The food vanished, the wine flowed freely, lulling us all into a sated, quiet mood. The dishes were loaded into the two dishwashers, and everyone drifted to their favorite spot for some downtime. A lot of bodies were napping. Some reading. Some simply relaxing. Richard sat across from Gracie, scrolling through his phone, showing her amusing pictures at times. She had finally relaxed, the wine she had been sipping catching up to her. I felt relief at the fact that the day was almost over and Gracie’s bombshell remained a secret. She could figure it out with Jaxson and move on. I knew she would tell her parents once it was done, although I was sure some of the details would be glossed over. She would make it sound like an amusing incident, and she would close this chapter.
I was an idiot to think so.
It happened so innocently. So quickly. Jaxson stood, announcing that he was going to leave. There was a chorus of objections he waved aside, insisting he would drive slowly and the vehicle he had rented had four-wheel drive and snow tires. He assured everyone he had only drunk one glass of wine and was fine. He stated he had work to do and had to return home. He kissed all the mothers and Nan, shook the hands of the dads and Pops, his gratitude sincere and honest.
He headed in our direction, obviously planning on saying goodnight to Richard and the rest of us. Gracie set aside her wineglass, watching him come closer with mounting anxiety. Richard glanced her way with a frown, as if noticing her reaction to Jaxson. He narrowed his eyes, suddenly watchful.
One moment, Jaxson was striding toward us, and the next moment, he stumbled over the edge of a throw rug. He righted himself quickly, but his cardigan caught on the edge of a table, pulling at his pocket. The ring he had slid inside earlier flew out, soaring through the air and hitting the floor with a metallic thud that seemed to echo. It rolled on the wood floor, landing in front of none other than Gracie. The heavy platinum band spun like a top, the diamonds catching the light, the last few circles reminding me of a lazy drunk wobbling side to side, before it stopped. Jaxson hurried forward, but Richard bent, picking up the ring and studying it.
“Pretty ring.” He narrowed his eyes. “Why is it in your pocket?”
“I forgot it was there.” Jaxson held out his hand. “If I may have it back, please.”
Richard held out the ring, then pulled back, squinting as he read something inside the ring. Jaxson went pale, and I shut my eyes, knowing whatever was inside the ring had just brought the secret out.
“My Saving Grace?” Richard snarled. “Why does this say ‘My Saving Grace’? Are you…” His eyes widened. “Are you having an affair with my daughter?” His voice rose. My dad jumped to his feet, heading in our direction, Aiden following. Addi and I stood, knowing what was about to happen would not be pleasant.
Richard’s gaze swung to Gracie. “What is going on?”
“This is why I don’t drink,” Gracie said, then, once again, burst into tears.
“Are you screwing with my daughter?” Richard bellowed. “You’re her boss!”
He stepped toward Jaxson, who shook his head. “No. Absolutely not.”
Richard shook his hand, the diamonds catching the light. “Explain this!”
Jaxson sighed and dropped his hand. There was nowhere to hide anymore. “We’re not having an affair, Richard. We’re married.”
For a moment, only the sound of Gracie’s sobs filled the air.
From behind us, one of the Callaghan boys muttered, “Well, holy…night. I wasn’t expecting that.”
Then it happened. Richard’s fist shot out so fast, none of us had time to react. I heard the sound of bone meeting bone, and Jaxson stumbled backward, the ring once again hitting the floor. It rolled under the sofa.
My dad sprinted over, wrapping his arms around Richard to hold him back. He was yelling and cursing, trying to get to Jaxson. Oddly enough, Gracie stood, blocking his way as Jaxson straightened up, holding his jaw. Katy stood mute and confused across the room, watching the scene unfold in front of her. My mom stood beside her, wrapping her arm around her shoulders in comfort as Katy covered her mouth.
“Talk about decking the halls,” another voice spoke up.
“I told you this wouldn’t stay secret,” I stated to Addi.
Richard’s wild gaze turned on me. “You knew?” he yelled. “You knew about this?” He struggled harder against my dad’s grip. Dad looked startled then lifted his eyebrows, indicating the door, telling me silently to get out. Others began to file from the room. It was like the proverbial sinking ship. The rats were getting out.
Holy shit.
Another Christmas I was going to have to run for it. At least this time I had my shoes. I grabbed Addi’s hand. “Time to go.”