Page 14 of Taking Chances

A warm sensation floods my stomach when I realize how lucky I am to call these people my friends. Just as tears start toprick behind my eyelids, a doorbell rings.Isn’t everyone already here?

“I’m so glad you made it,” I hear Rina saying from the hallway. “Let me take your jacket.” Hmm. I guess they invited someone else as well.

My breath catches in my throat as the newcomer enters the living room. The fluffy onesie is suddenly scorching as I size up the man in the black and red plaid pajamas.

“Merry Christmas, everyone,” he says with an awkward wave. Naturally, his top had to be short sleeved, so it showcases his tattooed biceps.

“Good to have you here, Lennox.” Matt shakes Lennox’s hand while I’m still too stunned to speak.

He grew out a beard since I last saw him, and the only thing my depraved mind can think about is how that beard would feel between my legs.

Not that I’mactuallyattracted to him. He’s the opposite of what I’m looking for in a man, but it doesn’t take away from the fact that the man is freaking gorgeous.

He offers me a polite smile and it’s enough to snap me out of my trance and make me remember all the embarrassing things I told this man.Great, now my face’s the same color as my onesie.

Luckily, Eric takes the opportunity to announce we’re starting with the presents. We always do presents first, food later, respecting Eric’s immediate need to find out what he got.

After two rounds of presents, it’s Eric’s turn to open one again.

It’s a small, neatly wrapped package that he tears through in a second. He pulls out a tiny matching Christmas onesie, his brows furrowed in confusion.

Natalie gasps as the tears that prick my eyelids overflow and start free falling.

Eric is still confused before Connor blurts out, “You’re going to be a big brother.”

“Really? I’m really going to be a big brother?” Eric pleads, and Rina nods enthusiastically.

Natalie and I pull Rina into a crushing hug.

“I’m so happy for you guys,” I say, my voice breaking.

“Auntie Nats is on a mission again.” Natalie pumps her fist in the air.

Lennox pulls Connor into one of those man hugs.

“I’m glad you could be here for this,” Connor tells him, but Lennox just shrugs, looking uncomfortable.

We toast with eggnog—everyone except for Eric and Rina, and get back to opening the presents.

Eric gets a new Lego set that he opens immediately, and I sit down next to him to help him build it.

“You know I can build them myself?” he asks, making me chuckle.

“I do. But let me at least pretend to help.”

We finish building the set before sitting down to eat.

“This is really good,” Lennox mumbles, his mouth half-full, and I can’t help but smile. “What is it?”

“It’s cod spread. An essential part of every Croatian holiday.”

The Christmas spread is a mix of Rina’s home country and American Christmas foods. We stuff ourselves with food until it’s time to leave.

“I’m honestly so, so happy for you, Rins,” I repeat as I’m saying goodbye.

And I am. Even though I’d love to be the one announcing my pregnancy with the love of my life, I’m ecstatic for them. They deserve all the happiness in the world.

“I know you are. Love you.” She purses her lips.

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