38. Jacob

CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT

jacob

I take a seat on the edge of the bed next to Lacey's sleeping body. We've been living in the house for two weeks now. I watch her for a moment as she sleeps. She looks so peaceful. I hate to wake her, but everyone will be showing up soon. I lean over her and begin kissing lightly down her face and over to her ear. I nip gently at her earlobe. She stirs under me, her eyes spring open, and a lazy smile spreads across her face.

"Merry Christmas, my love," I say.

"Mmmm. What time is it?" she asks as her eyes start drifting closed again.

"Time to get up, sleepyhead. Everyone will be here soon. Jesse and Steph are feeding their kids breakfast right now."

Jesse and Steph decided to stay with us for Christmas this year and arrived a few days ago.

"What? Why'd you let me sleep so long?" Lacey asks, shooting up in bed. "I've got to get myself cleaned up and ready."

"You're perfect just as you are, morning breath and all."

Lacey smacks my arm and pushes me out of the way so she can climb out of bed.

Mom and Dad arrive before Lacey emerges from our bedroom. Christmas dinner is planned for noon, so Mom starts preparing the kitchen for the baking she and Lacey have left to do. Soon, Lacey joins her, giving her a hug and pulling on an apron. Steph hands the baby over to Jesse and joins them in the kitchen. The kids run around the house playing while Jesse, Dad, and I make sure the fresh pastries Lacey ordered from the bakery don't go to waste.

Lacey sure has this place looking nice. A large leather sofa she picked out faces the broad stone fireplace with our Christmas tree decorated in what she calls a classic, rustic style dominating the corner next to it. The mantle is adorned with garland, candles, and stockings. The living room stands open to the kitchen, only separated by the large island with barstools around it. The island is decorated with a forest of miniature silver and gold Christmas trees of varying heights and more garland around their bases.

Joseph and Liz show up with their kids about an hour later, and Mia and her boyfriend show up shortly after. I think Mia said her boyfriend's name is Neil, but I'm too stuck on the fact that he's too old for my sister to remember what the fuck she said. He's got some nerve showing up here in his khaki slacks and button-up shirt and cardigan. He's practically a pair of house slippers away from Mr. Roger's Neighborhood.

My eyes are glued to him as Mia introduces him to Mom and Dad first, and she slowly works through the rest of the family. His hand on her lower back is about three inches away from winning him a knuckle sandwich. They make their way over to where I'm sitting, and Mia introduces us. Neil holds out a hand to shake mine, but I have no interest in making friends with this pervert. I stand but fold my arms across my chest, not saying a word.

Lacey's by my side now. I'm not sure where she came from, but she takes his extended hand and shakes it, then not so gently nudges her elbow into my side. I scowl but do as I know she is telling me to do, and I give his hand a single, firm shake. Possibly more firm than necessary.

It's not until we all sit around the table for lunch that my nerves start to slowly unravel. I have big plans for today that only Jesse knows about. As our Christmas meal begins to wrap up, my hands are so sweaty I have to wipe them on my napkin. Jesse sends me a wink that I think is intended in solidarity.

We move back into the living room for our gift exchange. Jesse's oldest child volunteers to hand out the gifts. One by one, we watch the gifts being opened. My chest is getting tight, and I shift in my seat, feeling restless.

"Are you okay?" Lacey whispers next to my ear.

"Yeah. I think I ate too much," I say.

By the end of the gift exchange the kids are covered in paper and toys, and the adults are lounging around the room in conversation. Jesse catches my eye from across the room, and I give him a nod. Might as well get this over with before I chicken out.

"Jacob, did you get everything you wanted for Christmas?" Jesse asks me over the chatter, catching everyone's attention.

"For the most part, but Lacey did miss one thing on my list," I say.

I look over at Lacey who looks stunned to be called out like that in front of my whole family. She sits up straighter, a blush covering her cheeks.

Shit. I hope I didn't just screw this up.

"What do you mean?" she asks me.

I push myself up off the couch and walk over to the mantle by the Christmas tree. I pull a little box from behind the garland and candles, then go back across the living room to where Lacey is sitting. I drop down onto my knee in front of Lacey, holding her hands in mine.

"Lacey Anne Givens," I say, "I love you more than anything else in this world. You inspire me, and you strengthen me. While I was working on this house, it was always with you in mind. I was building a house that we could raise our family in and grow old in together. When I see the future, I see you. You are the missing piece of the dream come true for me, and I can no longer imagine a life worth living that doesn't include you in it.

"We were both lost and broken when we met, but with each other's help, we put the pieces back together and found something that was so much more beautiful than either of us could have imagined. I've already given you all of me. The only thing I want for Christmas this year is you, your heart and your promise." I open the black velvet box and offer it to Lacey. "Lacey, will you marry me?"

Lacey glances around the room, her face full of shock. Steph shoots her a wink, and Mia is nodding her head like a fool. My mom is wiping the happy tears off her cheeks and smiling at us. Lacey looks back at me, her own eyes watery.

"Yes. Of course, I will. Yes! I love you, too." She leans into me, hugging me tightly, and relief spills through my body. "Now, where's my ring?" Lacey laughs and fumbles to take the ring from the box and slide it on her finger.

I stand and take Lacey into my arms, kissing her deeply, and I know she's the happily-ever-after I've always been looking for.