Home for the Holidays

“What? I want my babies to have what Dad and I have.”

“That’s a fairy tale,” I point out. Carey nods her head in agreement. “Logan wants me to move in with him.”

Mom stops cutting the dough. “Like now?” Both she and Carey stare at me, waiting for an answer. I nod. They both start screaming and jumping up and down. The men all run into the kitchen like it’s on fire.

“You brought her back.” Mom hugs Logan. “Look at that. Already getting better at the hugs. This is the best Christmas gift.”

“So a spring wedding,” my dad says folding his arms over his chest. My brother stands next to him and does the same.

“Whenever she’ll let me marry her.”

I glare at Logan. He only smirks. Carey gives me eyes that say we better talk soon or she’ll murder me. I haven't updated her much. I feel kind of bad. I’ve kind of fallen down a hole with Logan. I’m here to catch up with everyone, but I suppose I’m moving back now, so I’ll have lots of time.

“We’ll talk about it later.” I grab Logan by the front of the shirt and pull him down for a quick kiss before the men retreat back to the living room, leaving us girls alone again.

“I’ll hold off on the wedding talk till next year.” I laugh at my mom because that's really only a week away. “Oh, I forgot to turn all the lights on!” She half runs from the kitchen. Heaven forbid the house isn't lit up like a Christmas tree.

“This is getting real,” Carey whispers to me.

“Yeah.” I lick my bottom lip. “We still haven't.” I trail off, not able to say the word sex with my dad in earshot.

“But you’re moving in.”

“I think tonight will be the night.” Last night was heavy petting and then I passed out. I head over to the coffee machine to make me a cup, not caring that it’s getting late. That man is not knocking me out with his mouth tonight, and I kind of want to wait till after midnight.

“I think he’s in love with you.” I almost spilled the creamer. The man should love me if he wants to marry me, but I’m not sure that’s how things work in Logan’s head. He’s different, and I know that has so much to do with how he’s been raised, but I do think in time he will love me in his own way. He’s letting me break through some of his walls in ways I know he’s never let anyone else.

“Why do you say that?” I ask, still wanting to hear about him loving me.

“He keeps looking in here to check on you. Man can’t keep his eyes off you.” I peek over my shoulder to see Logan is looking my way. I pucker my lips, giving him an air kiss that makes him smile before turning back to Carey.

“I’m in love with him.”

“I know.” She gives me another plate of fresh cookies to design. “You wouldn't move in with a man unless you loved him.”

“This still might be all business to him. He likes me, so why wouldn't marriage work with us? His company wants him married.”

“Stop,” she orders. “It’s only been a few days and look at you two. This is real. I know it.”

“Or it’s lust? The whole exciting crush thing. I mean we barely know one another. How could it be love?”

“You really believe that?” She calls me out. I shake my head no. I don’t think men like Logan crush. He knows what he wants. It’s not that for me, either. I know I’m in love with Logan, and tonight I’m going to show him that. I’m going to give myself to him in ways that would make me belong to him forever.20LoganAngel bounces in her seat as we make the drive back to my place. Can I call it our place now? Home even? She told her family she is moving in with me. That got me death glares from her brother when he wasn't trying to steal looks at Angel’s best friend. Yes, I noticed, but I notice everything. It’s a habit for me to always be reading a room.

“Too much sugar?” I place my hand on her thigh, not caring if she is bouncing it, but it gives me a reason to touch her.

“Maybe. We can take these to your parents’ tomorrow if you like.” She pats the basket of cookies she brought home with her. She even gave my driver a box to take home. I’d be almost jealous, but it’s how Angel is, and I don’t want to smother that. I still haven't told her that we won’t be going to my parents’. Then she might ask if we need to stop faking the engagement. She still hasn't given me an answer if she thinks we should really wed, but she’s allowed her family to believe we will, so it seems we’re headed in the right direction. The one that has her being mine forever.