mom. “I don’t think it’s a joke, Mom.”

“If my son got married, Nora, I think I’d know about it,” she spews. “That would be crazy. And Watson doesn’t do crazy. Isn’t that right, Watson?”

Watson grimaces, and I know he is scared that he’s going to hurt his mother’s feelings. When it comes to her, he’s a big softy. And I actually love that about him.

“I’m sorry we didn’t tell you sooner.” Watson’s voice grows lower. “It happened so fast. And I just wanted to tell you in person.” He glances nervously at me before smiling. “And there’s nothing crazy about it. Trust me when I tell you that.”

I can’t smile back at him because the look on Jeanine’s face tells me she’s not only shook…but also extremely upset. And when she gets up and walks out of the room, my heart sinks.

My being here is going to ruin their Christmas. And that’s the very last thing I wanted to do.

Watson

The cheesy Christmas music plays as people dance and chat in the street minutes before the lighting ceremony. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to come here tonight. But after my mom stormed out of the room when we told her we were married, my sister did what she always does in awkward situations.

She talked. Way too much.

And when she was explaining this ceremony, I could tell Ryann wanted to come down and check it out. So, as always, when Ryann wants something, I can’t ever say no. And here we are. My mom’s somewhere, likely catching up with old friends and hopefully no longer stewing on the revelation that her son is now married.

“I’m sorry. I feel awful that we upset your mom,” Ryann says, craning her neck to look at me, her back against my chest as we stand, facing the tree. “My being here might not be the best idea.”

I keep my arms wrapped around her but drag her in closer. “Trust me, she’ll be fine. I promise.” I kiss her temple. “If you hadn’t come home with me, I would have stayed at Brooks with you. So, in the end, my mom will be happy you’re here. Swear it.”

A town official stands before the crowd, giving a small speech about the meaning of the tree lighting ceremony. How it helps us remember the town’s values, but also to celebrate those we have lost and love the ones we still have. And soon, the countdown begins.

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