Page 53 of A Very Merry Matchup
“All right, you two. Get away from that bell. We’re going to be late for the Christmas Eve service.”
Beau’s arm tightens around my waist as he drops another quick kiss on my lips. “Don’t blame us for adhering to this long-standing family tradition.”
“One that dates all the way back to last year as I recall,” says Nana. “Speaking of which, any chance that bat’s going to make another appearance tonight? It really jazzed up the service last year if you ask me.”
“I certainly hope not,” says Janey, bending down to adjust Felicity’s shoe. “Sweetie, where’s your other shoe?”
“Pinky ate it.” Felicity points to where Pinky is indeed feasting on a black ballerina slipper next to the refrigerator.
Janey groans as she stands. “Beau, can you get some control over your little girl?”
“Says the mom whose little girl is eating out of Hamish’s food dish.” Beau points to where Janey’s eleven-month-old daughter Sadie is sitting on the floor with a fist full of dog food aimed at her mouth.
“Oh, honey, no, no, no.” I break free from Beau to retrieve all the little food pebbles out of Sadie’s hand. “Sorry, sweet girl, but this isn’t for you.” I spot Hamish tucked around the corner by the back door chomping on the cheese bites thatweremeant for Sadie. “You two are already in cahoots, aren’t you?” I blow raspberry kisses on Sadie’s neck as she squeals and giggles, then hand her over to Walter.
“I’ll start buckling the girls in,” he says to Janey, dropping a kiss on her cheek, then Sadie’s.
“Right behind you,” Janey says, slinging a diaper bag over her shoulder.
“Who are we riding with, Cecilia?” Nana wraps a scarf around head. “Beau and Ivy?”
Cecilia puts away the last of the pre-Christmas Eve snacks and pulls a face. “You kidding? Everybody knowsBeau and Ivy aren’t going to move away from that bell long enough to get to the Christmas Eve service on time. We’ll drive ourselves.”
“Hey.” I lift my hands. “The last time I passed under the bell I really was just on my way for more cider.”
“Uh-huh. And the dozen times before that? We’ll save some seats for you.” She winks as she slips her arms into her coat and hustles out the back door with Nana.
I glance at the clock on the kitchen wall, not sure why all the rush. Church is only a few blocks away, and unlike last year, Nolly Grove hasn’t seen a single snowflake this Christmas. Shouldn’t take but a minute to get there.
“Think I left my coat upstairs.” Before I can make it a step, Beau tugs me back to his side.
“Hold on. There’s something I want to talk to you about in private and this may be the only chance I get.”
Valid. After the service, Janey’s family will be here until late tonight, then back over for a big brunch tomorrow with the addition of her in-laws this year. Later in the day my brother and his wife, who is officially his wife now, are dropping by in the afternoon. Mom and Dad aren’t coming, but I’m planning separate trips to see both of them before New Year’s Day.
Beau’s right that this may be the last private moment we get for a while.
“What’s on your mind?” I ask him after he gives each dog a pig ear to keep them occupied.
His arms slide around me and he drops a soft kiss to my forehead. “I just want you to know how grateful I am.”
I can’t help but smile as I hug him back and rest my cheek against his chest. “For what?”
His heart beats a steady rhythm beneath my ear as he answers. “This has been one of the most incredible years of my life, Ivy.”
“I know. I’m so proud of you.” Beau not only made it onto the roster for the Chicago Cubs this past season, he got offered a three-year contract to keep playing third base for them.
“Thanks, but I’m not talking about baseball. As great as that’s been, this past year has been incredible because of you. I hope you know you’ll always mean more to me than any of that.”
I do. I’ve seen the evidence firsthand this past year.
Sure, it hasn’t always been easy. Sure, there were times we couldn’t be together for what felt like eternal stretches while he was traveling and I was working.
But we’ve made time to talk every day. Even if it’s just a text message or two on some days.
And continuing to work as a travel nurse this past year has allowed me some freedom I’ve never taken advantageof before. Like taking time off in between assignments so I could see friends in person more often, not just through video messages. See my family more often, not just when there’s a crisis. See Beau more often, not just during the offseason. Though I am definitely seeing him a lot during this offseason and I’m not sad about that.
I’m also not sad about keeping Hamish. Neither was Yesenia when I told her I wasn’t giving him back. I expected a big battle but turns out she’s a bit of a matchmaker too. Only she prefers matching people with pets. Who knew I had so many little connivers in my life? And who knew I’d be so grateful for every single one of them?
