“Wade who?” Talon says, narrowing his eyes, and we’re all ready to pounce on him for being an ass when she answers him.
“Hendrix.”
Talon snorts and pulls her into his chest. “I’m really happy for you, and the best part is if he messes up, I’ll have access to him at the garage.”
“What are you talking about?” Bristol asks in confusion, and I bark out a laugh.
“He’s our new mechanic.” Talon nods at Bristol who groans as he adds, “I can’t wait to make that little connection for him.”
“Be nice,” our sister hisses, but Talon shakes his head and laughs.
“No way. We totally missed out on scaring off your boyfriends growing up.”
“On the plus side, we already vetted him,” I try, but it just makes Bristol wiggle from Talon’s grasp and return to the girls to be consoled. “Hey! How come I don’t get a hug?” I whine because it’s been a while and I’m still her little brother.
“Because you’re just as bad and Ijustmet this guy.”
“We’ll be nice,” Talon assures her which has the rest of us snickering as she moves to the counter and shoves a sugar cookie in her mouth.
Everyone laughs but I can’t let it go. Rounding the counter, I pull Bristol into my arms and hold her until she gives in, her body sagging against mine.
“I’m really proud of you. I can’t imagine how scary it was to put yourself out there. But I trust Aspen’s judgment in her letting you leave with him that night, and I trustyouto know what you’re ready for.”
“Stop making me cry,” she whispers, and it takes everything in me to hold back my own tears.
“I love you and I’m so damn proud of you.”
“Mommy, I want ice cweam.”
“Yes,” I say at the same time Bristol says no. Everyone laughs and I hold Bristol tighter as I yell to Talon, “Quick! I’ll hold her back!”
Navy squeals as Talon scoops her up off the ground and flies her like an airplane around the kitchen. Cora grabs the ice cream from the freezer as Aspen pulls down bowls and spoons. Bristol pretends to fight my hold, but I’m pretty sure I’m holding her up because she’s laughing too hard to stand.
The girls make quick work of dishing out everything as Navy giggles and shoves a huge spoonful in her mouth. Bristol gasps but then picks up the whipped cream and sprays it into her mouth, much to Navy’s delight.
It’s the perfect night with everyone smiling and laughing and telling stories before we help Navy set out cookies and carrots for Santa and his reindeer. Her eyes are bright with the magic of Christmas. She doesn’t fight bedtime, and then we all get to work putting out the presents and setting the stage for the morning.
Cora and Aspen join Talon, Bristol, and me in our annual eggnog toast. It’s silly, but it’s something we’ve been doing together since we were kids, and I know with absolute certainty it’s a tradition I hope we can continue until we’re old and gray.
“Merry Christmas, everyone,” Talon says, the words a little choked as he hugs Cora against him. I wink at Aspen as I pull my sister in close because this is what it’s all about—love and family and making memories that will last a lifetime.
Merry Christmas, indeed.
22
[Social Media Post from the Taste of Magnolia Food Truck and Lowcountry Automotive]
(Picture of Aspen, Phoenix, Talon, Cora, Bristol, Navy, and Chip)
Wishing you the Merriest Christmas from our family to yours!
#supportlocal #tasteofmagnolia #magnoliapoint #holidaytreats #lowcountryautomotive
23
PHOENIX
The soft glow of the Christmas tree illuminates the room, letting us forgo the overhead lights as we kick off our boots and hang our coats by the door. Somehow in the last couple of weeks, Aspen’s place has started to feel like home. And it’s a nice reprieve, especially because my ears are still ringing after spending Christmas Eve and all of today at Talon’s. It had been so damn worth it though.
