Page 58 of Festive

Koda shakes his head, feigning exasperation. “You’re lucky you’re cute,” he warns, then leans down, kissing her forehead.

I watch them, my heart swelling with love for this man, for our family. It’s moments like this that make everything worthwhile—the laughter, the chaos, the simple joy of being together.

Across the table, Cherry is in the middle of telling a story, herhands animated as she describes some misadventure involving Zero and a stray dog. Zero is trying to keep a straight face, but the corners of his mouth keep twitching upward as everyone around the table laughs. Even Shotgun, who’s usually so stoic, has a grin on his face.

Avery leans over, nudging me with her elbow. “Look at them,” she says, her voice soft. “I don’t think I’ve seen Zero this happy in a long time.”

I follow her gaze to where Zero is now playfully nudging Cherry, a rare smile on his face. “Yeah,” I reply, my voice filled with warmth. “It’s just so great to have all my family home for the holidays. That everyone is so freaking happy and getting along.”

Avery smiles at me, glancing at Shotgun, and she grins. “You know he only puts on that protective grumpy old man shit because he wants to protect you. Wants to make sure that your being here in Houston was the right move for you?”

My heart swells at the thought. Shotgun was always moody, there’s no denying that, but his protection mode for me since I moved to Houston was a little over the top. He has seemed to ease the intensity now that I have settled into my place at the head of this club by Six’s side. Now that Six has officially put a ring on it, and we’re three kids deep, or at least soon to be, I think Shotgun will see that this move and this relationship will stick.

Six is it for me, and I am it for him.

I’m just glad that Shotgun has finally come to terms with that.

As if sensing that I am thinking about him, his eyes meet mine, and I smile at him as Kenna sits on his lap, talking his ear off about something. Shotgun smiles back at me with a knowing smile. One that tells me that he’s ready to let me go.

My eyes begin to glisten as I nod at him, my heart swelling as we continue to stare at each other. We’ve been through so much.He has been the lifeline that I always turned to.

But now, I need to let him go too.

I love you,I mouth to him.

He grins, nodding his head at me.Love you too,he mouths back, inhales deeply, sniffles like the emotion is getting to him, then before I know it, he rubs at his chin and turns his attention back to my eldest daughter, smothering her in affection.

Letting out a long breath, my heart races as I smile and turn back to Avery. She gently squeezes my hand, not saying anything, simply nodding her head in understanding.

“Do you want some more gingerbread?” I ask her, my voice cracking just slightly.

She leans in, embracing me, taking me by surprise. “You are stronger than you give yourself credit for. Remember that, Thay.”

Pulling back, I steady my shoulders and smile. “Yeah… I got this.”

Avery nudges my shoulder playfully. “Yeah, you do… now gimmie some more gingerbread, that shit is freaking great.”

I let out a laugh, and the night continues, the food disappearing, the laughter growing louder. Someone brings out a cake, and the kids swarm around it, eager for a piece. Prinie and Cherry start a game of charades, and soon enough, everyone is involved, acting out ridiculous scenes, the room filled with joy and cheer.

Cherry is up first, dramatically pretending to be a reindeer, her hands mimicking antlers as she prances around the room. The kids burst into laughter, and even the adults can’t help but join in.

Zero is shaking his head, a grin on his face as he watches her.

Next, it’s Shotgun’s turn, and he reluctantly stands up, taking a piece of paper from the bowl. He glances at it and groans, but there’s a twinkle in his eye. He starts flapping his arms, makingexaggerated bird noises, and the whole room erupts in laughter. Gage is practically falling off his chair, he’s laughing so hard.

I have to admit, it’s really fucking nice seeing Shotgun unwind for a change.

Koda pulls me into his lap at some point, his arms wrapping around my waist, holding me close as we watch the chaos unfold. I lean back against him, feeling the steady rise and fall of his chest, the warmth of his breath against my neck.

“Merry Christmas, Mrs. Walker,” he whispers, his lips brushing against my ear.

I smile, my heart swelling with love. “Merry Christmas, Koda.”

His arms tighten around me, and I close my eyes for a moment, just taking it all in—the laughter, the love, the warmth of his embrace. It’s everything I’ve ever wanted—everything I never thought I’d have.

I open my eyes, watching as Kenna and Kinzley chase each other around the table, their giggles filling the room. Avery is helping Gage with a piece of cake, her face soft with love as she looks at her son. Cherry is sitting beside Zero, her hand resting on her stomach, a secret smile on her face as she watches Prinie try to act out some impossible word.

The room is alive with joy, laughter, and love. It’s the kind of moment that I want to hold onto forever—a snapshot of pure happiness, of everything being exactly as it should be.

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