Page 57 of Take Me Home for Christmas

Chapter Seventeen

Mia

That night, Dina let me borrow her necklace with one hanging pearl in the shape of a teardrop that Liam got her for their fifth anniversary. But I had to swear on my unborn children that I’d keep it safe. And she did my makeup the way only she could—that made me look exactly like me, only better.

The only thing she couldn’t do was find me shoes. She was a tiny size six, and my mom was a seven, and absolutely no one was a nine and a half. So out came the red five-inch platforms with straps that crisscrossed around and ended at my ankles in sparkly red bows. They were wild. But at least they matched the dress…in a prom ’07 sort of way.

I walked downstairs expecting a wrist corsage and a photo with my boyfriend standing behind me with his arms at my waist, because my entire family was oddly present, all dressed up themselves and ready to go, yet all lined up in the foyer. Liam was taking photos. My dad was eating peanut butter crackers, no doubt wishing he was watching a game. My mom looked me up and down. It took her all of three seconds to spot my shoes.

I preempted her question. “It was these or ballet flats,” I said dryly.

“Maybe you can bring flip-flops and pretend it’s time to dance,” Dina suggested.

“You all are draining my confidence,” I shot back.

“Good thing I didn’t throw those away,” my mom said, which actually was a charitable thing to say.

“Why did you ever let me buy these?” I asked her. She literally never let me buy anything I wanted as a teenager.

Her mouth turned up in amusement. “Sometimes, you’ve got to pick your battles.” She kissed me. “You look beautiful.”

At the end of the line was Brax, in Caleb’s suit. It somehow fit decently enough. “You’re stunning,” he said.

“And you’re the best boyfriend ever,” I teased. But I meant it. Also, I loved saying that word.

My dad helped me on with my coat. “You look beautiful, sweetheart,” he said, and kissed my cheek.

“We’ll meet you there,” said my mom.

Brax stood by the door, holding out his arm for me to grab onto as we traveled down the icy path.Okay, five-inchers, don’t fail me now.

As I took his arm, he grinned widely and gave me a wink. “Okay, gorgeous. Time to go kick Charlie’s ass.”

My family literally cheered. It was weird, a strange moment that my whole family was witnessing, and yet Brax took it all in stride.

He closed the door and stopped me on the stoop, which happened to be right under that mistletoe. In contrast to the dark night, the entire outside of the house was lit with strings of cheery glowing lights. He faced me and took both my hands in his. “If you asked me what I thought I’d be doing tonight a week ago, I wouldn’t have said going to a party for your ex and his new wife. But Mia,” he looked me up and down, “You take my breathaway. And even if you were wearing scrubs or sweats with your hair up in that bun thing you do”—he made a little curlicue in the air with his index finger—“I just want you to know I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else but here tonight, with you.”

My eyes misted over. “You had me at kicking Charlie’s ass.”

He looked up at the mistletoe, a twinkle in his eye. And then he kissed me.

And that sealed the deal. Suddenly, I didn’t care about what I was going to say to Charlie—or to Erin. I didn’t care who saw me tonight or what anyone would say. All I cared about was that I really did feel beautiful, in front of the only one who mattered.

And with that, I stepped straight into his arms.

“I give them three years,” Dina whispered to me like the wonderful sister-in-law she was as we stood at my family’s table near the back of the reception hall. We were surrounded by twinkle lights and pine boughs. There were candles everywhere, and red napkins complemented the gold chargers and the white-as-snow tablecloths. A local band played Christmas tunes while people danced. Everyone was dressed in their holiday best and having a fun time.

I had to smile, not so much at her comment, but at her fierce loyalty. “What are you talking about?”

Charlie and Erin were walking around the crowded hall, greeting people, shaking hands, and accepting congratulations. Charlie looked nice, dapper in a navy suit. He’d grown a hipster beard since we’d been together and lost about twenty pounds, so maybe his appearance was a reflection of being with the right person. Erin’s blonde hair was worn up, with a jeweled crown over her veil. Yes, she was wearing a wedding dress, strapless,cut to show off her cleavage and a tattoo on her upper chest of an “E” and a “C” intertwined with a vine.

Brax was off getting me a drink, and he couldn’t return soon enough.

Dina dropped her voice even further. “He hasn’t even looked at her or touched her for the past five minutes, even though they’re standing right next to each other.”

“That’s a risky tattoo,” Caleb said, joining us, shaking his head in disbelief.

“Okay, everyone,” I said, “thanks for being on my side, but you don’t have to critique them on my behalf. Although I appreciate your having my back.” The party was wedding-reception identical, with I’d guess around a hundred and fifty people. I’d caught up with some old high school friends that I hadn’t seen for a while, and that had been fun. And just as Brax had predicted, no one judged me for being there or even seemed to give it a second thought. I did see a few acquaintances whispering among themselves and pointing to me.Mia’s here,they were probably saying.Would you take a look at that?

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