Page 116 of A Game Of Love

“Yeah.” He forces a smile. “Why wouldn’t I be?”

“Toby.” His name comes out soft. “It won’t be like this forever.”

“I know.”

“Once we tell them, we don’t have to hide anymore.”

He snorts. “Yeah, because if Chase’s reaction was anything to go by, I’m sure they’re going to be thrilled.”

“He was joking around. If he knew–”

“If he knew, he would kick my ass,” Toby sighs.

“No, he wouldn’t. They all love you. They’re your family. They just want you to be happy—usto be happy. I know you think they’re going to get upset, maybe see you in a new light, but I’m telling you right now, I don’t think that's going to happen. Look at Rain. She’s practically shoving us together, playing matchmaker. Our parents are a lot more open-minded than you think. They don’t judge. We can’t hide forever, Toby. One way or another, they’re going to need to know. Keeping this from the rest of the world, that I can do if it’s what you need me to do right now, but lying to our parents? Acting like we’re not something so much more to one another around them... it hurts.”

I hate to admit it. I don’t want to upset him. I understand his worries about the rest of the world, but doesn’t he know that this family is so damn open and loving?

And let’s call it like it is, if I have to put money on it, I’d bet they already know or at least have some kind of suspicion. They’re not stupid, they have eyes.

They’re probably not wanting to say anything because they don’t want to add pressure when Toby is doing so good with his mental health.

“Keeping things bottled up isn’t good, you heard Gracie.”

He groans. “Trust me, I know a lot of things Gracie thinks I should do.” He runs a hand through his hair.

“Just think about it, okay? I don’t want to hide you from them. I want to show them just how much I love you. How much you make me happy. I want them to see that you're happy, that you’ve changed, and you're doing better. We have nothing to be ashamed of, and I’d like to stop acting like you're my dirty little secret, because you're not, Toby.” I place my hand on his arm and give him a soft smile. “You're my best friend, my person, my... everything. And I’d like them to know that too.” Leaning up on my tiptoes, I press a kiss to his cheek before taking off into the kitchen to join our family.

The rest of the day goes by, and it’s everything a Christmas at our house has always been.

Filled with laughter, smiles, and is just overall amazing.

Bishop left around noon to go spend the rest of the day with his mom and sister. And while I do miss him here, I’ve enjoyed all the stolen moments with Toby today.

But as I see my parents with one another, I can’t help but wish I could be open like that with Toby; to cuddle into him while we watchedThe Grinch,to kiss him every time we walked under the mistletoe, to sit on his lap while we played cards at the table when all the kids went to bed.

“Hey.” Toby tugs on my arm, pulling me to a stop.

It’s nighttime now. The day is done and everyone is tired, going to bed for a much needed good night's sleep. With UncleCooper’s wedding in a few days, life is about to get busy for my parents.

“What?” I blink up at him, feeling pretty sleepy myself. We’re headed into the pool house. I asked Toby to spend the night with me because I don’t want to be apart, not after having to act like we’re not together today. I need him.

One of those sexy smiles that make my heart race takes over his handsome face. “Look up.”

My eyes flick up, and I smile, seeing the mistletoe.

“You know what that means?” Toby takes a step forward, pulling me into his arms.

“I better go get my boyfriend so we can kiss?” I grin up at him, voice teasing.

He growls, narrowing his eyes. “Brat.”

“I meant you, of course.” I laugh but he quiets me as he leans down and fuses his lips to mine.

“You better,” he counters against my lips before kissing me again. My body sways into him, lighting up like it always does when he touches me.

Toby throws me over his shoulder, catching me by surprise.

“What are you doing?” I laugh as he starts to carry me outside to the pool house.

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