“After you, sweet pea.” He smiles at me as he offers me a hand to help me down from the barstool I’ve been perched on. Together we fill our plates, and I notice that Holden samples a little bit of everything, just like Cameron and my dad. It makes me smile. He fits in with them so well. I just hope they’re both willing to give him a chance.
“So, Holden, what does your family do for the holiday?” Mom asks once we’re all seated.
“We do dinner and gifts at my aunt Lottie’s every year.”
“You’re from around here, right?” Mom asks.
“Yes, ma’am. I moved away for college and then was drafted to the Tomahawks.”
“Well, we’re glad you’re here.”
“Thank you for having me.”
“I can’t believe you’re leaving early,” my dad grumbles from his place at the head of the table.”
“Easton,” Mom warns.
“What, queen?” he asks her. “It’s not going to be the same without all three girls being here.”
“Dad, we’re staying for dinner and leaving after. That’s us spending all day here,” I defend.
Holden turns to look at me. “Babe, we can reschedule with my family. If you want to stay, we stay.” He doesn’t bother to lower his voice.
“No. We told your parents we would be there, and we will be.”
“I think it’s a great idea,” Dad chimes in.
“Dad?” Paisley says.
“What’s up, princess?” he asks.
“Do you not remember what happened with Cameron and me? Back off a little.”
“I don’t know what you mean. I just think having my duchess here with her family is a good idea. Cameron is here.”
“And so is Holden. And last year, when Cam and I had to leave early to have Christmas with his mom, you didn’t act like a child.”
“I’m just saying” Dad starts, but Mom speaks up.
“Easton, a word.” Her voice is tight as she pushes back from the table and stands, stalking off toward the kitchen.
“Don’t let him get to you,” Paisley tells Holden.
“He did the same thing to me,” Cameron tells him. “You want one of the Monroe sisters, you have to stand up to him.”
I turn to look at him. “I’m sorry.”
His hand rests against my cheek. “You have nothing to be sorry for. I’m sure when I have a little girl, no matter how old she is, I’ll act the same way.”
“He’s out of control,” Peyton tells us. “I’m the baby. He’s going to flip out when I’m in this position.”
“I guess you haven’t asked him about spring break yet?” I ask my little sister.
“No, and I’m sure as hell not asking him today.”
“We’ll be there when you do,” Paisley tells her. “Three strong and he won’t be able to turn you down.”
“I’m eighteen,” Peyton defends. “I’ll be nineteen in six weeks.”
“Yeah, but as you said, you’re the baby. You’re his last hope at holding on and keeping us young.”
My parents come back to the table, and all talks of spring break are dropped. Mom and Dad take their seats. Everyone is quiet until I hear Holden clear his throat.
“Sir.” Dad stops eating and looks up at him. “I know the media portrays me as having somewhat of a wild lifestyle, but I promise you, as I’m sure you’re aware, that you can’t believe everything you read. I care about your daughter, Mr. Monroe. I would never do anything to hurt her.” He turns his head to look at me. “All I want is for you to be happy. If you want to stay, we’ll stay.”
“Why can’t you go without her?” Dad asks.
“Easton!” Mom scolds, and I swear I see flames coming out of her ears.
“It was an honest question,” Dad defends.
“I could, sir, but it’s Christmas, and I want to spend my day with Parker. So if she decides we stay, we’ll stay and meet up with my parents later tonight or tomorrow.”
“We’re not staying,” I say firmly. “Dad, do you even hear yourself right now? You’re acting like a toddler. Holden is willing to not see his family to keep you happy.”
“No, sweet pea, it’s not for him. It’s for you. This decision isn’t for him. I’ll do whatever you want. Your opinion is the only one that matters to me.” He turns his eyes back to my dad. “It’s not that I don’t want your approval, Mr. Monroe, but I don’t need it to care about her.”
“You’re welcome here anytime, Holden, and Parker, you told us you were splitting your time, and we understand that’s how this works. At least I do. Your father needs a little refresher of how it works to juggle family commitments.”
“You’ve been retired too long,” Peyton teases our dad.
“Lady”—he shakes his head—“I’m not that old.”
“You sure about that, old man?” she asks.
“I think Peyton might be onto something,” Mom chimes in.
“Jett, what else did Santa bring you?” Dad asks, ignoring everyone but his grandson.
Jett rattles on about all the cool things Santa brought him, and that’s pretty much the only conversation for the rest of breakfast. Jett steals the show, and I’m grateful for the reprieve.
“Present time?” Jett asks when Mom stands.
“Almost, sweetie. Let Grandma get everything cleared away.”
Holden and I stand and begin to help her. He takes a load of dishes into the kitchen, and I stay behind to talk to my dad.
“I’m disappointed in you. I’m an adult, Dad. I can vote, I can buy beer, and I can choose the company that I keep. Holden is a nice guy, and he’s good to me. Holden is a part of my life, Dad. You need to accept that or plan on seeing a lot less of me.” With that, I take the dishes in my trembling hands and move to the kitchen. I stop as soon as I enter. Holden has his sleeves rolled up and is rinsing off dishes, then handing them to my mom as she loads the dishwasher.
“Your mother likes him,” Dad whispers from behind me.
“I like him too.”
“All right, duchess,” he concedes. “I’ll do better.”
“See that you do,” I say, stepping into the kitchen.
“I’ll take those.” Holden grins, and I hand them to him.
“Parker, this one’s a keeper.” Mom laughs.
“He cooks too,” I tell her.
“Even better.”
“And he spoils me.” I’m aware Dad is still standing in the doorway, listening to this all go down. “He set up an office for me at his place so I could get peace and quiet to study next semester.” I don’t tell her about the housecoat. Not that I wouldn’t, but I don’t need to send Dad into orbit. I’ll hold that off until it’s just Mom and me.
Once the kitchen is cleaned, we head to the living room for gifts. Dad sits on the couch with Mom curled up next to him. Cameron and Paisley are on the loveseat, and Peyton is on the floor with Jett. Holden is sitting in the chair, and I’m on the floor resting between his legs. He’s playing with my hair, and I see Dad’s eyes scanning more than they should be. I don’t care, though. Holden and I are together. Dad just needs to learn to deal.