35. Colton

Chapter 35

Colton

"Alright, love birds, it's dinner time!" Tucker slaps a hand on my back and pushes me towards the dining room.

We take our seats across the table from Pecker and Sophia. We're just about to say prayers when the front door opens and closes again. Maverick enters the dining room with a big smile.

"Merry Christmas everyone!"

"Holy crap, who is that?" Sophia mutters under her breath.

"I know, right?" Skylar winks at her.

Maverick makes his way around the table. He shakes hands with all of the men and gives each woman a kiss on the cheek. When he gets to Sophia, he pauses for a moment.

"I don't believe I've met you, but you can get a kiss on the cheek too." He winks at her and I swear she swoons right in front of me .

While Sophia's still trying to figure out who just kissed her, Maverick takes the empty seat next to her.

"I hear congratulations are in order." Maverick smiles at Zoey.

"How'd you hear about it so quickly? Colton just proposed." Her brows draw together as she stares at him.

"You're getting married?" He blinks in surprise before his smile widens even further. "Good for the two of you! I meant congratulations on becoming Zoey again. How does it feel to no longer live a double life?"

"Oh!" Zoey chuckles and leans her head on my shoulder. "It feels good, but also strange. I've spent so much time and effort trying to get away from that jerk. And thanks to Colt and Pecker, I no longer need to worry about him." Zoey smiles up at me with so much love in her gaze.

We spent our entire Christmas laughing, smiling, and enjoying our time with our loved ones. I glance at my beautiful fiancée and wonder how much she's missing her family. She doesn't know it, but I have a special surprise planned for her and I can't wait to see her reaction to it.

"Where are we going?" Zoey pouts. "I hate being in the car for this long and since you're making me wear a blindfold, I'm getting awfully bored."

"Ten more minutes, babe." I chuckle at how she's just starting to complain and it's been almost eight hours of driving.

I was smart enough to find a book she's been wanting to read on audio and it was playing most of the ride. The story entertained her enough to keep her happy, but it ended fifteen minutes ago.

"This is awful," she groans.

"It's amazing how when you were able to go back to being Zoey, you almost turned into Sophia."

"Hey! Are you calling me a brat?" Zoey's head snaps in my direction, but she can't see me through the blindfold.

"No, but you're being awfully whiny right now."

"Because it feels like we've been in the car forever," she grumbles under her breath.

She's quiet the rest of the drive and I'm practically bouncing in my seat by the time I pull up in front of the large house.

It's on a quiet street, set back from the road. There aren't any people outside, but I know there's a massive group impatiently waiting inside .

I climb out of the car, wanting to stretch my muscles, but I'm sure at least a dozen people are watching me right now. I hurry around to Zoey's side and open her door, helping her out.

"Can I take it off yet?"

"Not yet. Just a few more moments, sweetheart. I'm going to take your hands and lead you to the perfect position, then you can open your eyes."

Walking backwards, I take both of her hands in mine and lead her up the path to the house. We slowly climb the three steps and before I can knock on the door it swings open to reveal a woman who looks almost identical to Zoey. Her long hair is blonde rather than brown, otherwise they could be twins.

She steps out of the way and lets me lead Zoey into the middle of the living room. There are so many family members surrounding us. People I've never met before, but I'm so happy to see.

I can't wait to see her reaction.