Page 52 of Home for the Holidays

Suddenly, there was a man’s voice shouting, “Merry Christmas Eve,” through the house, and everyone started yelling and laughing. Nora’s eyes widened, and Maddie was gone like a shot.

“Grandpa’s here!” Nora took off after Maddie, running at full speed toward all the commotion.

Iris started to clean up the coloring books and supplies. “Can you help me with this?”

He did as she asked, and when they both reached for a stack of the books, he grabbed her hand and squeezed it. “I love you,” he whispered.

“I know you do,” she said softly. “I love you too.” When she finally looked at him, relief filled her heart that Zac no longer looked like he was working through the worst hangover of his lifetime. He had on an ugly Christmas sweater, and all she could do was chuckle. “You look so much better.”

“You like it?” He pulled at the sweater. “It has a cat on it. I figured you’d love it. I know how much you like pussies.”

“Wow, a real comedian,” Iris deadpanned to the empty room. “Everyone, look, a real comedian!”

He laughed as he stood and held his hand out for her to take. “I know, I know.” When she stood, he leaned in and kissed her on the cheek. There was something about him, about the way he was acting, that alleviated the anger she was feeling toward him. “You look great too. But you know my mom is going to require you to wear that other ugly sweater we brought.”

“Require? What if I say I forgot it?”

He laughed. “No way. She’ll make you wear one of hers then.”

“I’ll put it on in a few.” She prodded him gently. “Now, go introduce me to your father.” He reached down to hold her hand, and for some reason, she allowed it. It didn’t feel like it used to; it felt morenatural.

When they turned into the kitchen, Iris was pleased to see that Stanley looked exactly how she thought he would. He was the same height as all his boys, had a bald head, dark glasses, and was wearing a hideous Christmas tree sweater, complete with garland and ornaments.

“Dad!” Zac said as he practically leaped into Stanley’s arms. “It’s so good to see you.”

“Son, you look amazing. Just amazing.” Stanley pulled away and firmly patted Zac on the shoulder. His left eyebrow arched over his glasses. “And who is this?”

“This is Iris.” Zac turned to her. “Iris, this is my dad, Stanley.”

Iris cleared her throat and reached out to shake his hand. Before she knew it, he was coming in for a hug, though, and when he wrapped his arms around her, she could smell his crisp cologne. “Iris, it’s so nice to meet you. You are absolutely stunning.” He pulled away and looked at her. “Your skin, your hair, your smile. My word, Zac, she’s gorgeous.”

“She’s also blushing,” Heidi said from behind Stanley and Zac. “Maybe stop embarrassing her?”

“Oh, please, she’s just a sight! I am very impressed.” Stanley kissed Iris on the cheek. “I am so glad you’re spending this time with us. Christmas is a very special time here at the Nowak house.”

“I’ve gathered,” Iris finally said. “It’s nice to meet you, too, Mr. Nowak.”

“Please, call me Stanley. I insist. And Iris”—he turned and held his arm out, motioning for his husband to come forward—“this is my Kevin.”

“Nice to meet you, My Kevin.” Iris smiled as she held out her hand again.

Kevin, who was taller and had shaggy, salt-and-pepper hair, laughed. “Just Kevin, please.” He gave Stanley a slightly annoyed look. “He’s always acting like owns me.” He waved off Iris’s hand and hugged her too. “I’m so glad Zac has finally found the woman of his dreams.”

Zac groaned. “You guys, come on. Stop,” he said as he pulled Iris away from them. “She’s just Iris. Okay?”

Iris turned to look at him. “Oh?” she said softly, and he grinned. That explanation was so much better and so much more than she had expected at this point in the morning.

“Are you ready for the day’s events?” Kevin reached over and pulled the bundle of grapes Stanley was holding out of his hand and started to pop them into his mouth. “We have a jam-packed one ahead of us.”

Iris shot her faux beau a look. “Zac, of course, told me nothing. So, what’s on the agenda?”

“We’re going sledding, then hot cocoa and snowman building, and then our annual Home Alone marathon downstairs in the movie room.” Kevin smiled a very kind smile, and the instant connection Iris had been feeling to him was solidified. “You’ll be sick of all of us by the end of it.”

She forced herself to chuckle. “I doubt that.” Zac’s facial expression was a mirror of exactly how she was feeling: Nervous to unveil the truth. Worried that this was all going to end. Excited that maybe they could both live in their own skin afterward.

Heidi clapped her hands as she started to shoo them all from the kitchen. “Go get ready, everyone. I’ll have the sandwiches made for your departure.” When her eyes landed on Iris’s, her brow furrowed, as if asking if she was okay. When Iris pursed her lips and shook her head, Heidi frowned, then mouthed the words, “Come here.”

Zac lingered on the top step as everyone else trooped downstairs to get the sledding gear.

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