Page 53 of Waiting For Fate

“When it comes to knowing when to stick up for your date, the man has the tenacity of a wet paper towel.” Shane snorts at my remark and when I look over her eyes are already closing. She’s got about a minute left in her before she’s asleep on this couch.

“Can we please change the subject? Shane will need a recap if we keep going and I just honestly don’t want to think about any of this anymore.” We all look over to see Shane passed out curled up into a ball so tight I fear she’ll lose circulation in her legs.

“Say less babe.” We all bundle up on the couch together, turn the TV up and finish our night of Christmas movies in comfortable silence.

Well, the room is silent—my brain, however, is not.

I can’t stop my mind from replaying the moments I’ve shared with Sawyer over the last two months on a loop.

Why him?

Why those moments?

I’m in a relationship with a guy who’s perfectly nice—okay, maybe too nice sometimes—so why can’t I think of the countless dates we’ve shared and replay those on a loop?

Unfortunately, these are rhetorical questions, I’m well aware of the reason.

Because Sawyer Clark has the ability to set my soul on fire by simply looking at me. Something no other man has ever come close to doing.

CHAPTER 23

SAWYER

You’d think I was carrying one of the world’s most precious artifacts in my hands the way I’m handling this book tonight. When it came in yesterday, I let out a sigh of relief that proved just how much pressure I’m feeling over making sure I give Leah a Christmas present she’ll love. I’m still not sure she will love it. For all I know I heard her wrong that night and I’ve just gotten her a book she said she hated or would never dream of reading.

I guess I’ll find out soon enough.

Taylor and Tucker are hosting Christmas Eve at their house tonight because, outside of my own place, theirs is the biggest. With our parents and Leah’s here, it’s very…cozy. I would have offered to host, but I pussied out over the simple fact that if Leah came into my house and left her scent anywhere and things between the two of us didn’t work out the way I’m hoping they will—I would have to move.

And I actually quite like my house.

“Sawyer, you okay son? You look the same way you did before the puck-drop your first time in the playoffs.” My dad puts a hand on my shoulder and gives me a gentle shake.

Wow, am I really that transparent?

“I’m okay, Pops. Just hoping everyone likes their gifts.” I hear him snort next to me and turn to face him.

“I didn’t realize she’d turned into everyone,” he teases.

“Huh?” My brows pull together and I follow his gaze to the kitchen where Leah is pouring herself a glass of wine.

“The good ones always do feel like the only one.” He gives me a wink just as my mom calls him over to where she’s holding Poe by the fireplace.

They’d make the best grandparents.

I wonder if Tot will ever want to have kids?

“Okay, everyone! Find a spot and get comfy. Time to open presents!” Taylor singsongs as she claps her hands together, scooping Hendrix up in a bear hug before showing him where his pile of gifts are.

She’d be a great mom.

“Please tell me you got something other than that worm mug for her,” Tank whispers, standing beside me at the back of the room. “I mean it’s cute and all but if you’re as crazy about her as you say you are—” I cut him off with a glare. “All I’m saying is… I hope she really likes coffee mugs.” His arms come up in mock defense.

“I appreciate your concern with my gift buying abilities, brother. I got her something else though so you can relax a little.” I can’t help but laugh when he pretends to wipe his brow in relief.

“Boys, come sit,” my sister demands.

Tank falls onto the couch next to Ruby and Hendrix and when I look around the room for a place to sit, as fate would have it, the only empty spot is right next to Leah on the floor. I take a subtle deep breath and wipe my sweaty palms on my jeans before taking my place next to her.

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