Page 107

My life had been driven by success, to make my mark in this cruel world. But now Vivian was the center of my world. With her, I’d found my sanctuary.

Vivian also made fried egg rolls for the celebration.

“You have enough food to feed an army.” Jarrett came over to get a drink and rubbed his stomach.

“Please take some home later,” I said.

I looked at the beautiful display of food on the marble counter. Food ranged from Asian to Western delicacies. I loved the mixture of it. It represented Vivian and me.

Vivian prepped a bowl of soup for each of us.We sat around the dining table with an ivory tablecloth and neutral-colored modern tableware around a strip of decorative garland at the center. A bowl of glowing ornaments sat on each side of the garland, making it the most beautiful dining table I’d ever seen.

With his chopsticks, Jarrett dove into his bowl of noodle soup. “So delicious. Thank you, Vivian.”

Laughter and chatter filled my home, chasing away any darkness that had worried me.

After the extremely satisfying lunch, we exchanged gifts. Pam and Jarrett excused themselves so they could make a trip to visit a friend’s house for Christmas dinner. I walked them out to their car.

“I like Vivian. She’s good for you.” Pam’s eyes gleamed, and I could tell she was fighting back tears. “Don’t mess it up.” She kissed me on the cheek. “Kaylee is such a sweet girl. She’s blessed to have Vivian and you to guide her.”

“You have a beautiful family,” Jarrett said.

My family.

My heart swelled. “Thank you.”

“Wait!” Vivian rushed out with a bag of food. “You forgot these. I packed a little of everything for you. Be careful with the soup. I don’t want it to spill.”

Pam embraced Vivian. “Thank you, sweetie.”

“I’ll need to hit the gym after the holidays.” Jarrett smiled. “Thanks for the food. See you soon.”

This had been one of the best Christmases I’d ever had.

I pulled Vivian to me. “You should’ve worn your coat. It’s freezing out.”

She looked up at me and wrapped her arm around my waist. “You didn’t wear a coat either. Let’s get inside!” She dragged me through the door.

Once inside, I led Vivian to the living room. The TV was on some news station talking about the weather forecast.

“Kaylee, come here.” I waved her over to the coffee table.

She was curled up on the big chair with a throw pillow and a blanket over her. The big Kuromi stuffed toy was in her arms. That was one of the Christmas gifts from Vivian.

“I’m so full . . . I can’t move.”

“I have another gift for you.”

She bolted straight up and darted beside me in seconds. “Really? What is it?”

I gave them each a black box that matched the one on my lap.

“You already got me a gift.” Vivian stared at the black box. “I’m visiting the spa next week.”

I had another gift for her, but I’d give it to her later.

“A new phone?” Kaylee showed off her white phone.

Vivian picked up her gray phone. “I don’t need a new phone.”