Page 96 of UnLucky Christmas
“Aww, did you give him his gift?”
I glance at Grant.
“It was the best present I’ve ever received, thanks Mace.”
She fans her face. “Ugh, I’m so emotional. I guess pregnancy hormones are a real thing.”
“Have you announced it on your page yet?” I ask.
She shakes her head. “I will soon. We wanted to surprise the family today.”
I start asking her questions, and Grant covers his ears. I guess he’d rather not know the specifics of morning sickness and other pregnancy details.
“I’m so excited,” I cheer.
She beams. “It has been so difficult to keep this secret. I’ve almost let it slip more times than I can count.”
“I can’t believe you managed it,” Grant teases.
“Anyway, everyone is waiting for me, so I should go,” she says, ignoring his joke. “Oh, and we just decided to have a New Year’s Eve party, so don’t make any other plans.”
Grant makes a face. I’m sure he’s already dreading the idea of attending another party. This is an overload of social events for him.
We haven’t officially made plans to spend New Year’s together, but I’m assuming it’s an unsaid thing at this point.
“Love you guys.” Her face disappears from the screen.
“Wow,” I exclaim when she’s gone. “Congrats, Uncle Grant.”
He shakes his head in disbelief. “It’s surreal that my little sister is going to be a mother.”
“I’m so happy for all of you.” I place my hand on his arm.
“We should finish breakfast and get ready to head to your aunt’s.” He’s trying so hard to keep his emotions in check.
Grant refuses to let me help clean up, so I jump in the shower. My aunt Nita lives a few hours away, so we need to get on the road soon. As I’m getting ready, I begin to daydream. I almost wonder if I should pinch myself. Christmas has always been a magical time for me, but this year tops them all. I know life isn’t always going to be like this and there are ups and downs ahead, so I’m going to embrace moments like last night and this morning. Hearing Macy’s news made everything even more complete. There’s so much to look forward to. Janelle is engaged, Macy’s expecting, and Grant and I are only just beginning.
My family will continue to go through changes in the coming months, and I’ll need to go through the motions. Thankfully I’m not alone. And neither is Grant. I know he’s shut himself off for a long time because it was easier after all the loss. Now he has Macy, Austin, a new niece or nephew, and me. Plus, my whole wacky family. And he has his new bestie, my brother Ben.
I’m applying my mascara when Grant comes out of the bathroom. He has his pants on and no shirt.Good hell.His body is sheer perfection.
“I forgot my deodorant in my bag.”
“Sure, you did,” I tease. “You just wanted to show off your physique.”
He gives a noncommittal shrug while glancing in the mirror. “I guess. It’s just okay though.”
I bite my lower lip as I continue to stare. “You’re right—it’s just okay.”
He comes over to me and lifts my chin to kiss me as I run my hands over his abs, which are a solid six pack. He shivers from my cold hands.
“I know you find me irresistible, but we have to get on the road,” he lectures.
I laugh. “I’m ready. You’re the one walking around not fully clothed.”
A seductive gleam dances across his eyes before he returns to the bathroom to finish getting dressed.
He totally did that on purpose, and I don’t mind one bit.
