Page 43 of Falling Too Soon (Seasons of Love #1)
CHRISTMAS EVE
Nathan
D aphne and I were putting the finishing touches on our tree at the cabin when there was a knock on the door.
Our tree —I loved that we were building a life together, and that we got to have these experiences with each other.
Since Halloween, we had come up here as often as we could, spending time making the cabin our own, exploring the town and enjoying the peace and quiet outside of the city.
We even added additional beds in the loft to accommodate visitors better.
It was our happy place, and we were so excited to share it with our families.
I opened the front door to welcome our very first guests. My dad and brothers were there on the porch, stomping the snow from their boots. “Hey guys,” I greeted them. “Glad you could make it. Come on in. ”
My dad was the first to wrap me in a bear hug. “Wouldn’t miss this for the world, son.”
“Yeah, thanks for the invite. I’m excited to see the place.” Dylan was next and greeted me with a fist bump.
Brandon hugged me and slapped my back. “Feels like we haven’t seen much of you lately. I can’t wait to see what you’ve done to the place.”
I followed them into the living area, where they were all taking turns hugging my better half. She beamed at each of them. She had really become an integral part of our family over the last year, and they all loved her as much as she loved them.
“Can I get you guys something to drink?” I asked as I made my way into the kitchen. They each muttered an answer and joined me at the kitchen island as another knock sounded at the door.
“I’ll get it,” Daphne called as she went to get the door.
“Hey bitch!” I heard Lexi shout as the door opened. “Merry fucking Christmas!” The sounds of Lexi and Daphne laughing and chatting filled the whole house as they made their way into the kitchen to join us.
“Hey, Lex,” I said as I gave her a big hug. Since Lexi and Daphne were so close, we all spent a lot of time together. She was part of Daphne’s family, after all. “Whatcha drinking?”
“I think it’s wine o’clock!” Lexi said as she made her way to where she knew the wine glasses were. She and Daphne had spent a few nights here for a girls’ weekend not too long ago. “Daphs? Vino for you? ”
“Sounds good,” she called and went to answer the door again. “That’s my parents. I’ll be right back.”
Her parents joined us all in the kitchen, and we all fell into easy conversation.
Daphne and I already had a lasagna and garlic bread warming in the oven and the salad on the table, so we could relax and enjoy time with everyone.
During dinner, the conversation was light and centered mostly around Daphne and me and our plans for the New Year.
I got the feeling everyone was expecting an engagement announcement soon, and while Daphne and I had talked about it, we weren’t necessarily in a hurry to tie the knot.
We had rented a cabin nearby for our parents to stay in so that they’d be more comfortable.
Even with our recent modifications, the cabin was still only big enough to accommodate four or five other people comfortably.
We had set Lexi up in the guest room and my brothers in the loft.
So, after dinner, our parents said their goodbyes and went to get settled in their cabin for the night.
The rest of us gathered in the living room for a game night.
After a few hysterical rounds of Cards Against Humanity , it was Dylan’s turn to be the card czar, and as he pulled a black card from the pile, he chuckled, “I still can’t believe you bought this place.”
Lexi chimed in, “I can’t wait for a summertime invite. This snow crap isn’t really my thing.”
“The snow’s not so bad when you’ve got a cozy fire and good company,” Brandon added, giving Lexi a wink.
What the fuck ?
Lexi rolled her eyes. Dismissing him, she turned toward Daphne, “I expect summer beach parties.”
Daphne laughed, “Yeah okay, I think we can make that happen, right, Babe?” She beamed up at me.
I would do anything for her. “Of course.” I leaned down, kissing the side of her mouth.
“Gross, get a room,” Dylan huffed.
“Great idea.” I scooped Daphne up and carried her to our room. “See ya in the morning!” I called over my shoulder. I heard some chuckles and catcalls as I shut the door to our room.
Mom would have loved this, I thought as I sat by the fire with Daphne snuggled at my side, surrounded by the people who mattered most to us on Christmas morning.
We had decided to do a Secret Santa option to cut down on the number of gifts everyone would have to buy.
I made sure I got Daphne since I had a special surprise for her.
We all took turns opening gifts, and then it was Daphne's turn to open hers. I held my breath as she tore the wrapping paper. Her hand stilled as she read the paper that sat on top of the book. “Oh my God, Nathan.” She looked up at me with tears in her eyes. “I can’t believe you did this. How did you keep it from me?”
“I worked on it whenever you went to work,” I answered her truthfully .
“What is it?” her mom asked.
“It’s our story,” Daphne said with a sob. “He wrote our story.”
“It’s only for you, Kitten. It’s the only copy,” I told her as she launched herself into my arms.
“I love it. And I love you.” She wrapped her arms tightly around my neck and whispered, “Best. Christmas. Ever.”
Find out what happens between Lexi and Brandon in Snowbody Has to Know, the next book in the Seasons of Love series.