Her awkward rambling is adorable, her cheeks pinkening in color.
“I’m happy for you.”
Once upon a time, Ansel might’ve had a thing for my girl, but the sincerity in his voice says everything.
“When do you go back to Paris?” Dani leads him into the family room where he takes a seat on the couch.
I grab the popcorn and join them. I doubt we’ll actually be watching a movie now since that was merely a distraction I came up with, but at least I’ll have a snack while the two friends catch up.
“After New Year’s.” Dani frowns and he playfully taps her chin. “Don’t look sad already, I’m right here.”
“Paris is so far away, though.”
“I know, but I’m happy there, and you can always come visit.”
“You tell me every time we talk.”
He chuckles, easing against the couch cushions as he grows more comfortable. “That’s because I mean it.”
“I do miss Paris.”
“It’s an unforgettable city.”
Standing, I set the popcorn bowl on the coffee table and quietly head into the kitchen so I can start on the dishes for tomorrow’s dinner that I can prepare ahead. I want to give Dani and Ansel time to catch up without me hovering over them.
As I start pulling things out of the refrigerator, their voices drift into the kitchen, and I can’t help but smile over Dani’s excitement. Keeping this a secret from her was difficult, but absolutely worth it.
Chapter Five
Christmas morning begins with Dani and I running down the stairs like two little kids as if Santa has actually paid us a visit. Presents sit under the fake tree we decorated at the beginning of the month, waiting for us to open them. I’ve decided no matter how old you get, there’s something exciting about waking up on Christmas morning—even if we did sleep in later than I think either of us ever did as children.
Sitting on the floor with Tally batting at the bows and Zeppelin sniffing everything, we tear through our presents from each other as well as ones sent from family out of state who couldn’t visit.
“A sweater?” I smirk holding up the garment Dani bought me.
A blush stains her cheeks. “It’s the color of your eyes. I couldn’t resist.”
“I love it.” And I do. It’s soft and looks comfortable. It’ll be great to wear to work during these last few cold months.
“I can’t wait to play with this.” Dani holds up the nail polish set I got her that allows you to mix your own colors.
I have no idea where her nail polish obsession comes from, but as soon as I saw the kit online I knew she had to have it.
“What color do you think you’ll make first?” I reach for another present.
“Blue,” she blurts, her eyes shifting from the sweater I folded on the floor to my eyes. “I think it’s beginning to become my favorite color. Well, maybe my second favorite color.” She plucks her yellow sweatshirt away from her chest.
I open the gift in my lap to reveal homemade cookies from my mom. This year they couldn’t make it work to come here, and I didn’t want to go back home with this being my first official Christmas with Dani. Sliding out one of the chocolate peanut butter cookies I pass one to Dani before taking one myself.
“These are delicious,” she moans, savoring the cookie.
“I know. My mom’s the best.” I might be biased but … fuck. “Dani, I’m sorry.”
She shakes the sadness from her eyes. “It’s okay. I’m fine, really.”
“I shouldn’t have—”
“No,” she insists. “There’s nothing wrong with you bringing up your mom just like there’s nothing wrong with me being sad.”
She straightens her shoulders, lifting her chin.
“I’m so fucking proud of you.”
Dani has come so far in her journey. I don’t think she ever gives herself enough credit for that. Getting the help you need is never an easy thing but she’s done it and the progress shows.
With emotion still flooding her eyes, she leans over and plants a kiss on my cheek. “Thank you. This isn’t easy, but…” She pauses, gathering her thoughts. “This is still one of my favorite Christmases ever.”
“And it’s not over yet,” I remind her.
I didn’t expect to be cramming this many people into my small starter home, but along with Sage and Sasha, Ansel and his parents have joined us after Dani extended an invite, as well as their high school friend Seth.
“Look at this.” Ansel tosses one arm over Dani’s shoulder, another over Seth’s, with Sasha on the end. “The gang back together. Who would’ve thought?”
“Not me.” Dani’s eyes meet mine, the happiness in them nearly knocking me over.
It might be unconventional, and this is my first time meeting Ansel’s parents, but this right here feels like a family.
Our family. The one we’ve chosen to make with people who matter.
“Is dinner ready yet? I’m starved.” Sage smacks a hand on my shoulder, harder than necessary. I take the ribbing from him in stride.
“Almost.” I reach for the oven mitts and pull out the turkey I roasted.
Everything else is already on the table and I set the turkey at the end, carving into it. Once it’s ready I call everyone to grab their plates and fill them up. There’s not quite enough room at the table so Ansel and his parents sit on the stools at the island.
Chatter fills the house, holiday music playing softly in the background.
It’s a picture perfect scene, one I wasn’t expecting but love nonetheless.
Maybe I’m a sentimental fool but I don’t think there’s anything quite like being surrounded by your friends and family. It means more than any monetary gift ever could.
When dinner is done, everyone chips in to clean up and put away leftovers. When Sage asks me if he can take some home with him I feel like I’ve won some sort of secret battle.
As the evening wears on, Dani proudly presents her chocolate cake—insisting everyone have a piece.
Sage takes a reluctant bite, his face then blossoms into surprise. “Wow, Weed, this is delicious.”
“Weed?” I see Ansel’s mom mouth to his dad.
“I told you I’m getting better.” Dani pushes his shoulder as he digs in for another bite.
Ansel sits down beside me, plate in hand with a half-eaten slice of cake on it. “She’s happier,” he announces. “Happier than I’ve ever seen her. In a way it’s like she’s a different person, but I mean that in the best way. There’s still things there, though, that make her inherently Dani.”
I turn to look at the guy. “You took care of her when I couldn’t. I’ll never be able to repay you for that.”
“No, you won’t.” The two of us grow quiet and he moves the cake around the plate, not really eating it anymore. “I was in love with her.”
I blow out a breath, uttering a quiet, “I know.”
“But I’m not anymore,” he continues, like it wasn’t implied in the was. “But I still love her as a friend. She was never going to be mine. I saw that then and I know it now.” He sets his plate on the table beside him and leans further back in the chair.