Page 84 of UnLucky Christmas
He makes a beeline for the food leaving me and Emme to chat.
“How are you doing?
“Good. Did you see Mom’s text?”
She rolls her eyes. “The one with the menu, yes.”
“Am I being too sensitive, or is she laying it on a little too thick?”
She shakes her head. “You’re not being sensitive. Even Ben made a comment about it, and normally he ignores that stuff. It’s a lot, and I don’t think she realizes it.”
“We just have to make it through tomorrow.”
She nods and looks around. “Is Grant here?”
“Not yet, he had some stuff to finish up at work since he’s agreed to take off Christmas to be with me.”
She smiles. “At least Christmas day at Aunt Nita’s will be nice and relaxing.”
“I can’t wait.”
Emme walks away to join Ben, and I let out a satisfied exhale. The party is off to a successful start. The guests are enjoying the food and “Underneath the Tree” by Kelly Clarkson is playing in the background.
All of a sudden I feel two arms wrap around my waist and warm breath on my neck.
“Excuse me, I was wondering if you would accompany me under the mistletoe?”
I close my eyes and turn around. Grant lifts me up and kisses me as I link my arms around his neck.
“Who are you, and what have you done with Grant Williams?” I ask. “He’s actually a grinch and doesn’t like mistletoe.”
Grant chuckles and places me down. “It’s true. I was just trying to score some points.”
“You’re so smart.”
Ben and Emme join us, and Ben is especially happy to see Grant. It seems like they have quite the bromance blossoming between them, which is heartwarming especially after Ben always referred to Pete as “what’s his name”.
“Excuse me,” Janelle’s father shouts into the microphone. “Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays everyone.”
“Yes, it’s time for karaoke,” Ben cheers.
I glance over at Janelle whose face has turned pale.
“It’s great to have you all back in our home again,” he continues. “We love that Janelle and Whitney include us in this event every year.”
The guests cheer loudly.
“We’re going to kick off the karaoke in just a few minutes, but I’d like to invite my daughter up here for a minute.”
Janelle plasters a smile on her face and slowly walks toward him.
“What’s happening?” Grant whispers.
“I’m not sure.”
Janelle joins him, and he gives her a hug before handing the microphone to Brian.
The next few minutes are a blur, and I gasp when I realize how precious this moment is. I watch with tears in my eyes as Brian gets down on one knee and proposes to Janelle. Tears begin streaming down her face and her hand is trembling as he slides a ring on her finger. The crowd goes wild, and I wipe my eyes.
