“I’m spreading Christmas cheer, dumbass.”
“But I thought you guys were leaving for Mexico today?”
AJ winked. “We can go to Mexico anytime. It isn’t every day you meet another member of the Runway Train family.”
As he held open the door, Mia and the rest of the Resendiz clan came clamoring in the room. Each of them was carrying a platter or container of food. “Merry Christmas, Rhys,” Mia said with a smile.
“Merry Christmas.”
Shaking out of her coat, Mia glanced around the room. “Where’s Allison?”
“She’s grabbing a quick shower.”
“Better make sure she knows we’re out here before she comes out,” AJ joked, which earned him a playful smack on the arm by Mia.
Another knock came at the door. Before I could open it, Jake and Abby came charging through with the twins. Just like AJ and Mia, they came laden down with food. “Merry Christmas!” Abby cried.
“Same to you,” I said, while I gave her a squeeze.
Jake motioned to Sam. “Okay, hand him over. Uncle Jake needs some snuggles with his new nephew.”
“Why should you be the first to hold him?” AJ protested.
“Maybe because he’s my sister’s kid?” Jake replied.
Warmth spread through my chest at my two bandmates and best friends fighting over my son. While I’d never vocalized it to anyone, especially Allison, I’d worried about the stigma surrounding Sam. Would my friends and family embrace him the same way they would my blood son? It was truly a gift to see my fears had been unfounded when it came to my bandmates and their families.
Gently, I handed Sam over to Jake. “Hey, Little Man, welcome to the family,” Jake said. He then kissed the top of Sam’s head.
While AJ cooed at Sam in Jake’s arms, Mia and Abby got down to work organizing all the food. As Allison stepped out of the bathroom fresh-faced and in new clothes, Brayden and Lily appeared with their family and even more food.
Immediately, Allison teared up at the sight of the bounty our bandmates had brought. “You guys, I can’t believe you did this.”
“We couldn’t bear the thought of you guys eating cafeteria food for your Christmas dinner,” Lily said
Abby nodded. “Not to mention, the allure of getting to see handsome Mr. Sam.”
With a smile, I slid an arm around Allison’s waist. “Seriously, we can’t thank you all enough. Some of you guys are our blood, but all of you are our family.”
“Oh, my God, you’re going to make me cry,” Allison tearfully admitted.
“Already there,” Mia said, dabbing her eyes.
“Group hug?” AJ suggested.
Although I fully expected someone to protest, no one did. Instead, we all gathered together in a giant Runaway Train pile. As I squeezed my bandmates, I was so grateful to have them in my life. They were the family I’d always wanted.
After we dispersed, Jake passed Sam on to an eager AJ. Spreading his arms wide, Jake proclaimed, “Let’s eat!”
Always the minister’s daughter, Abby interjected, “After we say grace.”
Jake grinned at her. “I’m sorry, babe. Didn’t mean to be a heathen on Christmas Day.”
“Then why don’t you lead us?”
Although Jake paled slightly, he gave a brief nod before bowing his head. Inwardly, I laughed at how the former manwhore was now a devoted husband returning grace. It certainly was a testament to the power of love. Especially the power of the love of strong women. The men of Runaway Train had certainly been blessed in the women we’d married.
With the blessing returned, Mia and Lily started handing out plates while Brayden manned the drink station. Jake and AJ disappeared out into the hallway for a few seconds before reappearing with chairs. Before I could ask where they found them, Jake winked at me. “I’ve got connections.”