Page 35 of Light of Christmas

“I understand, Angel.” I kiss her gently and slide the ring onto my finger. It fits perfectly, like I knew it would. “Thank you.”

I wrap my arms around her and take a moment to let my mind settle.

“You ready for your last present, pretty girl?”

Logan

Seeing Grayson’s reaction to the ring was more than I could have asked for. I wanted to show him that I may not be able to say it as well as he can, but he is my forever.

I know he already has an “L” tattooed on his ring finger, but I wanted to get him something special.

Grayson goes to the far side of the tree and pulls out a present. He hands it to me and sits down. I climb back into his lap without thinking about it. The chuckle from Grayson tells me he was about to move me into his lap, had I not moved.

I open the present and it’s my turn to be speechless. Tears instantly start flowing down my face and I couldn’t stop them even if I tried.

My hands are shaking as I look at the painting. The artist somehow painted my mom with angel wings into a photo of Gray, Willow, Oliver, and myself. My mom is sitting next to us on the couch while Oliver sleeps in her lap. Her green eyes match mine and we all look happier than ever.

“Gray…I—”

His arms band around my waist and he rests his chin on my shoulder. “I know Angel. I wanted to show you that even though your mom isn’t here with us, I know she would be so proud of the person you have become. And I know she would love the life we are building.”

I take one last look at the painting and set it carefully on the couch. Turning in his arms, I bury my face in his neck and let myself feel the sadness and happiness hitting me at the same time.

Grayson’s hands run up and down my back. I feel Willow’s fluffy head rest on my shoulder.

A few minutes pass and a wet kiss hits my cheek. Gray and I both laugh as we look at Willow wagging her tail. “Thanks, Will.” I say scratching her head.

“Thank you, Bear. That means more than you will ever know.”

Grayson smiles and kisses my cheek. “You’re welcome, pretty girl.”

We spend the rest of our time before we have to go to Grayson’s parents, making cookies and stealing kisses from each other.

This is definitely the best Christmas ever.

Everyone is lounging in the living room at Grayson’s parents. We just got done eating a big dinner and desserts and are waiting for Shelly to start opening presents.

Growing up I never saw getting the chance to have a big family Christmas like you see in the movies. And now I have it.

All the brothers are here, Shelly and Conrad, Harper, and even my furbabies. I am surrounded by people I know who love me in their own unique way, even Wes. We are just missing one person, but I know time will allow her to feel this love one day.

Grayson pulls me to sit on his lap and Harper rolls her eyes at the now vacant spot next to her.

Since I gave him his ring this morning, he hasn’t taken his hands off me. Not that I’m complaining.

Since everything with he who shall not be named and Allie, she has been so amazing. Shelly and Harper have really bonded since we started doing girls’ nights once a week as a way to get me out of the house. Plus, it’s nice to not be surrounded by only Hayes men all the time.

Shelly walks into the room with a Santa hat on and claps her hands. “Alright, my kiddos. It’s present time. I’m not going to even try to ask you to go one by one because that shit isn’t going to happen.”

“Mom. We aren’t five.” Noah exclaims from his spot on the floor with Willow.

Shelly levels her gaze at him and scoffs. “Oh yeah? Then why did I catch you, Grayson, and your father peeking in the stocking while the rest of us were setting up dinner?”

I fake gasp and turn to look at Grayson. “Bear. You peeked?”

Grayson sips his beer and rests his head on my shoulder. “No idea what either of you are talking about. Now shush. Let Mom finish her speech, pretty girl.”

I roll my eyes and he squeezes my leg way higher than is appropriate for his parent’s house. Luckily, we are under a blanket, and no one can see what he just did.

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