Page 50 of Stolen Holidays
But my mom and I have an unbreakable bond. We went through something no one else would understand. She is part of the reason I’m here. I fought for her, and it led me onto this path. The path where I found Eli and my future.
“I hope you know you will always be my family first.”
Mom pulls me to my feet and, arm in arm, we make our way to the group of people who have become my family. “It’s not a competition, Callie girl. Besides, I like them. Mark kind of reminds me of your father.”
“A big goofball?”
Mom lets out a laugh, and I can’t remember the last time I heard that sound. My chest expands to the point of popping with happiness. “Oh, yeah.”
We both chuckle. Memories of my dad’s smile, his silly jokes, his blue eyes, and hearty chuckle come to the surface. Instead of their bringing pain, they bring happiness.
Rylann sidles up next to me and smiles, her big brown eyes assessing. Rylann and her mother have been a godsend, making my mom feel welcome and comfortable. I really did luck out with this family. “How are you ladies this evening?”
“Just wonderful.” Mom beams.
“I’m happy you could join us. I feel like I know you already. Callie talks about you all the time.” Rylann’s observation takes me by surprise.
“I do?” I ask.
“Oh yes. Sometimes, I listen to you and Rhys chat during your guitar lessons.” Her cheeks turn pink at her admission. “You tell him all kinds of stories about your mom teaching you how to play the guitar. It’s very sweet.”
Mom looks over at me with a teary smile. I remember every lesson she taught me, and I have happily shared them with Rhys. Sharing my love of music with him has been fulfilling.
I wrap my arm around Rylann’s shoulder. “Next time, say hi. Or join us. I’ll get you a guitar.”
“You’re too sweet, but I like Rhys having this special thing for himself. Plus, he plays and sings while I cook, and that’s some top-grade entertainment.” She beams proudly at the mention of her son.
“You’re not wrong,” I agree.
“Rhys is just the sweetest,” my mom says. “You’ve done a great job raising him. He’s quite the little charmer.”
Rylann chuckles. “He is. Totally takes after his father.”
“Pretty sure it’s a Miller trait,” I add.
“Can I get everyone’s attention?” Cam asks.
We quiet down and turn our attention to him as he stands close to the fire. The firelight makes Talia’s stormy-gray eyes flicker orange as she beams at Cameron’s side.
“The floor is yours, son. What’s going on?” Mark waves his hand, encouraging Cam to share his news.
Karen Miller gasps. “You’re pregnant?”
“What? Hell no!” Cam shouts, his eyes wide in panic.
Talia smacks Cam. “Hey!”
“Sorry, Itty Bitty. Talia is not pregnant. Right?” He looks at his fiancée for confirmation. She shakes her head, and he lets out a whoosh of breath, which earns him another smack.
“Tell us your news already,” Mason complains.
“Chill.” Cam clears his throat. “Talia and I have decided to move up our wedding date. Instead of waiting until the end of baseballseason, we are going to get hitched during this upcoming spring training in Arizona.” Cam leans down and sweetly kisses Talia’s cheek. “It’s where we met, and it will always be a special place for us. Isn’t that right, Itty Bitty?”
“You know it, big guy.” You can feel the love between them as Talia lovingly stares at Cam, who towers over her tiny frame.
A tiny pang of jealousy hits me in the stomach, but joy overrides the negative feeling. I want nothing but happiness for my new friend. And yet, I yearn for that kind of reassurance from my partner. A promise that he chooses me completely.
My belly fills with heat as I think of my little nugget, and a pang of worry burns my insides. I don’t want Eli to propose because I’m pregnant. I want him to ask me to be his wife because he wants me.
