Page 50 of The Comeback Road (Leaving #2)

Lexie

I could tell that my offer to clean up dinner didn’t go unnoticed by Magnolia; I hadn’t really offered to do much of anything in a while.

I knew she didn’t want to leave me alone, much like Jace, but for the first time in a long time, I felt good.

Steady, like the walls weren’t caving in anymore.

Or maybe they were, but being around the people I adored kept them from totally collapsing.

“Mind if I help?” Jess’ voice rang out from beside me, and without looking, I handed her a towel.

“I didn’t know this was your place…or that you’d be here.

Or Jace, for that matter. Remi’s nice, but keeps to herself.

She only offered for me to tag along when she heard I’d be alone.

I didn’t ask questions…Just…glad I didn’t have to spend another Christmas alone. ”

I looked over at Jess. Her eyes were downcast as if she was ashamed that she didn’t have anyone, and I realized that Jess wasn’t the enemy.

She was just someone trying to find where she belonged, and if you had asked me six months earlier—hell, six hours ago—I would have told you I didn’t know where I belonged either.

“Maybe you belong here,” I offered, a little unsteady. My hands kept moving as I continued to wash the dishes, and I heard her snort from beside me.

“I owe you an apology. I didn’t…I, uh…I didn’t know he was involved.

If it makes you feel any better, I knew the second I saw him stalk over to you and that guy that I never stood a chance, even if he hadn’t realized it yet.

Not that it makes it okay, you know?” Her hands trembled, and I could tell she was nervous.

“He looks at you like you hold the answer to life’s questions. No wonder he panicked.” She laughed.

“But he chose you,” I murmured.

“Nah, that’s the furthest thing from the truth. He might have thought about choosing me, and opened up his big mouth because he felt guilty for his hesitation, but…I think we both know it’s always been you.”

“I don’t know that,” I whispered, my voice cracking at the end. I couldn’t help the way my heart gave out with a jolt.

“I’ve seen you guys together, what, twice now? When you move, he moves. When you smile, he smiles. He’s constantly watching you, gravitating toward you, like magnets…It’s…well, it’s incredible. It’s love.” I turned to look at her, jaw agape. What?

“What?”

“Ah, you haven’t realized it yet. That’s okay, you will.” She winked at me, handed me the towel, and made her way toward the living room with everyone else.

I stood at the sink, my hands submerged in soapy water, unable to shake the feeling that took root in my stomach and seemed to grow, starting to spread toward.

The clinking of glasses and the sound of cheerful chatter filtered in through the archway, but my mind was spinning, and I felt a little stuck in my whirlwind of emotions.

I hadn’t allowed myself to feel much of anything lately, and it was overwhelming.

Through the kitchen window, I could see the snow falling, continuing to blanket the world in white powder, muffling the sounds of the night.

In that quiet moment, the sounds of laughter and warmth started to spread. I felt a weird shift of anticipation and fear, and the walls around me started to shift once more. But instead of closing, this time, it seemed like they were opening up.

Jace’s laughter drifted through the doorway, and I felt an unbridled want to go to him, to sink into it, to bathe in the sound that pumped life back into me. I recalled Jess’ words about how he looked at me, and I couldn’t help but realize the truth in them.

Maybe it was more than just Christmas. Perhaps it was the beginning of understanding who I was, who I could be.

I placed the last dish on the counter and turned off the faucet, drying my hands as my mind swirled.

Jace’s laughter mixed with Raya’s, pulling me closer to the light instead of the dark that I’d been drowning in.

I gathered the ingredients for hot chocolate—rich cocoa powder, milk, and a splash of vanilla, along with a handful of marshmallows and some butterscotch schnapps for the adults.

I put the ingredients in a pot and started to stir.

The sweet aroma filled the space around me, and I found myself smiling again.

Once the hot chocolate was ready, I poured the steaming liquid into mugs, topping each one with a generous heap of fluffy marshmallows, and assembled them on a tray with the butterscotch schnapps in the center.

I carefully carried the tray into the living room, where everyone seemed to be making themselves comfortable.

“Hot chocolate for everyone! With a little kick for adults.” I winked over at Raya, who had Mac on his back, giving him lots of scratches while Peaches had Sweet Potato and Pie snoozing next to her on the floor by the door.

Magnolia brought her hands together, her eyes glistening in the lights of the tree. “Perfect! It’s present time!”

My good mood shifted, and my heart stuttered a bit at the mention of presents.

I definitely hadn’t been prepared. In the dark corners of the past weeks, I hadn’t even thought about gifts, just making it to the next day.

I couldn’t help the way my cheeks flushed with embarrassment as I glanced around the room.

“What Magnolia means is presents for Raya,” Jace said, and I realized he had made his way next to me.

“Don’t worry,” he whispered in my ear, and I couldn’t help the shivers that seemed to erupt all over my body.

He stepped around me as Raya was jumping up and down in excitement.

“Here you go, kid. This one is from me. And Lexie’s is out in my truck.

Once you finish here, we can go outside. ”

I whipped my head toward him in question, and he just shrugged at me and mouthed, I got you .

Raya started tearing at the paper before Remi could interject and tossing it everywhere. Jace had gotten her a pink Polly Pocket set she was thrilled about.

Dexter, who’d been quiet the entire night, seemed to light up at Raya’s antics. And I realized it was the first Christmas in a long time that he was single and without his witch of an ex, Lydia. And I definitely didn’t miss the way he kept watching Remi out of the corner of his eye. Hm.

As Raya kept opening her gifts and cackling with glee, Sloan made a gross comment to Magnolia about how she’d get her gift later, and I wanted to gag. Gross. I told him so, and he just laughed me off, nuzzling into her neck.

Luke sat still, not engaging with anyone, seemingly lost in his own thoughts. Jess just looked happy to be included, and once again, my heart went out to her.

“Are you ready to give Raya your gift?” Jace asked me, and I finally brought myself to look at him even though I had felt his eyes on me the entire time. Jess’ words kept replaying in my head, and I couldn’t help but flush.

“Do you mind giving me a hint?” I raised my eyebrows at him.

“Nah, it’s better this way. Come on.” He held his hand out to me, and I found myself taking it.

As we corralled everyone outside—even a grumbling Luke. Jace made his way to his truck. I followed him over to it, slightly shocked when I saw blankets and pillows in the back. Confusion settled in. “Did you get kicked out or something?” I joked.

“I, uh…” Embarrassment coated his features. “No.”

“He sleeps out here,” Sloan said as he took a sip of his hot cocoa, which I was sure was cold by then. What a shit starter.

“You what ? Why? ”

“Because you’re here,” he stated. No room for argument, just a simple fact.

Before I could get my thoughts together, Jace was unloading a large box from the back.

Raya was hopping up and down, squealing.

It was one of those large, automatic-battery cars that was the exact replica of the pink truck I saw her carry around out the front.

“Oh my gosh, OH MY GOSH.” Raya started running around in circles. “This is the best Christmas ever!” Her happiness was infectious, and every single one of us was laughing, breathing in the moment. Even Luke smiled, while Remi had a tear in her eye.

Family. The thought rocked through me and settled in my core. This is my family.