Page 27 of Christmas Kisses

"You want to make it official? To be my girl? What about Mayor Douchebag?"

I turn to face him. His eyes look worried that I'm going to reject him. He's got nothing to worry about.

"I'm sorry I let a pretty face and some slick words convince me to go against my better judgment. These past two weeks, I've gotten to know you pretty well, and I'm in awe of the man youare, Ben. Forget about that man. You're the only one for me. I want to be your girl."

"Wait one minute." Ben holds up a finger.

He goes to the kitchen, and then I see him come out with two champagne flutes filled with bubbly.

"I bought this to celebrate."

"You haven't asked me yet!"

"Sam, will you be my girl? I don't think I can go one more day without shouting it all over town. I might display a banner in front of my business."

"I accept." I smile wide.

We clink our glasses together and take a sip. It's not champagne; it's cider, and it’s one of my favorites. Just one more detail that he remembers about me. When we empty our glasses, he goes to get us more, but he takes forever because he's stopped along the way, and I think he's telling everyone I'm his girlfriend. His face is radiant, and I can't wait until we go home tonight.

Unfortunately, I have to be patient because there are several activities for the single folks, and we end up participating and laughing all night long. I particularly liked how close he held me when we danced, and I teased him mercilessly, saying that he had to go outside in the cold to get himself under control.

Tomorrow, we're going to spend Christmas Eve with his family. My parents have been invited so that I don't have to miss this time with them. I'm really excited about it and I think I'm going to confess my feelings to Ben. He's become the most important thing in my life, and I, too, want to shout it from the rooftops.

Chapter 11

Ben

I'm playing Christmas carols for the very important passengers I've got in my truck tonight. Sam and her parents are coming to my family's house to enjoy Christmas Eve dinner. Whenever I have to stop the car I take a look at Sam's beautiful face.

She's the perfect woman for me, and I keep giving thanks for having her in my life. I want more, though. Spending time apart from her is getting unbearable. I grab her hand and squeeze it gently, letting her know she's on my mind. She smiles back at me and it squeezes my chest.

When we arrive at the house, I see that my entire family is already here. I can see my parents’ car and all my brothers’ carsline the driveway as well. I hope our families mesh well because sooner rather than later, I'm marrying this woman.

I open the passenger door for Sam and help her out. She gives me a soft smile and I steal a kiss from her. It's quick and sweet, but it makes her giggle. We go inside the house and I help Sam and her parents with their coats. My parents come out of the kitchen and I introduce them to Sam's parents.

"Thank you for inviting us. We would have missed Sam so much if we'd had to spend tonight without her."

"You are always welcome here. Please take a seat. Does anyone want any eggnog?" My mother asks.

A few heads nod in assent, and after making sure everyone is comfortable, I go to help my mother with the drinks. On my way to the kitchen, I search for my brothers. They must be down in Dad's man cave playing games.

When everyone has something to keep their hands occupied, we all make small talk until Mom calls everyone to the table to eat. The spread before us is magnificent, and I have to get a hold of myself, or else I'll start drooling.

"Mom, everything looks delicious. Tell me some of your children helped you make this magnificent meal?"

"Danny and Merry pitched in. Justin went to the supermarket whenever I needed an emergency ingredient, but you and Michael had work. Promise me next year you won't work on this day."

"I'm sorry, Mrs. Hoffer, that was completely my fault. The coffee shop was a mess after the Mixer, and I was too tired to clean up right after it, so we had to do it today."

"Well, if Ben was helping you, that's a good cause."

We pass the different platters with ham, turkey, mashed potatoes, and green beans while we chat merrily about our plans for New Year’s. I know I want to spend it with Sam, and I squeeze her thigh when she almost accepts Danny and his wife'sinvitation for that night. I want her all to myself. Bringing the New Year in with her in my arms will be a dream come true.

We're waiting for dessert when I take Sam's hand in mine and lead her from the table. I want to ask her something important tonight. Something that will bring us closer.

We put our coats on and go out into the cold winter night. Small flakes are falling from the sky, making the night seem magical. I guide Sam to the swing on the verandah, and we take a seat next to each other. I put my arm around her back and pull her close to me.

It's chilly out, but having her near me always gets my blood boiling.

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