Page 81 of Wild Nights

"You too," I said as he hung up, and the tears filled my eyes. It was hard to let him go, but for now, it was the rightthing to do. I needed to prove to myself that I could make it through this holiday on my own.

My sister and mom made other plans with their significant others tonight, so I called one of the local churches to see if I could volunteer serving a meal to the needy. It wasn't the Christmas Eve I was used to, but I enjoyed serving people and making conversation about the holidays. Despite their circumstances, most people seemed upbeat and excited about the holiday.

It gave me hope. I didn't have to do the same thing every Christmas with my family; I could make new traditions.

When Ginny texted to ask how I was doing, I sent her a picture of me serving food. Then I was busy for a couple of hours on my feet. I didn't get a break until dinner was served and the food gone. I volunteered to stay longer to clean the dishes.

By the time I was done, my feet and back ached, but it was worth it. I drove home and fell into bed exhausted. I wasn't sure what this next year had in store for me. But I had a sense that I'd like to do more volunteering, maybe even donate some of my business income to a worthy charity in the future. I had a renewed sense of purpose, and I didn't feel as lonely.

I'd gotten through the first major day of the holiday and felt better for it. Right before I fell asleep, I remembered that Oliver was probably spending time with his huge family and enjoying every minute of it.

More than anything, I wanted him to be happy. His life was full. I just had to make more connections in my life. Tomorrow, I'd think about where I wanted to live and what I wanted to do with my free time.

Chapter Twenty-Three

OLIVER

Iwoke up early on Christmas morning, even earlier than Joey, which was saying something. He was usually so excited to open presents; he had trouble sleeping. It had been great to spend time with almost everyone who was home for the holidays. The only person missing was Walker. But he’d had leave a few weeks ago when we all went skydiving.

It was loud and crazy and exactly the kind of Christmas I remembered as a kid. The only difference was that we spent them at the lodge instead of my parents' house. It gave us more room and a huge kitchen to entertain.

The snow lingered on the ground like it usually did this time of year. But no more storms were forecast for the next few days. I could relax and enjoy this time with family.

I picked up my phone, not seeing any new messages from Carolina. There was no reason to contact her. Neither of us had asked to change the status of our relationship, and I didn't think Christmas was the right time to tell her how I felt.

I heard the thunder of little feet on the wood floor in the hallway. Then Joey appeared, jumping onto my bed. "Santa came!"

"Did you peek?" I'd given him explicit instructions not to look under the tree. We were supposed to go to the living room together so I could see his reaction to the presents I'd gotten him.

"No." He'd drawn the word out, and he looked guilty.

"Why don't I believe you?"

Joey jumped off the bed. "Come on. We have to go see them."

"Let me clean up first." I went in to the bathroom while he snuggled under my covers. I couldn't help but think someone important was missing. Carolina would have loved being here for him to open his presents. She appreciated all the little things.

I washed my face, brushed my teeth, and texted everyone that Joey was up if they wanted to stop by to watch him open his presents. When I returned to my bedroom, Joey was nervously pacing. I couldn't help but tease him. "You want to eat breakfast first?"

"No! Come on." He grabbed my hand and dragged me down the hallway. As soon as he saw the assembled bike, he asked to take it for a spin on the wood floor, and I said yes so I could pour coffee.

I'd set up the machine to brew automatically last night, and I was eternally grateful I'd thought to do that.

By the time I sat on the sofa, there was a knock at the door. My parents used their master key to come inside.

I stood and hugged them. "It's good to have you home."

"We wouldn't have missed this for anything," Mom said, taking a seat next to me.

"Xander's on his way."

Joey's shoulders lowered. "Do I have to wait?"

"If Xander is getting up, then yes." It wasn't an easy feat for him to be up early. He must really want to share in this tradition. While we waited, I got some pictures of Joey in front of the tree by himself and then with my parents.

By the time Xander walked in, looking groggy from sleep, Joey was poised and ready to open the first present. I waited for Joey to rip open the first package, then I got up to pour Xander coffee.

I handed it to him. "Thanks."

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