Page 25 of Stolen Holidays (The Miller Brothers #5)

twenty-three

Mark

Christmas Eve

“Ready, set, go!”

I watch my grandson blindly scoop gift bows into a snowman-shaped bowl as everyone cheers him on. Our family has been playing reindeer games since our boys were children. The games have changed over the years, but the core memories remain the same—laughter and love.

“Go, Rhys! You got this, son,” Jace shouts as he bounces his youngest, Remy, in his arms.

My nose stings. Damn it all to hell. Every time I think or say my grandson’s name, the tears attack. I still can’t get over how my oldest and his lovely wife, Rylann, gave their son my middle name, Jeremy.

Our little Remy.

Like his big brother Rhys and little sister Sariah, Remy is the cutest little guy with big golden-brown eyes, thick brown hair, and his momma’s sweet dimples. I could look at their cherub faces all day, and to think I have more grandbabies on the way.

I clear my throat and sip the boozy eggnog in my hand as I watch my family laugh and cheer. Within the last two and a half years, our family has grown exponentially. It’s been a beautiful whirlwind.

Sure, there were some hiccups along the way, but my boys have all come out on the other side stronger than ever.

I’ve always told them that anything worth loving takes hard work to capture and keep.

I know from experience. Life isn’t always an easy road, but whomever you choose to take the ride with makes all the difference.

Like I have, Jace, Eli, Mason, and Cameron have also chosen their perfect match.

My eyes find my gorgeous wife, Karen, as she videos Rhys and his toothy grin.

He looks so much like Jace and his brothers at that age.

Now my boys are all grown men, with wives and soon-to-be-wives of their own.

They are successful in both their personal and professional lives.

I’m so fucking proud of them and the men they’ve become.

I think I might burst out of my Santa sweater with happiness.

Fuck. My head and emotions are all over the place tonight.

“How are you doing, Pop?” Eli drapes his arm over my shoulder.

“Never better.” My family is here.

“Are you sure? You’re looking a little weepy over here, old man,” Eli teases.

It feels so damn good to see this lighter, less intense side of him. For a long time, he lost himself in work. Fighting what his heart was telling him. I owe Callie for giving me my son back. For making him whole.

“I might be old, but I can still kick your ass.”

“Probably.” Eli holds his cup of eggnog out for me to tap.

We sip and watch Rylann count Rhys’s bows and let him pick out a prize for beating Cameron. I internally roll my eyes, thinking about my big baby who hates to lose.

I glance his way to find him fake sulking so Talia pays him attention. Cheeky bastard.

“But seriously, how are you?” Eli asks again.

“I’m wonderful, kiddo. I’ve got everything a man can dream of.”

“Me too.” I don’t think he realizes he’s grinning as he stares at Callie.

She’s with her mom on the other side of the room, laughing and talking to my other daughter-in-law, Emery, and Emery’s brother, Christopher, while Mason stands close by. He’s so protective of her and their baby. My nose itches again as pride fills my lungs with each inhale.

“Are you nervous about tomorrow? Is everything all set?” I ask with a change of subject. I’m excited for Eli and this next step in his journey. His Christmas proposal and surprise wedding are going to knock Callie on her ass.

“Not nervous, just really fucking excited, Pop. Emery and the inn owners have decorated the barn, and they’ve assured me everything is ready to go. All I need to do is get down on one knee and make her mine.”

The excitement and joy in his voice make my heart swell, growing too big for my chest. “It’s going to be one hell of a Christmas.”

“It really is.”

After a game of White Elephant, where everyone gets a little out of hand stealing gifts, we sit down for dinner.

Karen and Rylann’s mother, Rita, who we have grown close too over the last couple of years, commandeered the kitchen and cooked us all a mighty feast. There’s ham, tamales, a wide variety of side salads and vegetables, turkey, and of course, loads of desserts.

As everyone takes a seat around the table, I stand.

“If I could get everyone’s attention for a few minutes.

” The room quiets, and I take a deep breath.

“I just wanted to thank you all for being here. We Millers take the holidays pretty seriously, and I couldn’t ask for better people to celebrate the holidays with.

” I turn to Eli. “Son, you outdid yourself planning this trip. I speak for everyone when I say thank you. Despite the crazy emu, we’ve all been having a great time. ”

The group laughs at my joke as Callie grins with a nod and kisses my son on the cheek. “Best Christmas ever.”

Eli clears the emotion from his throat before answering, “You’re welcome. All of you. And thank you for helping me make this Christmas extra special for my girl.” Callie blushes as Eli wraps his arm around her shoulder and brings her in for a kiss.

Ignoring them, I continue. “I’m also grateful to have the Prices present.” I nod towards Rylann’s parents, Ryan and Rita, who lift their glasses in thanks. I turn to Emery’s brother, who has become another extension of our growing family. “Chris, it wouldn’t be a celebration without you.”

“You got that right.” He winks at me and lifts his glass to a round of “hear, hear”.

“And of course, Diana. Thank you for taking a chance and joining me and Karen up here. We are lucky to have you and your amazing daughter here with us. Welcome to the family.”

Callie wraps her mom in a tight hug as unshed tears cloud both their eyes. My chest fills with warmth at the sight. They’ve been through the wringer.

“Boys, you all have turned into some really fu—”

“Grandpop,” Rhys scolds, stopping me from dropping an F-bomb.

“Freaking. Is that okay, kiddo?” He nods in approval.

“As I was saying… You’ve all turned into great freaking men.

I couldn’t be prouder of you all for working hard to be successful in both your professional and personal lives.

And especially for finding good, strong women who put up with your stubborn a—Butts.

Rhys, Riah, Remy, and baby Miller, you kids are my heart.

I love you all so much. I would love to say our family is complete, but I have a feeling you all might have other plans, so I’ll say complete for now. ”

“Damn right,” Jace grunts as Rylann shakes her head.

“And finally, to my girl: Karen, my love, you are my heart and soul. Without you, this”—I point to everyone around the table—“never would have happened. You’re too good for me, and I hope I’m doing a good job showing you just how lucky and grateful I am that you chose me.

Love you, sweetheart.” I lean down and kiss the top of her head.

Her sweet floral scent reminds me of our younger days. Of home.

“Love you, Marky.”

Pretty sure my cheeks heat from hearing her call me that nickname in front of everyone. She usually reserves that for the bedroom.

“Alright, enough of this gooey show of emotion. Here’s to us!” I raise my glass and everyone mimics.

“To us!”

I take the seat beside my wife. She pats my thigh and flashes me the bright smile that won me over all those years ago. Leaning in,

I whisper into her ear, “I’m going to make you pay for that Marky slip.”

“I hope you do, big boy,” she whispers back, making me growl. Karen throws her head back and laughs, the little minx. Forty years and the sound of that laugh still makes my pants get tighter. I squirm in my seat as my wife leans over and mumbles, “Calm yourself there, Daddy Miller.”

“Not in your lifetime, woman. You know what you started. I’m going to make whatever dirty chapter you’re on in that hockey romance of yours look like child’s play.” I frame her face in my hands. “Be prepared.” And smack a kiss on her lips.

Rhys throws his hands in the air and groans. “Ugh, not you too.”

The table erupts in a fit of laughter at my precocious little grandson. One day, he’ll get it.

“Merry Christmas.” Karen lays her head on my shoulder as we watch everyone laugh, chat, and eat.

No better holiday than one spent with good people, especially when those people are your family. Related and chosen. Together, we are the Millers.

“Merry Christmas, sweetheart.”