Page 15

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

CHEETAH

I t’s been a weird few weeks. Quincy has disappeared. No one knows where he is. He simply sent us all a text that he was going off the grid for the foreseeable future. Arizona is about to come home, so Layton has been acting like a madman anticipating her arrival. He’s still in his cast, but it comes off soon and he can’t wait.

He mentioned a few weeks ago that he bought her an engagement ring. I wonder if he’ll propose the second he sees her. He’s whipped beyond comprehension, but I’m thrilled for my friend. Arizona is awesome, and he deserves this after a bit of a tragic upbringing.

Kam had her finals for this semester of law school, so she’s been tied up in that. I wonder what Bailey thinks Kam does all night. She knows Kam doesn’t sleep. Though I suppose Kam is the queen of deflection.

Kam and I get together a few times a week. She continues to refer to us as casual and loves to encourage me to meet other women, but I’m not. I don’t want anyone but her. I have no idea if she’s seeing anyone else. I’m not sure when she’d have time for it, but who knows?

Unbelievably, I bought an engagement ring. I assumed I’d freak out at the notion of buying it, but the thought of her wearing my ring was shockingly satisfying. I know it will be short-lived, if it happens at all, but I’m still a little hopeful. Kam is probably going to kick me in the balls when I place it on her finger.

It’s early morning on Christmas Eve. I’m about to go to Kam’s to pick her up so we can head to the airport together. My text tone rings.

Gemma: Put a ring on it yet?

Gemma is the only person who knows my plan. For some reason, I always feel like I can confide in her.

Me: Ha. No. I need to wait until we’re past the point of no return. If I do it before we leave, she won’t get on that plane.

Gemma: Take careful notes. I might have to write a book about this. Fake fiancée for the holidays? That’s ripe for an epic romance book.

Me: Don’t think this one will have a happy ending.

Gemma: You never know.

Me: Are you at Grammy Jane’s?

Gemma, Trey, and Fletcher spend the holidays down in Florida at her grandmother’s community.

Gemma: Yep. Happy is in rare form .

Happy is the nickname of Grammy Jane’s best friend, Harriet. She’s full of dirty jokes. I get the biggest kick out of her.

Me: Tell me. Tell me.

Gemma: Yesterday at the pool she asked me ‘what has 90 balls and fucks old ladies?’

Me: What?

Gemma: Bingo.

Me: LOL. I love Happy. Tell her that I’ll see her in February.

When we have Spring Training in Florida, we’re not far from Grammy Jane. We always make time to visit her. Grammy Jane has a fun setup with a house on the bay.

Gemma: Will do. Merry Christmas. Fingers crossed that all goes well.

Me: Same to you. Thanks.

An hour later, I’m walking off the elevator at Kam and Bailey’s apartment building. As I exit, the door across the hallway swings open, and the messy bright-orange hair of her neighbor pops out.

His face turns from a smile into something akin to violent in seconds. “Oh. It’s… you .”

I wiggle my fingers. “Hey…you.” I don’t remember his name. “Merry Christmas. ”

He narrows his eyes at me. “Why are you here?”

“I’m picking up Kamryn. She’s coming home with me for the week to celebrate the holidays.”

His face falls in horror. “Oh. I didn’t realize she’d be gone.”

“Yep. Have a Merry Christmas. I hope Santa is good to you.”

He closes his door without returning any holiday sentiments. What a strange dude.

Kam’s luggage is already by the door when I walk in, which means she’s awake. She’s always awake. I honestly don’t know how she functions.

I yell out, “It’s time, Kam bam. Get your hot ass up and ready to board the Cheetah kidney-buster.”

I hear her voice coming from Bailey’s room. This is going to be a very long goodbye for the two of them. They’re as close as two siblings can be.

I notice a big pot on the stove with steam coming out. That’s weird. What are they making at this early hour?

I walk into Bailey’s bedroom and see them cuddled up together. Fuck, I swear my heart skips a beat every time I see Kam’s face. She’s so beautiful. Her smile lights up my universe every damn time.

The two of them cry for nearly an hour. When Kam goes to the bathroom, Bailey pulls me aside and hands me a few pills. I look down at them. “What are these?”

“Emergency pills. I’m worried about how she’s going to be on the flight. If all else fails, slip the sleeping pills into her water. I’ve had to do it two or three times. She doesn’t know about it.”

I let out a laugh. “I’m not drugging her. I’ve put a lot of thought into this.” Bailey warned me about Kam’s airplane behavior. “I’ve got a little something special in mind for her. Something I know for a fact she’ll enjoy.” I wink at her .

She gives me a knowing nod. “Ooh. Mile-high club. That’s a great idea. She’ll love it.”

“I know she will.”

She looks up at me. Even though they’re technically identical twins, their eyes are so different. Not physically. An outsider would struggle to see the differences. It’s what they convey. Bailey is much softer than Kam. She has eyes that practically ooze sugar and kindness. Kam’s eyes tell a million stories, most of which promise mischief. I think they’re my favorite thing about her. Well, that and her ass.

Bailey bites her lip nervously before she quietly says, “I don’t know exactly what you two are.”

I let out a laugh. “You and me both, Bails. If she tips her hat, be sure to let me know.”

She gives me a knowing nod. “Kam puts up this hard exterior. It’s what she wants the world to see. But that’s not who she really is. She’s the best person I know even though she doesn’t believe that about herself. She’s fiercely loyal and protective of those she loves. She’s a little damaged from our upbringing and some high school heartbreak, but her heart is the biggest one I’ve ever seen.”

I swallow down my emotions as I nod. “I know, Bails. I’ve been able to break down a few walls. I know there are more to go, but I’m not going anywhere. I care about her. A lot.”

“She’s going to test your patience.”

I wiggle my eyebrows. “I dig that. She keeps me on my toes.”

“She keeps us all on our toes.”

Kam returns and looks at our close proximity before joking, “Keep your hands off my fake boyfriend, Bails. He’s too young for you. He’s not collecting social security yet.”

Bailey rolls her eyes, as she often does at Kamryn.

Kam continues, “Bails, you don’t even need Santa this Christmas. You already sit on an old man’s lap. ”

Bailey lets out a laugh as they hug one last time. She looks up at me. “I’d be forever grateful if you could bend her over and fuck the crazy out of her.”

Kam nods. “I’m game for that.”

Bailey simply sighs. “And watch your carry-on bag, Cheetah. She’s known to plant things causing high levels of embarrassment.”

I cross my arms in satisfaction. “I locked it.”

Kam scoffs. “Oh please. There’s zero chance your code isn’t some combination of sixty-nine.”

I scrunch my face and mutter, “Fuck. I need to change it.”

She and Bailey both giggle.

We’re now in the cab on the way to the airport. I look at her. “Did you sleep at all last night?”

She shakes her head. “Not a wink. I’ll sleep some tonight with you. After the flight. Plus, it helps when you’re wrapped around me.”

I love that she sleeps a little better when she’s with me. Never through the night, but she says it’s more than her normal.

“Your finals are over, and the new semester hasn’t begun yet. What did you do all night?”

Her face lights up. “I learned a few fun facts.”

“I figured. Hit me with a good one.”

With zero concern for her volume and the fact that the cab driver can hear her, she says, “Eating pussy decreases your chances of depression by nearly three hundred percent.”

“Ooh. That explains why I’m so happy all the time.”

She smiles. “I feel like you could be happier.”

I chuckle. “Challenge accepted.”

She rubs the now smooth skin of my face that I shaved for my mother’s benefit. “I do like seeing your handsome face, but I think I like it better when there’s scruff rubbing between my legs.”

I raise an eyebrow. “Would you consider my normal facial hair to be a saddle beard?”

She lets out a laugh. “Holy shit. I’ve never heard that term.”

I shrug. “Can’t claim it as mine. I got it from a Jade Dollston book. She’s one of my favorite romance authors. She’s a dirty bitch and I’m here for it.”

“Maybe I should start reading books instead of Google.”

I nod in agreement. “What else did you learn last night?”

“Ashton Kutcher has webbed feet.”

I chuckle. “What? For real?”

She nods. “Yep. I saw a picture. It was nasty but I bet he’s an awesome swimmer.”

After a sexually eventful airplane ride, we land about an hour from my hometown and grab an Uber. My family offered to pick us up, but I still need time to tell Kam that we’re supposed to be engaged so I told them not to worry about it.

I’m a fucking nervous wreck. It’s been on the tip of my tongue since takeoff, but I haven’t had the balls to tell her. This ring has been burning a hole in my pocket all day.

“Are you listening?” she asks.

I snap my head. “Sorry. I’m feeling…nostalgic for my hometown. I’m excited to show you a bunch of my favorite places. Obviously today and tomorrow will be about Christmas, but then we’ll go out and see some of the sights of Galveston. It’s a great town.”

She smiles. “Cool. I love seeing new places. ”

After we arrive, I grab both of our suitcases from the trunk of the Uber. My knees are practically shaking as we approach the front door. It’s now or never, Gonzales.

I reach into my pocket for the ring. There’s a really good chance she throws it in my face and then gets on the first flight home.

I take her left hand in mine and kiss the backs of her knuckles. “Thanks for doing this. I really appreciate it.”

She gives me a warm smile, one that will likely fade in about five seconds. “My pleasure. You’re a good guy, kitten. I’d do anything for you.”

I nod. “I’m glad you feel that way, because—”

Suddenly the door begins to open. Oh fuck. I have no choice but to quickly slide the ring onto her ring finger.

She looks down at it and her eyes practically pop out of her head. As I see my mother appear, I wrap my arm around Kam and smile widely. “Hola, Mamá. Te presento a mi prometida, Kamryn Hart.” Hi, Mom. Meet my fiancée, Kamryn Hart.

My mother looks like she’s going to burst with happiness. Kam turns a shade of green and looks like she might puke, but she doesn’t out me. She simply takes a deep breath and holds out her hand to my mother. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Gonzales. Thank you for having me. Merry Christmas.”

I didn’t know which way this was going to go. Whether she’d go along with it or slit my throat. One thing I knew for sure was if I asked her beforehand, she would have said no. She’s going to be mad, but this was my only chance at her playing along.

My mother pulls her into a hug. “No handshaking. You’re going to be my daughter. We hug in this family.” She squeezes Kam tightly. “We’re so happy to finally meet you. Cruz has told me so much about you.”

Kam is tentative at first before gingerly hugging my mother back. I know she wasn’t given much motherly affection growing up, so this must be weird for her. That, and the fact that I told my mother Kam is my fiancée.

My mother pulls away and looks Kam up and down. “You are stunning, though I would expect nothing less from my handsome Cruz.” She looks at me and mumbles, “No hay ni una pizca de latina en ella.” There’s not a single ounce of Latina in her.

I roll my eyes, but Kam is blissfully ignorant and does nothing but smile. “He really overachieved with me though, right, Mrs. Gonzales?”

Mamá laughs. “Ah, I suppose I see the compatibility now. Don’t call me Mrs. Gonzales, mi hija. Call me Mamá. All my children do.”

I see Kam stiffen immediately. She remains that way as my mother and I embrace. She touches my face. “Such a good boy, shaving for your mother.”

I nod. “I’m always a good boy.”

Kam shakes her head and narrows her eyes at me. “Nope, he most definitely is not always a good boy.”

Mamá laughs before eventually walking ahead, leading us through the house.

Running my hand down Kam’s back, I whisper, “Relax.”

She whispers back, “I’m going to fucking kill you.”

I lean over and say into her ear, “I’ll give you oral every day for a year if you don’t out us for not being engaged and just go along with it.”

She stops short, looks up at me, and runs her tongue across her teeth. “Whenever I want it?”

I nod. “Yep.”

“Anywhere I want it?”

“Absolutely.”

“Hmm. I might be able to live with those terms. I’m not calling her Mamá though. ”

I shrug. “Suit yourself. She’ll be relentless about it. She has a way of always getting what she wants.”

“So do I.”

Mamá turns around. “Your brothers and sisters will be here in a little bit. Your father won’t be home until dinnertime. Why don’t you two get settled in? Bring your bags upstairs so they’re not in the way.”

I nod. “Okay. Which room do you want Kam to sleep in?” I’m assuming she won’t allow us to sleep together. She’s never allowed anyone to sleep with their significant other until marriage.

Mamá smiles. “You’re thirty and you’re my seventh child to get married. You two can stay in your room. I want Kamryn pregnant as soon as possible. ’Tis the season.”

Kam starts choking and coughing. I quickly lead her away from my mother before she has the chance to respond.

I carry our bags up the stairs and push our way into my bedroom. She’s frozen in shock. Dropping the bags, I grab her shoulders. “Relax. Deep breaths. Just take a few deep breaths.”

Her chest rises and falls a few times before she eventually collects herself. “What the hell is going on?”

I shuffle nervously. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you. After your reaction when I asked, I didn’t think you’d come. When I spoke with her on Thanksgiving morning, I told her I was engaged to try to avoid Mariana being shoved down my throat. Then you said you’d come, and I was stuck in the lie. I couldn’t exactly backtrack at that point.”

“Fuck, Cheetah. Fake girlfriend is bad enough, but fiancée? I know your balls are big, but this is next level big.”

I run my fingers through my hair. “I just wanted to enjoy my time with my family without constantly being pressured about marriage and my future. I don’t get to see them often. Especially all together like this. It’s the one week of the year I get with all of them. It’s not even a full week. It’s five days. I want happy times. Last year, my mother had Mariana come by every single day. She made us go to a house that was for sale around the corner to see if we liked it. It’s uncomfortable. She probably wouldn’t have stopped if I told her that you were just a girlfriend.” I get down on my knees in front of her and give her my best puppy dog eyes. “Please. Five days. That’s all I’m asking. Think of all the orgasms.”

She’s quiet for a few moments before she starts pulling her pants down her legs. I look up at her. “Umm, what are you doing?”

“You said you'd go down on me every day for a year, at any time I want it. I want it right now.” She looks at me in challenge.

“I’m about to go kiss, like, forty members of my family. You want me to do it with your pussy all over my face?”

She shrugs. “Doesn’t bother me in the slightest.”

I pick her up and toss her on the bed as she lets out a screech. “Spread those legs, Kam bam. Let’s get day one in the books.”

She gives me her trademark smile. “If Santa eats my cookie, I’ll drink his milk.” She mimics my mother’s accent, “’Tis the season.”

KAMRYN

After making good on day one of his promise, and then me making good on mine, we walk back downstairs hand in hand to a very noisy house. Everyone is talking and laughing.

I turn to him, but he simply smiles warmly. “Welcome to the crazy Gonzales household. There’s a drawer of earplugs in my room if you need a set.”

I’ve never had this before. Our holidays growing up were quiet and cold. Our first ten years included my parents bickering behind closed doors. The next eight years were full of my father managing my mother’s excessive alcohol intake. The past ten have mostly been Bails and me alone, though some years were spent with the Abbotts. The Abbotts aren’t exactly a ringing endorsement for a big, happy family either. Given all this, I don’t equate Christmas with happy cheer and fun family times.

The reality suddenly hits me that this is the first Christmas Eve in my entire life without Bailey. I wonder how she’s doing. She’s going to Tanner’s ex-wife’s house tonight ahead of leaving for Colorado tomorrow. It must be awkward to spend time with his ex, though Bailey says she’s awesome and that they get along really well. I met her briefly at one of Harper’s softball games this fall.

I can’t believe I’m going to wake up on Christmas morning without my sister. Breathing is suddenly not so easy for me. Tears sting my eyes.

Cheetah notices me getting emotional and rubs my back. “Are you okay?”

“Just missing my sister. It’s weird to spend a holiday without her.”

He gently grabs the sides of my neck and softly runs his thumbs along my face. “We can leave if you need to. I don’t want you to be uncomfortable.”

I reach up and squeeze his hand. He has a way of always knowing what I’m feeling and responding in a kind, compassionate manner. He’s a good man, and no one has ever treated me better than he has. I want to give him all I can for the next five days to make sure he has a great time with his family. He deserves it.

I get on my tippy toes, wrap my arms around his neck, and softly kiss his lips. “I’m ready to be a good fiancée. Of course I’ll have a little fun with it, I’m not a damn Stepford wife, but I’ll try my best.”

Obviously payback for springing this on me is in order, but I’ll mostly behave. Mostly .

He smiles down at me and kisses me back. “Thank you. I see lots of orgasms in your future.”

I wiggle my eyebrows. “Ahh, now you’re talking my language.”

He winks as we separate and walk into their crowded family room. I studied his social media and some of the pictures in his condo, so I think I know who everyone is by sight. Cheetah places his arm around me and proudly announces, “Family, this is Kamryn Hart, the love of my life. Kam, this is—”

Before he can finish, I go around and acknowledge every single person by name. Every sibling, spouse, niece, and nephew. They’re all dumbfounded.

Cheetah shrugs. “My girl is smart. She’s not only a professional ballplayer, but she’s a lawyer too.” I had given him permission to share my budding legal career with his family. It’s not like they know me in my real life.

I shake my head. “I’m not a lawyer quite yet; I’m just studying, but I’m confident I can get you off.”

His oldest brother, Alejandro, smirks at me. “You two make a lot of sense together.”

Everyone is full of cheer as I take them all in. They’re an attractive family, though he was right that he’s the only one with blue eyes. His skin is a little lighter than the rest too. He explained to me that they have some paternal ancestors from Spain, which is where the lighter skin and blue eyes come from. All his siblings have brown eyes and darker skin, apparently getting that from their Mexican side.

His three sisters are all attractive, but the youngest, Camila, looks like she could be a model. She’s stunning, with long, thick hair and curves in all the right places. She’s like a younger Salma Hayek. Her smile matches Cheetah’s mischievous, larger-than- life, one. Alejandro, Santiago, and Ruben are all cute in different ways with their dark hair and big brown eyes. Cheetah is significantly more handsome than all of them, though Santiago is attractive in a more rugged way. They’re all less fit than Cheetah, but Alejandro looks more than a little out of shape.

They’re dressed casually and appear to be comfortable around one another.

Cheetah’s mother calls the grandkids into the kitchen with her. Apparently it’s their tradition that she teaches them all to cook the famous Gonzales Christmas Eve meal. Cheetah has mentioned it a few times. I’m looking forward to that.

We sit down on one of the oversized chairs together. “I like that your mom teaches both the boys and the girls to cook. That’s how it should be. I guess I expected more traditional roles in your house. Glad to see you come from a more modern family.”

His sister, Luna, nods. “Yes, she teaches everyone, girls and boys, to cook. I think she makes sure each has their specialty though.”

“What’s yours?” I ask her.

Everyone chuckles, and Luna has a sheepish look. “I’m the worst cook in the family. Our mother no longer allows me in her kitchen. She thinks I’m cursed. My specialty is black quesadillas, as in I burn them.”

I smirk. “Mine is black-bottom pancakes. We’re a match made in heaven.”

Her husband, Armando, a wiry-built guy with a man bun, rubs his nonexistent belly. “I think you’re a great cook, carino.”

She smiles lovingly at him, but everyone else moans in malcontent. Cheetah leans over and whispers, “They’ve been married fifteen years, and he still dotes on her. They do everything together. Work, play, everything. Oddly enough, they have a catering business, but he does the cooking and she runs the actual business. She went to business school. She’s super smart.”

That’s awesome. They’re not what I expected at all.

I ask the group, “Who’s the best cook of all the siblings? ”

Luna pinches her eyebrows at me in confusion. “I can’t imagine chefs get better than Cruz. He must cook for you all the time.”

What? Maybe a few simple breakfasts, but nothing more than that. I suppose I had dinner at his place once, but I thought it was takeout.

Cheetah shrugs. “We go out a lot or order in. I don’t cook much anymore.”

Alejandro nods. “I guess you were just in season. It’s probably hard to find time to cook.”

Cheetah nods though I’m running through our meal at his place and starting to think he may have made it himself. I assumed it was takeout because it was so delicious.

I turn to him, and he seems to read my mind and whispers. “I made that meal.”

Wow.

Alejandro asks, “How did you two meet? I don’t think I’ve ever heard the story.”

I smile. “Quincy Abbott is the brother of one of my best friends. Our groups started hanging out as soon as we moved to Philly this past summer. Cruz began using cheesy pickup lines on me from the first minute I met him. The creativity drew me in.”

Alejandro chuckles. “He’s been doing that for years. Which one got you?”

I twist my lips. “Hmm. There are a lot. I think I was partial to did you wash your pants with Windex because I can see myself in them. ”

They all laugh, and I continue, “But what really got me were those blue eyes. So unusual for a Latino man. And I see none of you share those same eyes.”

I smirk at Cheetah, knowing I’m poking the bear. He narrows his eyes and whispers, “Bitch.”

Ruben deadpans, “Ah, Cruz’s blue eyes. One day he’ll find out who his real father is. Some gringo, no doubt.”

Cheetah gives a fake smile. “You’re a riot. My baby blues attract all the ladies. Kam bam came right up to me and said she liked my eyes, and that they matched my shorts. I said, Really? Do they also bulge when looking at you? ”

I giggle while everyone else seems unamused. His sisters scrunch their faces in disgust.

Adriana’s husband, Santos, who had walked out a few minutes ago, walks back in with a huge pile of gifts in his hands and places them under the tree. He shakes his head. “My wife orders so much from Amazon that if I got a job there, they’d let me work from home.”

Adriana winks at me. “A woman should be so expensive that a man can’t afford a second one.”

I’m about to respond to that sexist comment when Camila does it for me. “Adriana, a woman should be able to take care of herself. Kamryn strikes me as the type of woman who can and will.”

And…Camila is officially my favorite sibling.

Adriana scoffs. “Don’t be a bully, Cami. Not all of us are charity cases willing to spend Cruz’s hard-earned money on medical school.”

Cheetah holds up his hands. “Ladies, back to your corners. No name-calling. The only B-word you should ever call a woman is beautiful. Bitches love when you call them that.”

That momentarily breaks the tension as everyone starts laughing, though Adriana and Camila exchange nasty glances.

We drink and laugh for hours. They’re such a tight-knit, fun family. At some point, I excuse myself to go to the bathroom. When I walk out, I see his brother, Ruben, and brother-in-law, Santos, standing in the hallway. They both smile, and Ruben says, “I hope you’re not too overwhelmed. I know we can come on kind of strong.”

Santos nods. “That’s the understatement of the year. I have a much smaller family. When I started dating Adriana, I was like a deer in headlights. At least you know names. It took me months to get that down. ”

I let out a laugh. “Yep. I studied hard before we came. I wanted to make sure I knew everyone by sight.”

Ruben turns to Santos and says, “No sólo tiene un gran trasero, sino que también tiene cerebro.” Not only does she have a great ass, but she's got brains too.

Santos chuckles.

Of course they assume I don’t understand what they’re saying. I respond, in perfect Spanish, “Si te gusta mi culo deberías ver mis tetas.” If you like my ass, you should see my tits.

They both widen their eyes in shock, but I simply smirk. “Estan arrestado.” Busted .

They both apologize profusely, but I don’t care. That’s the precise thing I was hoping would happen when I secretly learned Spanish. Cheetah still doesn’t know. I can’t wait for the big reveal.

Knowing what he’s been saying while we have sex for the past few weeks has been amazing. It’s so fucking hot.

Two hours later we’re at one of two large tables. The siblings, spouses, and their parents are at one very long table, and all the grandkids are at another. There are so many people in this family. It’s nuts.

His father came home shortly before dinner. I would say Cheetah resembles him more than anyone. Cheetah has his height, build, and charismatic warmth. He too embraced me like a daughter.

I didn’t get to talk to him for long because he ran upstairs to take a quick shower before dinner. He looked like he had a lot of car grease on him when he arrived.

The amount of chatter at this table is like a crowded restaurant. It’s full of smiles, laughter, and warmth. Such a stark contrast to the quiet, uncomfortable family meals of my youth.

No one asks me questions about my family. I’m guessing that Cheetah has something to do with that. He definitely warned them that it’s a sore topic for me.

I look at Cheetah’s mother. “Mrs. Gonzales, this food is incredible. It’s the best Christmas Eve meal I’ve ever had in my life. The pozole and tamales are to die for.”

She gives me a bit of a forced smile. “Thank you, Kamryn. Esta gringa probablemente nunca haya probado la auténtica comida mexicana en toda su vida. Se imagina que Cruz encontraría a una mujer que no sabe cómo moverse en la cocina.” She mumbles. “Mariana sabe cocinar.” This foreigner has probably never had authentic Mexican food in her entire life. It figures Cruz would find a woman who doesn't know her way around the kitchen. Mariana can cook.

I see both Ruben and Santos smirk in amusement while Cheetah’s lips tighten in anger. “Mamá, necesitas mostrarle algo de respeto a mi prometida.” Mom, you need to show my fiancée some respect.

I grab his arm to stop him, ready for my big moment. The one I’ve been hoping would come. Calmly and confidently looking at her, I say, “Está bien. El respeto se gana. Solo dame un poco de tiempo y no tengo dudas de que lo ganaré. Después de todo, pronto seré parte de la familia.” It's okay. Respect is earned. Just give me a little time, and I have no doubt that I'll earn it. After all, I'll be family soon.

You could hear a pin drop at the adult table for a solid fifteen seconds until every single person bursts out into laughter. His mother smiles at me and winks. “I think you and I will get along after all, mi hija.”

She happily goes around and announces which grandkids helped make which dishes. While they’re all fairly young, and I’m sure she did all the heavy lifting, her pride and love for her family practically ooze out of her. This is what a mother is supposed to look like. How did I get such a shit hand dealt to me in this regard?

My mind begins to drift. I know my parents are alone in their rundown house tonight. She’s either staring out the window with a bottle of booze or already passed out cold. He’s in front of the television, eating a microwave meal. My heart breaks for him. He’s a good man and doesn’t deserve his shitty life. Maybe it’s merciful for her to have less than a year to live. It’s not a nice thing to think, but I hate this life for my father.

I suddenly have a feeling of emptiness. I excuse myself to the bathroom and pull out my phone to text my sister.

Me: Miss you.

Bailey: Missing you too. How’s it going?

Me: It’s a big, happy family. How about you?

Bailey: Really nice. Fallon’s Christmas décor looks like it should be featured in a magazine.

She sends me a few pictures. It looks like a movie set.

Me: Wow. Amazing. Glad you’re having a nice Christmas Eve.

Bailey: It’s different.

Me: Sure is.

Bailey: Tanner, Fallon, and Harper got me Coldplay tickets with backstage passes as a gift. Two tickets. Know anyone who might want to join me?

Me: Holy shit! That’s amazing. Chris Martin is on my to-do list.

Bailey: LOL. Of course he is. I think he’s dating the actress from Fifty Shades. I forget her name.

Me: She’s on my to-do list too .

I hear a knock at the bathroom door, followed by Cheetah’s voice. “Are you okay?”

I reply, “Be right out.”

Me: Gotta run. I hope Daddy Tanner fills you with a white Christmas. I’ll talk to you in the morning. Love you, big sis.

Bailey: Love you too, crazy little sis.

I open the door and smile. “Sorry. I was just checking in with my sister.”

His face softens. “You miss her?”

I wordlessly nod.

“It’s enviable how close you two are.”

“ My family is enviable? Ha. Look at what’s happening in there.” I point toward the loud chatter. “I hope you realize how fortunate you are.”

He gives me a sheepish look. “You’re right. It doesn’t mean you’re not lucky to be as close as you are with Bailey. You two can read each other’s minds. It’s cool.”

“It is.”

His dimples come out as he shakes his head. “I can’t believe you speak Spanish. You’ve been fucking with me this whole time?”

“Nope. I taught myself after you asked me to come here. I knew they’d talk shit about me.”

He stands there completely dumbfounded. “You taught yourself Spanish in a month?”

I start to open my mouth to respond but he holds up his hands. “Yeah, yeah. You’re a genius. I forgot.”

I nod enthusiastically. “I sure am.” I grab his hand. “Come on, fiancé, we don’t want to be rude.”

As we walk back in, I hear Ruben say, “That’s girl math, Lola.”

Cheetah asks, “What’s girl math? ”

Ruben harrumphs. “My beautiful wife thinks that if she purchases something in cash, it’s free.” He turns to her and grits out, “I’m trying to explain that it’s not the case, mi amor.”

Everyone bites back their smiles.

Lola crosses her arms and narrows her eyes at him. “Well, Ruben , let’s discuss boy math. I heard you complaining to your brothers that it’s been weeks since we last made love. It’s been two days. I guess we all have different interpretations of math, mi amor .And shall we discuss boy math when it comes to…measuring?” She bats her eyelashes at him.

I laugh. I think I like Lola too. In fact, I like everyone.