Page 63 of Found By You

Patience, I tell myself, there’s no rush. He’s made it clear he’s not going anywhere.

“You ready to go, beautiful?”

I turn in his arms and kiss him. “Yes.”

Duke takes my hand as I slide out of the truck. “Be careful. It’s all ice right here.” He keeps hold of me as he grabs the holiday poinsettia I picked out yesterday for his mom.

We make our slow way up the long driveway lined with vehicles to the classic white farmhouse equipped with several wreaths, garlands everywhere, and enough Christmas lights to signal outer space. And with the extra two feet of snow that’s fallen over the last few days, it’s going to be a magical white Christmas, indeed.

“Remind me again who’s inside,” I say, holding Duke’s arm tight as my boots slip on the unsalted ice.

“My parents, Cass, you’ve met all my brothers except Beau, but he’s not here. You’ll meet my sister, Lily, and her son, Parker. My grandparents on my mother’s side, William and Judy, and my Uncle Jim, Dad’s brother,” he says. “Looks like everyone is here except Rhett. Unless he rode with Levi.”

When we reach the door, loud chatter and laughter echo from inside. As the door opens the smell of a holiday meal floods my senses—and makes me a little more nauseous, but I keep that to myself. The open archways off the foyer lead in every direction. A large dining table is set beautifully in the dining area to the right, while the living space is to the left where music plays. Traditional holiday décor lines three Christmas trees in view just from the front door.

This is how I want my baby to experience the holidays.

Duke takes my coat, hanging it up with his before leading me down the hall beside the wide staircase. I squeeze his hand, a little nervous to be officially introduced as his girlfriend—to his entire family—while pregnant.

I’m awestruck by the grand farm kitchen, lined with white cabinetry, butcher block countertops, a six-seater island in the center, and stainless-steel appliances throughout. Cassidy, Julie, and two other women help to set out appetizers.

“You’re here,” Julie announces, seeing us first. A Christmas-themed apron is wrapped around her waist covered in gingerbread men that says; Nobody does holidays like Grandma.

I nearly burst into tears at the sight. I’d blame it on the hormones, but…it’s hard to deny the joy and acceptance I feel by simply walking in the front door.

Duke hugs his mother and hands her the poinsettia. “Oh, it’s beautiful,” she says. “Thank you so much, Maci.”

I smile, hugging her. “You’re welcome, but it’s from both of us.”

Julie pats her son on the arm, and winks. “Sure it is, dear.”

After a quick greeting from Cassidy, who’s wearing a matching dress to mine in red, she laughs when she tells us that Duke and Butch are dressed nearly identical.

Duke takes me around the house, introducing me to everyone I haven’t met yet, and I can feel their eyes on my belly.

A handsome little boy with brown shaggy hair dressed in tan slacks and a collared flannel shirt barrels toward Duke. Cassidy’s dog, Frankie, hot on his heels. “Uncle Duck!”

Duke snatches the boy, throwing him in the air to a slew of giggles. “Hey, bud, did you sneak any cookies yet?” He chuckles, wiping the smear of crumbs at the corner of the boy’s lip.

“Nooo,” he says with a mischievous smile, his pale blue eyes shining.

Duke turns to me with the boy perched on his forearm. “Parker, I want you to meet someone special.” He grins. “This is my girlfriend, Maci. Can you say hi?”

“Hi, Parker.” I wave. “How old are you?” He holds up three fingers, showing them proudly to me. “Woah. That’s a lot.”

Duke sets Parker down. “Hey, why don’t you go sneak one of those peanut butter cookies with the chocolate kiss in the middle for Maci? She loves peanut butter.”

Parker’s eyes widen, and he wastes no time racing off toward the kitchen.

“You’re going to get him in trouble,” I tease.

“Nah, you haven’t seen that kid sneak shit.” He laughs. “He’s a ninja.”

“You make a good Uncle Duck.”

He grins, dragging me flush against his warm, solid chest. “Just wait until you hear how he says Butch and Levi,” he says, leaning down to kiss me.

A light tug on my dress has me looking down at Parker holding out a cookie for me. “Oh, wow. Thank you.” I laugh, plucking the cookie from his small hand.

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