Page 13 of Light of Christmas
“Oh my god. Please tell me you got a picture! That is so freaking cute!” I whisper yell so I don’t disturb them. I feel Grayson sit up and his chin rests on my shoulder. I look to him and see him smiling at the phone.
Noah walks away into the kitchen. “Yeah, I did. I’ll send them to you when I get off the phone.”
For the next thirty minutes, we sit on the phone while Noah fills us in on the latest drama at the bar and the adventures he and Willow have been on.
One thing that has gotten me out of my funk has been going for hikes with Willow, Gray, and Noah.
“Alright lovebirds. I will let you get back to your trip. Have fun. See ya next week. And Lolo?”
“Yeah?”
“You look great sis.”
“Thanks, Noah.”
We hang up and Gray pulls me back down to lay on the couch.
“I’m glad I’m not the only one that noticed a difference, Angel.”
I snuggle in closer to him. “I feel so free here. Everything in Cliff Haven right now reminds me of the past few months.”
Grayson’s hand stops and he moves so he can look me in the eyes. His face has a mix of worry and confusion.
“What’s that look for Bear?”
He thinks on it for a moment and then says, “Fuck Angel. I don’t know how I didn’t even think of this. I’m so fucking sorry.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Cliff Haven is a constant trigger for you. Your life got flipped upside down there and you are seeing it every time you wake up. That shit isn’t helping you feel better. I’m so sorry. As soon as we get back, I will start looking for places in between Cliff Haven and the city. Or maybe we can build and rent a place---”
I interrupt him. “Slow down big guy. That’s not what I was saying. I love Cliff Haven more than I could ever imagine. That is my home. You are my home. And you are the reason why Cliff Haven is home. I just meant that it’s hard right now because so much happened there. Time will heal the wounds and as we build our lives there, the happy moments will overshadow the bad. I never want to leave that town. Yes, a lot has happened and is still happening, but even through all of that, it is still the place where I found my family and my safe place. So, get rid of those negative thoughts, and don’t even think about apologizing again. I never want to leave…unless it’s to visit this place for a while.”
Grayson stares at me for a moment before a small smile spreads across his face. He presses his lips to mine in a soft, gentle kiss.
I love this man so much.
He pulls back and brushes his thumb across my face. “And you say I have a way with words. I’m so proud of you, pretty girl. Thank you for being my light in this crazy fucking world.”
I lean forward, kiss his nose, and take his left hand in mine. I kiss the L on his ring finger and watch as he practically melts. “And thank you for being mine. I love you, Bear.”
“I love you too, Angel.”
I can see his eyes shift from love to hunger. But we are interrupted by my phone. I look over to see my favorite redhead’s face.
I grab my phone and sit up. Before answering, I kiss Gray and say, “To be continued.”
Harper’s face appears as I answer. “Lolo! Oh shit. Was I interrupting something? I can call back later.”
Grayson drops his head to the back of the couch and lets out a low growl which morphs into a laugh.
I shake my head and chuckle. “No H. What’s up?”
“I miss you! And I have to tell someone this. But if you are blissed out in your man, I can just wait until you get home.”
Gray stands and kisses my forehead, signals me to lean back, and moves the blanket to my lap. “Go ahead. I’m going to make dinner. Have some girl time. Love you.” He starts walking away and calls out, “Hi Harper. Whoever it is you two are about to talk about, I hope they got the full H wrath. That shit is scary and funny as fuck.”
“Oh, you bet they did! Thanks, Gray!”