Epilogue

EPILOGUE

TWO DAYS LATER

This Christmas had been nearly perfect so far, Chelsea mused. The only thing that would have made it better was if her mom and dad were here.

The day had started with Tex coming over. The two of them had exchanged gifts and eaten a yummy pancake breakfast, all while listening to Christmas music. Snow had fallen outside overnight, and now coated the ground in a layer of glistening white.

They’d also gotten the news that Mikey was out of his medically induced coma and expecting a full recovery.

That phone call was followed by Regina and Ryan stopping by for a visit with their baby girl. They still had a lot of work to do in their relationship, but Chelsea was glad to see some progress.

Ryan and his family had stayed for lunch, and Chelsea had thoroughly enjoyed being with them.

She hadn’t even minded when Gilbert had stopped by for dessert.

No, she still didn’t like the man. But apparently, he wasn’t the one behind the doping, just as he’d said. Steve Strober was.

Gilbert was clearly heartbroken over losing Anna. He’d loved her and had the wool pulled over his eyes.

Chelsea wasn’t sure if his relationship with Tex or any of the other boys in foster care would ever be restored. That process would take a lot of time and effort.

But for today, Christmas spirit reigned.

After lunch was over and before night fell, everyone filed out to do their own Christmas traditions.

Chelsea turned toward Tex as they sat on the couch, thrilled to have him with her. It was a dream come true.

As the song on the radio changed to “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” tears welled in her eyes.

“What is it?” He tilted his head as he gazed at her in concern.

“For years after you left, every time I heard this song at the holidays, I started thinking about what it would be like if you actually did come home for Christmas. After a while, I gave up on the idea that it might ever be true. But look at you now. You’re here. And we’re together.”

Tex slid his fingers through her hair before letting his hand settle at her neck. “If I have things my way, we’ll be together every Christmas for the rest of our lives.”

Her breath caught at his words—words she’d been craving for so long.

A slow grin spread across her face. “I would like that. A lot.”

His voice softened as he said, “Me too.”

Then his lips met hers again. When they pulled away, Chelsea nestled against his chest.

This was what she had prayed about for so many years. She had waited, and God had answered those prayers. Maybe not in the timing she’d wanted. But in His perfect timing.

She’d just gotten comfortable in Tex’s embrace when a knock sounded at the door.

The two of them exchanged a glance. Who could be here?

“Are you expecting anyone?” Tex tensed beneath her fingers.

“No, I’m not.”

All the worst-case scenarios fluttered through her mind.

She thought all their trouble was over, but what if it wasn’t?

Tex stood and muttered, “Stay behind me.”

They walked toward the door, and he peered through the peephole before opening it.

Chelsea blinked in surprise when she saw who was on the other side.

“Mom? Dad?” she gasped. “What are you doing here?”

“We couldn’t spend Christmas without you. It just didn’t feel right.” Her mom’s gaze shifted behind her, and her eyes widened in surprise. “Tex?”

“It’s a long story,” Chelsea told her. “But I’m really glad to have him here.”

“Then so are we.” Her dad grinned.

Then they all threw their arms around each other as Christmas greetings went around.

“I can’t believe you came back.” Chelsea glanced back and forth from her mom and dad, still in disbelief.

“I can’t believe we thought it was a good idea to leave you for Christmas,” her dad said. “We were so wrong.”

She had a lot to catch up on with them.

A lot.

Including Tex—and Anna.

But this wasn’t the time for it.

Right now, all Chelsea wanted was to spend time enjoying the people she loved the most . . . the people around her now.

~~~

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