Page 121 of Loud Unspoken Memories

“He’s in the bathroom. We have a second.”

He pulls me into his arms. “Merry Christmas.”

I weave my arms around his back and hold him tight. “Merry Christmas.”

“The first of many,” he says, making me smile.

The toilet flushes. “Don’t forget to wash up!” I shout.

Dallas reluctantly steps away. Maybe he doesn’t want Charlie to see us embrace. I’m not sure how I feel about that either. We’ll have to test those waters at some point. I’m just not sure when.

Belatedly, I notice he’s wearing sleep pants and a plain blue T-shirt. “Is that what you’re wearing this morning?”

“What kind of freak would I be if I actually got dressed for Christmas morning?”

“Thank God,” I sigh. “I love you and all, but I might have to draw the line at dressing up for presents.”

He doesn’t laugh. He holds me prisoner with his stare. “Say it again.”

I replay the words in my head, understanding what he’s asking.

I step forward and whisper loudly, “I love you.”

His eyes close briefly. “I thought it might have been a dream.”

“Me too.”

Charlie emerges from the bathroom. I hold my breath, because I honestly have no idea what’s going to happen next.

“Dallith!”

“Hey, bud. Are you ready for presents?”

Charlie hops up and down. “Yes! Did you bring me one?”

“Charlie,” I admonish. “That’s not polite. Besides, he didn’t have time—”

“I got you more than one, Charlie.” He holds out his hand. “Come on, let’s go see.”

I swallow the ginormous lump in my throat when Charlie’s small hand lands in Dallas’s large one. I can only hope I’m seeing a sliver of what lies ahead.

Dallas looks at me and nods. It’s hard for him, I can tell. His features draw tight with nervousness. But he’s doing it. And right now, that’s all anyone can ask.

The first person I see when I step into the living room is Asher. I walk over and hug him. “I’m so happy you’re here. Why didn’t you come in with Dallas last night?”

“And steal his thunder?” He laughs. “The man spent some serious cash getting to you. It washismoment. But no way was I going to turn down hitching a ride on a private jet. Bug was thoroughly impressed. We brought all the gifts, too.”

I glance over at the even bigger pile under the tree, knowing Charlie is going to be spoiled beyond belief. Probably on this day and every other, if I’ve learned anything about the Montanas.

Blue hair pops up from the couch where Bug must have been lounging. “Bug!” I head over and squeeze her shoulders. “How was the plane ride?”

“Dope AF,” she says.

I laugh, amused by the way kids these days can curse without actually cursing.

When Allie walks in the room, she and Asher share a look that clearly tells me they were doing the very same thing Dallas and I were last night.

“Morning, Bug,” she says.

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