Page 120 of Wrapped in Red

Chapter Thirty-Eight

Carson

My parents knew I hadplans to ask Ezra to marry me, so the moment we walked back into their house in the afternoon, my mother was all over him. She was trying to play it cool, but she kept glancing at Ezra’s hand for a glimpse of the ring. She was more than obvious, and I could see that my fiancé—I really loved the way that sounded—was purposely trying to hide his left hand from my mother.

“How was your Christmas morning?” Mom smiled at us as we sat snuggled together on the couch. “Did you exchange gifts?”

Ezra leaned into me. “I made CC a few things.”

“A few things? Ez, you made me some gorgeous tops that I’m never going to be able to wear for fear I ruin them.” He needed to start his own clothing brand. He was beyond talented, and he needed to start selling his work online.

A blush crept up his neck and over his face. “It’s not a big deal,” he murmured.

“Liar,” I teased and pressed a kiss into his soft auburn hair. “Give me your hand.” I reached for his left with my right and held it out for my mother. “You know that’s what she’s waiting for. Put her out of her misery already, princess.”

“Holy Christ on a cracker! Senior, get in here!” Mom exclaimed when she saw the engagement ring that glittered on Ezra’s left finger. “That is stunning. Oh, I am so happy for both of you.” She clapped her hands together. “Come here, Ezra.” She held her arms out.

Ezra ducked his chin as he climbed to his feet but happily moved into my mother’s hug. “You’re happy then?”

“Happy? Sweetheart, I am over the moon about this. You’ve been a part of this family for years, but now you’re officially my second son.” She cupped his face in her hands. “I love you dearly, you sweet boy, do you not know that?” She kissed his forehead.

Ezra shook his head. “I just assumed that you were being nice.”

“Bullshit!” Dad exclaimed. “We love you like our own. You’ve always been a Carey, but now it’s official.”

I watched as Ezra’s chin begin to quiver. “Dad, you’re going to make him cry.”

“That would make two of us then.” My father moved to wrap his arms around Ezra. “I’ve always loved you like a son. I’m sorry for everything you had to go through with your family. You don’t deserve that. You’ve grown into a wonderful man, and it’s their loss that they didn’t get to see that.”

Ezra shook his head. “Thank you, sir. That means a lot to me,” he whispered.

“No, no, none of that. It’s Dad from here on out,” Dad told him. “You hear me, Ezra?”

Ezra burst into tears. When I started to move toward him, he held out a hand. “Wait.” He sniffed before he moved away from my father. “I’m okay, really. Just, this is all so much for me. You all have been the kindest, sweetest, nicest family. You took me in when my parents kicked me out, and you didn’t blink an eye when I came out. You didn’t care that CC was gay either. You let me into your home, into your son’s room, and let us hold hands and snuggle even before I realized how much I loved him. CC is so lucky to have fantastic parents like you. I am absolutely honored that I am going to be a Carey. That you want me to be officially official. I love you both so much.”

I smiled through tear-filled eyes. “This is a very happy Christmas,” I murmured.

“It is Carson,” Mom assured me. “Okay, well, I’m going to check on dinner.” She brushed her cheeks, and when Dad followed her into the kitchen, it gave me the chance to talk to Ezra. “You holding up all right?”

He nodded. “I think this is the best Christmas ever, don’t you?”

“Oh, boo, you have no idea,” I whispered.

***

“Are you kidding me!” Ezra squealed the moment he saw Maverick and Jackson standing on the front porch.

I was more than surprised to find Dean Frost, Maverick’s younger brother, beside them.