Violet had flown home for the holidays, but she and Montana had already FaceTimed multiple times today, because they couldn’t go long without speaking.
I’d never experienced a holiday like this.
One that I didn’t dread with awkward, forced family dynamics.
“My hope for the new year is more of this,” I said, motioning around the table. “The fact that my girlfriend agreed to move in with me this morning means this is going to be a good year.”
Montana’s cheeks pinked, and she smiled. “I even got us matching key chains.”
“Well, you’ve asked her every day since you moved to Blushing, so it was bound to happen,” Daniel said over his laughter.
“Yes. I will now be carrying a porcupine key chain.” A loud laugh escaped me as I kissed her on the forehead. “You make me a very happy man, baby.”
“Oh boy,” Samuel said. “Mom’s crying.”
“No, I’m fine. I’m totally fine.” She used her napkin to dab her eyes. “It just makes me emotional to see both of my boys so happy. And that you’ve both found such amazing women to love.”
Gino kissed my mom on the cheek.
“Happy for you, too, Mom,” I said, and I meant it.
Montana had insisted on inviting my father to come here for the holidays as well. He and my mother were officially divorced, and he was dating a new woman who was twenty years his junior, but he appeared happy with her, so I wouldn’t judge. He wasn’t cheating on my mother, so he could do whatever he wanted now. He’d declined the offer, though, because he and his girlfriend were going to Paris for the holidays.
I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that I was relieved that he wasn’t here.
We were slowly repairing our relationship, but it wasn’t going to happen overnight. But we’d made progress, and I’d just take it one day at a time.
Now that my brother and I were both running the business, he didn’t have much to say about it.
Both of his sons had chosen a different path from his, and I think he’d realized berating us for our choices wasn’t going to change anything.
“So you two are moving in together. That’s a big step,” Charlie said with a ridiculous grin on his face.
I rolled my eyes. “Moving to Blushing was the big step. Living with my girl will be as easy as breathing.”
“Just don’t leave dirty dishes in the sink or forget to put your laundry away,” Daniel said with a laugh. “I lived with her for eighteen years. She runs a tight ship.”
“You loved living with me,” Montana said.
“I did, sweetheart. The house has never been as clean as when you lived there.” He smirked. “All joking aside, I’m happy for you. But if you’re shacking up with my little girl, you better think about putting a ring on it soon.”
“Did you just quote Beyoncé?” Blakely laughed hysterically.
“Trust me. I think about it all the time,” I admitted, and Montana just smiled up at me.
We’d talked about it.
I’d made this decision to move here because I wanted to be with her. So marrying her was a no-brainer.
This was the woman I wanted to spend my life with.
I was just waiting for the perfect time to ask her.
We finished up dinner, and Brianna was busy talking to Montana, Blakely, and Brynn about her wedding plans. My mom was playing cards with Harper and Gino as Daniel, Howard, and Lydia watched.
I moved behind the dark wood bar and poured a whiskey for Samuel, Charlie, and Benji.
“Happy for you, brother,” Samuel said as he held up his glass.
