Page 50 of Fire and Ice
The moment served as a reminder to her that Grady was a recovering alcoholic. But he’d been strong and hadn’t eaten the Christmas pudding. That said something.
After dessert, they gathered in the living room and dimmed the lights. Ornaments on the tree glittered, the colorful lights sparkling in the evening. Joe stoked the fire, adding another log.
Anneka and DeAndra served the twins beer in mugs and poured glasses of their favorite wines for themselves.
Chelsea chose to drink sparkling cider and brought one for herself, giving the other to Grady. “Cider,” she said with a smile as she handed it to him. She sat on the couch beside him, her body close to his. It felt so warm and comfortable being with him.
Considering there were six of them and they all were giving gifts to each other, there was a huge pile of presents under the tree. Lots of red, green, blue, silver, and gold.
They took turns opening gifts passed around by the twins. Chelsea realized she was holding her breath when Grady held the medium-sized package from her. He opened it and revealed a box. He took off the lid and smiled as he saw the pair of oversized mugs, a pound of coffee, and a cellophane-wrapped package of moose crunch. Also nestled in the box was the Dalmatian ornament she’d purchased for him the week they’d spent doing things together.
“Spot.” Grady held up the ornament and smiled at her. “It’s great, Chelsea. Thank you.” She didn’t ask if he liked it. His grin the moment he saw it told her he did. “You know I love coffee too.”
Her siblings had bought gifts for him since he was sharing his Christmas Eve with them. Brad’s gift to Grady was a multitool pen, and Joe’s was a stainless-steel water bottle. Anneka gave him a box set of hot sauces from around the world, and DeAndra’s gift was a boxed collection of a variety of cheeses and crackers.
After he’d opened the packages of food items, DeAndra said, “You’re a man, so you gotta love food.”
Anneka nodded. “Men are so hard to buy for.” She jerked her thumb in the direction of Brad and Joe. “Except for them. Anything food, gaming, or college-related works.”
In turn, Grady gave gifts to each of Chelsea’s siblings. They were great gifts, especially since she’d made suggestions and helped him pick out things they would like when they went shopping together.
The last gift passed out by the twins was Grady’s gift to Chelsea. Everyone seemed to be watching intently as she opened the small oblong package wrapped in gold with a red bow. She bit her lower lip as she fumbled with the ribbon.
She removed the paper and revealed a pearly white box. She lifted the lid. A gold chain with a gold heart pendant rested inside.
Chelsea’s breath stuck in her throat, and the backs of her eyes burned, and she was afraid she was going to cry.
She looked up, into his eyes, and swallowed the lump. “It’s beautiful. Thank you.” She moved her mouth to his and kissed him. When they drew apart, he smiled down at her, looking at her in a way that made her feel like he might be in love with her. A shiver went through her, and she leaned against him, enjoying his warmth and the feel of her body against his, from her shoulder to her knee.
They all sat amongst the wrappings and bows, enjoying their drinks and being together. Her siblings were so important to her, and she loved them so much. It meant a lot that they welcomed Grady, and he shared their Christmas Eve. The last time anyone else had been with them was when George was still alive.
Chelsea didn’t want to think of their last Christmas with him. She focused on Grady, and he drew her to him, filling her heart so much that she thought it might burst.
It was closing in on midnight when Grady got up to leave. He eased on his jacket and pulled the keys to his SUV out of the pocket.
She walked him toward the front door, wishing he didn’t have to leave. In the entryway, he paused, smiled at her, and slid his palms along her bare arms. “It’s cold, so don’t come out with me. We’ll say goodnight here.”
She caught his hands in hers. “I could always put on a coat.”
He shook his head. “I’ll see you later this week.”
“I hope you haven’t forgotten our Dunn family annual New Year’s weekend.” She squeezed his fingers. “I believe there will be a hot tub in our room.”
“Mmmm.” His eyes grew darker. “You can bet I’ll be with you. Thank you for inviting me.”
She kissed him and drew back. “I’m glad you’re coming.” She smiled. “I think my brothers and sisters do as well.”
He kissed her one more time, then opened the door. A burst of cold air swirled inside, and goose bumps broke out along her arms. “Talk with you tomorrow, honey,” he said before he closed the door behind him.
15
Grady pulled his Nissan up to a forest-enshrouded rental cabin in Oak Creek Canyon, near Sedona, Chelsea at his side. He parked the truck between a red Ford Escape and an orange Dodge Ram king cab truck and killed the engine.
“Isn’t this place gorgeous?” Chelsea’s excited voice captured his attention. “My siblings and I usually go to different locations every New Year’s holiday, but this is our second year in Oak Creek. We stayed in another cabin last year. I have to say from the outside, this one tops it.”
“Some cabin.” Grady took in the sprawling multi-level home with floor-to-ceiling windows that would give a fabulous view of Oak Creek. “Looks like a perfect place to stay a couple of days.”
“Come on.” She grasped the door handle. “The gang’s all here.”
