Page 57 of The One Who Risked it All

Rebecca bustled in from the kitchen, flour dusting her cheek. “Everything okay, you two?” she asked, her eyes flickering between us knowingly. “You look like you’re about to face a firing squad,” she teased, coming over to adjust a drooping ornament.

Eli snorted. “Just the two most stubborn men in Minden about to find out their kids are dating. No big deal.”

I elbowed him gently. “Your optimism is overwhelming, Eli.”

“We’ll be fine, Becca,” Eli replied, his trademark grin sliding into place. “I was just admiring your Martha Stewart-worthy decorations.”

Nathan appeared behind her, Joey perched on his hip, cookie in hand. “Don’t let her fool you,” he stage-whispered. “Half of this was from the dollar store.”

“Nathan!” Rebecca swatted at him playfully, but her eyes were full of affection. “There is good stuff at the dollar store these days,” she defended herself.

As I watched them, I couldn’t help but feel a pang of longing. This was what I wanted – a family, a home filled with love and laughter. And standing here with Eli, his hand in mine, I could almost imagine it.

I sucked in a slow breath, steeling myself for what was to come. Our families would be here soon, and everything would change. I just hoped it would be for the better.

The doorbell chimed, and my heart leaped into my throat. I squeezed Eli’s hand, probably a bit too hard, but he didn’t flinch.He just gave me that reassuring smile that always made my knees weak.

“I’ll get it,” Nathan called, heading for the door.

As it swung open, I saw Harold and Patty Wells step inside. My stomach dropped like a kettlebell. Harold’s eyes scanned the room, widening slightly when they landed on me. I could practically see the gears turning in his head.

“Carla?” he said, his voice gruff with surprise. “I didn’t expect to see you here.”

I swallowed hard. “Hi, Mr. Wells. Merry Christmas.”

Patty, ever the peacemaker, stepped forward with a pie. “We brought dessert,” she said, her voice warm despite the tension crackling in the air.

Harold’s jaw tightened, his gaze flicking between Eli and me. I could feel Eli stiffen beside me, but before either of us could say anything, Nathan’s boys came barreling into the room.

“Papa! Mimi!” they shouted, launching themselves at Harold and Patty.

The ice cracked, just a little. Harold’s stern expression softened as he bent to hug his grandsons. “Hey there, troublemakers,” he said, ruffling their hair.

I let out a breath. Maybe this wouldn’t be so bad after all.

But then the doorbell rang again.

This time, Rebecca answered. “Jim, Trudy! Come on in,” she said, ushering in my parents.

The moment my dad saw Harold, his face darkened. “What’s going on here?” he demanded, looking around the room.

Harold straightened up, his eyes narrowing. “I was about to ask the same thing.”

Oh boy. Here we go. I glanced at Eli, seeing my own worry reflected in his eyes. This was going to be one memorable Christmas gathering.

I felt Eli’s hand tighten around mine, his palm slightly clammy. My heart raced as I watched him take a deep breath, his jaw clenching and unclenching. I gave his hand a gentle squeeze, hoping to convey all the support and love I couldn’t put into words at that moment.

Eli cleared his throat, the sound cutting through the tense silence that had fallen over the room. All eyes turned to him, expectant and wary.

“Everyone,” he began, his voice wavering slightly before finding its strength, “I have something important to say.”

I could feel the weight of his father’s gaze boring into us, but I kept my focus on Eli. He was trembling ever so slightly, but his eyes were determined.

“Carla and I are together,” he announced, his voice ringing clear and true. “We’re in love, and we’re not going to let old grudges keep us apart anymore.”

The room erupted in an array of reactions. My dad’s face turned an alarming shade of red, while Harold’s eyes bulged in disbelief.

“Absolutely not!” Harold bellowed, taking a menacing step forward. “Have you lost your mind, boy?”

---