13. Chapter 11

Chapter 11

Ben

I 'm playing Christmas carols for the very important passengers I've got in my truck tonight. Sam and her parents are coming to my family's house to enjoy Christmas Eve dinner. Whenever I have to stop the car I take a look at Sam's beautiful face.

She's the perfect woman for me, and I keep giving thanks for having her in my life. I want more, though. Spending time apart from her is getting unbearable. I grab her hand and squeeze it gently, letting her know she's on my mind. She smiles back at me and it squeezes my chest.

When we arrive at the house, I see that my entire family is already here. I can see my parents’ car and all my brothers’ cars line the driveway as well. I hope our families mesh well because sooner rather than later, I'm marrying this woman.

I open the passenger door for Sam and help her out. She gives me a soft smile and I steal a kiss from her. It's quick and sweet, but it makes her giggle. We go inside the house and I help Sam and her parents with their coats. My parents come out of the kitchen and I introduce them to Sam's parents.

"Thank you for inviting us. We would have missed Sam so much if we'd had to spend tonight without her."

"You are always welcome here. Please take a seat. Does anyone want any eggnog?" My mother asks.

A few heads nod in assent, and after making sure everyone is comfortable, I go to help my mother with the drinks. On my way to the kitchen, I search for my brothers. They must be down in Dad's man cave playing games.

When everyone has something to keep their hands occupied, we all make small talk until Mom calls everyone to the table to eat. The spread before us is magnificent, and I have to get a hold of myself, or else I'll start drooling.

"Mom, everything looks delicious. Tell me some of your children helped you make this magnificent meal?"

"Danny and Merry pitched in. Justin went to the supermarket whenever I needed an emergency ingredient, but you and Michael had work. Promise me next year you won't work on this day."

"I'm sorry, Mrs. Hoffer, that was completely my fault. The coffee shop was a mess after the Mixer, and I was too tired to clean up right after it, so we had to do it today."

"Well, if Ben was helping you, that's a good cause."

We pass the different platters with ham, turkey, mashed potatoes, and green beans while we chat merrily about our plans for New Year’s. I know I want to spend it with Sam, and I squeeze her thigh when she almost accepts Danny and his wife's invitation for that night. I want her all to myself. Bringing the New Year in with her in my arms will be a dream come true.

We're waiting for dessert when I take Sam's hand in mine and lead her from the table. I want to ask her something important tonight. Something that will bring us closer.

We put our coats on and go out into the cold winter night. Small flakes are falling from the sky, making the night seem magical. I guide Sam to the swing on the verandah, and we take a seat next to each other. I put my arm around her back and pull her close to me.

It's chilly out, but having her near me always gets my blood boiling.

"Your family is great, Ben. Thanks for inviting my parents."

"Your family is great too, beautiful. I'm glad we could all be together tonight."

"I take it you have special plans for us on New Year’s Eve? Is that why you didn't let me take your brother up on his offer?"

"Yeah, sorry." I feel the blood flow to my cheeks as I blush with embarrassment.

"Before that, though, I wanted to talk to you about something," I say.

"What's on your mind, handsome?"

"We've only known each other for a short time, but in that time, we've become extremely close. Don't you agree?"

"Yes, that's true. I really like being with you, Ben. As a matter of fact, I wanted to talk to you about that."

"Do you want to go first?"

"No, you go ahead."

Her cheeks turn rosy, and I'm floored by how much I love this woman. I take her hand in mine.

"Sam, you've become my everything. I've fallen head over heels in love with you, and being away from you is driving me insane. I need us to be closer together. Will you move in with me?"

"What?"

"I know it's fast. But we've only got one life to live, and we need to take advantage of it. Take the bull by the horns, so to speak. Please, what do you say?"

"It's fast…"

My throat constricts, and I'm having trouble breathing, but I don't let go of her hand.

"Sam…"

"No, listen. It's fast, but I feel it, too. I'm in love with you, Ben Hoffer. Let's do it. Let's move in together."

I kiss her softly. Her lips are cold from the weather, but they warm up fast as we deepen our kiss. I want to take her to her place so she can pack right now and move in tonight, but I need to have more patience. The door opens behind us, and my father's voice comes booming out.

"You two lovebirds, stop smooching and come eat some dessert. Your mother slaved behind that stove all day long to make this food, and you're going to eat it."

I get up and help Sam stand. She immediately goes into my arms, and we hug one another as if we're never going to let each other go. We won't if I have something to say about it.

"Your place or mine tonight?" I ask her.

"Let's go to my place. I want to pack tomorrow so we can spend the rest of the year together."

"I like how that sounds, Sam. I like it a little too much, actually."

"Then let's make it happen."

We go inside and sit down with the rest of the family and indulge in tasty treats like a yule log and rum cake. I spend most of the time feeding Sam the dessert, and my family keeps giving me weird looks. They can do that all they want, but I know that I have found a treasure in Sam, and I'm not giving her up. Ever.