Page 170 of Finding the Forward: Part One
“That was so nice.” I immediately texted a thank you text. It warmed me that AJ would get me something so considerate.
“Those are cute. Hey, your researchisokay, right? It’s just one experiment not working out? Not like someone trashed your shit or hurt your plants?” Mercy looked a little anxious, but then most of the parents depended on their research to feed us.
“Yeah, these two sub-breeds didn’t work how I wanted. While the variations gave me some interesting data, they didn’t move my research forward. When we get back, I’ll try again.” I took a sip of coffee. “No one’s mad at me. Sometimes experiments don’t work.”
Mercy squeezed my hand. “Okay. I’m here for you, just like you’re here for me. This is not a one-way thing. Promise?”
I squeezed her hand back. “Promise.”
Chapter Fifty
Dean
Delightful, cozy warmth enveloped me. Not only because I was snuggled under the covers of my bed with my husband, but someone must have turned up the heat. Maybe Grif had. I felt him get up at some point. All those seasons of temperate winters with the Hurricanes had made him soft.
Grif slept next to me in my bed, looking all adorable and peaceful. This. This was everything. Healwaysspent Christmas Eve with me, even when we played for different teams. I didn’t care how much that ticket cost, and some years he went to great lengths to get to me.
Ilovedthe holidays. The cold weather. The decorations. Getting all together.
Growing up, Grif would often spend Christmas Eve and Christmas morning with me. After presents and a lush breakfast, we’d drop him off. Usually, just as everyone was getting up. It was a sleep-in day for them.
Now, here we were. On the same team. Married. Soon our pack application would be approved and we’d formally be pack Lune Noire.
While I should wake Grif up, I relished being snug in bed with him for a little longer.
Yesterday afternoon, the four of us had taken the ultra-bullet to Boston to see my parents for Christmas Eve. We came back to light up the fireplace, sing around Grif’s new piano, and watch a movie while drinking eggnog and eating cookies.
We had to return to Boston today for lunch and a snowball fight with Grif’s family. Grif was excited because Sissy and her pack would be there. Then we’d make a quick stop at the children’s hospital to bring some presents and see my parents again for our usual Christmas dinner. Tomorrow, we’d drive out for a fun afternoon at AJ’s sister’s farm.
Sure, it was a little busy. But that’s how Grif and I liked it. Jonas and AJ didn’t really care as long as they were with us. Jonas’ sister would come out in a few days for a visit. She taught at a boarding school and was in charge of the holiday dinner for those who didn’t go home.
Festivities aside, I missed Verity. From the pictures, she was having a great time. Still, I worried about my little alpha, her research, not getting enough rest. I sent her a text, then gazed back at the love of my life.
“Gumdrop, guess what day it is?” I kissed his cheek.
“Circuit training day,” he muttered, eyes still closed.
“I hope not.” My kisses trailed across his bare shoulder. “I think it’s sleep in, trade presents, and eat too much food day.”
Like most of the nation, we didn’t care about the holiday’s religious roots, we just wanted to sleep in, eat food, and see the people we loved.
And put up entirely too many decorations. Also buy matching pajamas.
“Presents? I knew I was supposed to do something, Jellybean,” he murmured, leaning into me.
“So you don’t want yours?” I laid my head on his chest, enjoying this luscious, decadent cuddle.
Early on, we’d made rules for gift-giving. One gift–and while it didn’t have to be homemade, you couldn’t spend any money. Barter was allowed. Later, we’d added a present that was a book, puzzle, or game and one that while you could spend money on, had to be thoughtful.
The latter two we now did all together. We also ‘drew stockings’, with each one of us getting a name and filling a stocking. This year, I had AJ.
But that first present was still only me and Grif, in bed, first thing.
Over the years, I’d gotten a number of amazing gifts, including compositions and jam-swirled bread in the shape of a star.
“Mmmm, you’re my present. I’m married to you, after all these years. What else do I need?” Grif play-tackled me and kissed my collarbone.
Oh, I knew exactly what he needed. It had been so fucking hard keeping the secret, too.
