Page 90 of The Christmas You Crash

“Sweetheart.” Kelly Cross grabs Lexi’s hand and gives it a squeeze across the table. “Did I tell you that Jeff’s nephew may stop by tonight?”

Jeff, Kelly’s boyfriend, shoots me an apologetic grimace from his seat. Despite the unfortunate way he and Lexi’s mom got together, the guy actually seems pretty decent. He clearly loves Kelly, and he’s obviously determined to do what he can to build a relationship with Lexi. Plus, despite swearing me to secrecy for obvious reasons, he admitted to being a huge Rogues fan andtalked my ear off about our lineup and how we’ve been playing so far this season while the women were in the other room.

“Mom,” Lexi hisses, shooting daggers with her eyes. “I’m sure Jeff’s nephew is very nice, but I am here with myboyfriend.”

Kelly Cross waves a hand dismissively. “Oh, don’t get your panties in a bunch. I just want you to meet the man.”

“Mother.”

I’d probably be more upset by the whole nephew thing if Lexi wasn’t so adorably disgruntled by it. Am I annoyed? Absolutely. Offended? Sure. But I know where I stand with the beautiful blonde beside me. And while I’d like her mom to accept me, all that really matters is that my girlfriend does.

“I’m looking forward to meeting him,” I say with an amused smile. “After all, if Jeff and your mom get married, he’ll be your cousin, Lexi. Weren’t you just saying the other day how nice it would be to have some cousins?”

Kelly Cross chokes on her wine.

Lexi snorts but quickly schools her features to play along. “Yeah, babe. I was.” She turns to her mom with a confused expression. “Sorry, Mom. I realize you’re just trying to introduce me to the guy. Obviously, you wouldn’t try to set me up with my cousin.” Lexi pulls a face. It’s the same expression I’ve seen new parents make when they have to change a particularly rank diaper or their kid has a blowout that spreads runny poop up their back.

“I… No, that’s not what I…” Lexi’s mom sputters helplessly. She looks at Jeff for backup, but the guy’s grinning into his wineglass. At least he’s on my side, even if he isn’t one of Lexi’s parents. I’ll take whatever wins I can in this situation.

Recovering, Kelly Cross levels me with a look that practically shrivels my balls. “So, Ryder, what are your intentions with my daughter?”

“Jesus, Mom. What is this, 1950?” Lexi shakes her head, her annoyance back in an instant.

“It’s a fair question. A mother has the right to make sure her daughter isn’t being taken advantage of.” Kelly sniffs.

“Well, ma’am, my intention is to be the best boyfriend I can be for Lexi. To support her and encourage her.” I want to tell Lexi’s mom that I want to love her daughter for as long as she’ll have me, but that would be stupid. Somehow, I doubt telling my girlfriend I love her for the first time in front of her mom is the way to go. But I think I do love Lexi. Being here and sitting through her mom’s third degree only makes me more certain that’s how I feel. If I didn’t, all I’d be able to think about right now is getting the hell out of Dodge. Instead, I grab my girl’s hand and meet her gaze so she hears and feels every bit of my truth. “Your daughter is special. I’ve never met anyone like her.”

Kelly narrows her eyes at me. She’s still not convinced. “And what do your parents think about this relationship? It’s a bit taboo to date your coach’s daughter, isn’t it?”

Lexi’s hand squeezes mine tight, and I see her spine straighten. She opens her mouth, but I beat her to it.

“Well, if my parents were alive, I’m absolutely certain they’d love your daughter.” There’s no malice or hurt in my voice, even though that familiar pang reverberates through my chest. The one that shakes me a little every time someone brings up my parents. I turn to look at Lexi. “My dad always loved strong women. He’d be proud of me for convincing one I’m worthy of her affection.”

Lexi’s eyes glitter with emotion as she holds my gaze. She doesn’t speak, but I don’t need her to. The words are written in the gentle, melancholic upturn of her lips, the soft set of her eyes, and the slight tilt of her head. I’ve begun sharing more about my parents in the past week or two. In some ways, the time I’ve spent on the road with the team has been a blessing.Sometimes it’s easier to open up about difficult subjects when you can’t see the other person’s face. And we’ve spent as much time as we can on the phone or video chatting.

“I’m sorry,” Lexi’s mom says softly. It’s the first time her words haven’t carried even the slightest bite of hostility. “I didn’t realize.”

“There’s nothing to apologize for,” I answer. And I mean it. Not about my parents and not about being defensive of her daughter. I’m just gladsomeonein Lexi’s life is.

“Do you have other family in Minneapolis?” Kelly asks. Gently, this time.

“Unfortunately not. It’s just me.”

Kelly’s face twists with sympathy. “That must be very hard.”

I shrug. It is, but it’s also not something I can change. “I do all right, most of the time. You get used to it, after a while. But being a part of my team and getting to spend time with my teammates, I’ve begun to realize that family can be created. It’s not limited by blood. We can get second—hell, even third and fourth—chances at it.”

Jeff reaches over and squeezes Kelly’s hand. Surely, if anyone understands what I’m saying, it will be the woman who grabbed hold of a second chance for herself. Lexi’s mom studies me differently now.

“And I know Lexi and I haven’t been together all that long, but she’s begun to feel like family too.” Any fear I might have that I’ve just said too much washes away when Lexi’s expression grows even softer. “Spending Christmas with her was…” A lump forms in my throat. “Well, it was the best Christmas I’ve had in years.”

“Such a charmer, Handsome.”

“It’s true, Oscar.”

God, she’s beautiful.

Jeff chuckles, his brow rising. “Oscar?”

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