Heather snuck out back, sitting on the back porch swing with a cup of hot chocolate, allowing the tears to flow freely.
After a short while, the back door swung open and Daniel stepped out. “Hey,” he said softly.
She wiped her cheeks. “Hey."
"Can I join you?"
"Sure."
"You okay?"
She sniffed, shrugging. “So, thanks to my family, now you know."
He grabbed a chair and straddled it in front of her. “Now I know what?"
"About me and guys."
"What? That you haven't had a long-term boyfriend before? That isn't news. I've always known that."
She sighed. “I don't want to lose you, Daniel. I can't lose you. You mean too much to me."
He got up and sat next to her, wrapping his arm around her shoulders. “I'm not going anywhere."
She laid her cheek against his chest. The faint sound of a heartbeat reached her ears. Never did she feel as secure as she did in his arms. That alone scared her. “I need to tell you something."
"Okay."
She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. “When I was ten years old, there was this kid, Mike, who lived next door. We spent the whole summer together every day, fishing, hiking, even made a tree house. He was my best friend, I could tell him anything."
Daniel tucked her hair behind her ear.
"I really liked him. Then one day we were standing in our tree house and kissed. My first one. It was amazing.” Her chest heaved at the memory. “Within an hour after that kiss, we were playing hide-and-go-seek on the back lot. He fell into a well. Broke his neck and...” Her voice trailed into emotion. It was almost twenty years ago, but felt like one.
Daniel wiped her damp cheek.
"After the funeral, I don't know what happened. The grief made something in me snap.” She wiped at her eyes. “You said once I run when a guy gets close. You're absolutely right. I've been doing it my entire life. I think I want to be happy, but I won't allow anyone in."
He withdrew slowly and gazed at her, his head shaking. “That's not true, Heather. You let me in a long time ago."
She held his gaze and knew then, she really did love him. “If there was anyone, it would be you."
He brushed his lips to hers.
She closed her eyes and kissed him again. Something in her melted in his embrace. She feared desperately for what this could mean, but didn't want to let go.
* * * *
Daniel held her, afraid to release her. He didn't know if she would run. If the kiss she'd just given him was real. He only knew how amazing he felt in this moment. “Is there anything else that's bothering you?"
"I don't like lying to my parents or feeling this way about my family. I know God is probably pretty frustrated with me.” She lowered her arms and sighed. “I know I've made my family out to be these awful people. But they're not. The problem is me."
"So, do something about it."
"Like what?” She frowned. “I wouldn't even know where to begin."
He fingered one of her curls. “Just go talk to them. Tell them the truth."
She peered in the back window and he followed her gaze. The family all sat around the room talking, drinking eggnog and eating cookies.
"Everyone looks so happy."
He brought her chin to face him and offered a pinched smile. “Not everyone."
She diverted her eyes to the floor.
"Do you think your mom would be happy knowing how you feel?"
She shook her head.
"Then you need to make things right."
Her eyes found his. “Promise me, you'll always stand by me."
"Forever."
She kissed him again, slow and lingering. Some of the doubt washed away. “Okay, then."
"Okay. You ready?” He interlaced his hand with hers and stood. “Because I'm right here with you."
* * * *
Heather shuffled forward like a kid in trouble. Her pulse pounded in her neck. Her ears rang. Could she do this? She'd never been this forward about anything. Usually when it came to her family, she cowered. But having Daniel by her side changed everything. He was right. They were soul mates. She knew she could count on him to never leave her side.
She grasped his hand and opened the door. Everyone looked up, smiling, as if expecting their visit.
She cleared her throat. “Um, can we turn off the TV? I need to talk to you."
Her mother grabbed the remote and flipped it off. The room quieted down, each with worried expressions. Her mother almost looked horrified. Probably thinks I'm pregnant. That would be her mother.
Heather glanced at Daniel.
He gave her a reassuring nod.
Big breath in. I can do this. “When you asked me to come to Christmas, I didn't want to because of all the dating pressure. So, I lied to you about Daniel, mainly because I get so tired of being battered for not having a boyfriend or not living the life you all think I should live. So, I'm not perfect, but I think I do okay."
The attentive looks turned to confused ones.
"What exactly have you lied about, sweetheart?” her mother asked.
She sucked her lower lip in, afraid to say. Wasn't it now mute? After all, she and Daniel were together now. No, she had to tell them. She was done being dishonest to save her own skin. “When we got here, I let you assume Daniel and I were a couple."
Her mother stood, but said nothing. Jayne buried her head in her hands, obviously thinking this was the wrong play. Keith crossed his arms and sat back with his usual arrogant stance. And her father looked on amused.
"So, you two aren't dating?” her mother asked.
"Not before now.” She squeezed Daniel's hand and looked at him.
He winked.
"I don't understand."
The temperature in the room seemed to rise. She unwrapped her scarf and unbuttoned her jacket. “I'm saying I lied this morning when I said we were dating. I told you that because I didn't want to be set up with someone like Martin. I mean, come on. Goonbean is the best you could pick out for your own daughter? And the year before, Pat Ovitz. Do you not know me at all?"
Her mother covered her chest with her hands, tears fresh in her eyes. “I just worried that after what happened with Mike you'd never recover. That you'd carry that forever. I'm sorry if I made your burden heavier."
Heather pinched her lips together, trying not to burst out in tears. Her chest heaved with emotion. “I love you, Mom, but I'm going to be okay."
"I know, dear.” She put out her arms and Heather filled them.
She cried on her mother's shoulder like she had the day after Mike's funeral. All those years of anguish just dripped off onto her mother. The rest of the family watched, obviously unsure of what to say or do.
Heather pulled back and her dad reached in his pocket and pulled out a cloth hankie. “Here, sweetheart."
"Thanks, Dad."
She wiped her eyes and nose, and then set her sights on Keith. “And you have to stop."
He pointed to his chest. “Me? Stop what?"
"Treating me the way you do."
"How do I treat you?"
"Always grilling me and my friends. Acting like my life choices are stupid and yours are superior. It hurts and I want you to stop."
He stared at her moment, obviously letting that register. “I'm sorry, sis; I didn't’ realize I did that.” He rose to his feet and hugged her. “I don't try to be mean. I guess I just say what I think. I have that foot-in-mouth syndrome which has never been cured."
Heather kissed his cheek. “Try, before that baby gets here. Please."
He offered a closed-mouth smile.
"So, clarification,” her mother said. “You and Daniel aren't a couple?"
Heather glanced at Daniel and smiled. “Well, about that..."
[Back to Table of Contents]
Chapter Eleven
"Merry Christmas, Daniel! Time to get up, my friend.” Heather covered h
er eyes with one of her arms and flung open the door to the sewing room. “I hope you're decent, because Santa waits for no man."
Daniel stood and pulled her hand away from her face. He wore gray sweats and a white tank top. His muscles very defined. She tried not to blush, although she couldn't do a thing about her heartrate.
"Merry Christmas to you, too.” He kissed her softly on the cheek and grinned. “Can you give me a minute to change and brush my teeth?"
She fanned out her arm to show off her pajamas, robe and slippers. “No, way, mister. Waterston family tradition. You can have a robe, but there is no fixing hair, taking a shower, getting all dolled up for Christmas in this house. It's come as you are.” She tugged on his arm. “Let's go. There isn't a lick of carpet free of presents under that tree, and I want to open some."
He grabbed a sweatshirt from on top his suitcase and followed her into the living room. The entire family relaxed around the Christmas tree in their pajamas, passing out presents to one another.
Heather and Daniel took a seat in the only open spot left, the floor.
"Merry Christmas, sweetheart,” her mother said and handed her two large packages.
"Thanks, Mom.” She tore into the first one. It was a navy-blue suit for work. The second, a jewelry box. Well, at least the gifts this year are more subtle. Last year she was given a hope chest.
Her mother even had a gift for Daniel. A travel book. “After Heather told me what you wanted to do, I made a trip to the bookstore."
"Thank you, Roberta.” Daniel smiled, flipping through the colorful book.
Within minutes, the bottom of the tree lay bare and the room was covered in crinkled paper. Her father clapped his hands together. “Well, it looks like that went well. How about breakfast?"
"No, wait. I still have to give my Christmas gift to Daniel.” Heather stood and walked to the fireplace, then crossed back with an envelope and handed it to him. “Merry Christmas, my friend."
He smiled and opened it. Inside was a plane ticket to Oaxaca, Mexico. Forever he'd talked about going to see his grandmother and cousins, but never had the time or money to make it happen. “Wow."
"It's an open-ended ticket. Now you can go see your family anytime you want."
He kissed her. “You're amazing. Thank you."
"You're welcome."
Daniel glanced around and reached in his pocket. “And I have a gift for you, too."
Heather suddenly felt nervous. She'd seen those movies where the guy proposes in front of the entire family. No, please don't. Not now. They had just come to the realization that they would date. Her breath caught. He couldn't possibly do that to her.
He pulled out an envelope.
She visibly exhaled, laughing.
"What?"
She shook her head. “Nothing."
"Open it."
All eyes were on her. She licked her lips and tore into it. A newspaper clipping? She opened it, unsure. A classified ad lay in the middle of the page, circled in red.
"What is it?” Jayne asked.
The room erupted with, “Read it."
"Okay.” She laughed and stared at the words. "Single Hispanic male, 30, seeks single white female to share his heart. A woman who enjoys good movies, great food and can tolerate my jazz music, but will listen to retro. Seeking companion to join me on an all expense paid trip to ... “ She laughed. "Oaxaca, Mexico."
Her family all laughed.
"You got it.” She kissed him, so thankful he was in her life. “Merry Christmas, boyfriend."
[Back to Table of Contents]
Epilogue
December 23, One Year Later
Daniel stuffed the remainder of his toiletries in his overnight bag and stepped in the hallway.
Heather frantically searched her carry-on bag for the umpteenth time. “I still can't find them. I think maybe I tossed them out or something."
"I doubt that."
"Are you sure?” She asked her voice hysterical. “Because I'm telling you, Daniel, I can't find the reservation information anywhere. I've looked in every nook and cranny. There is no place left to look."
Daniel knelt by the coffee table and rested a hand on her back. “I'll find them."
She pushed the bag to him, her lower lip pushing out. “The shuttle will be here any moment."
He touched her wrist gently. “Why don't you go next door to your apartment and make sure you haven't forgotten anything; I'll look for the paperwork."
She sighed and kissed his nose. “I love you, you know that?"
"You've told me a few times."
"Be back in a sec.” She got up and walked out the door.
Daniel smiled. He knew where the ticket information was, but he wouldn't let her look for them there. He had her Christmas present hidden in the same space. He waited until he heard the door open to her apartment, then went to his carry-on and unzipped the pocket. It was safely nestled with the rest of the precious cargo. He lifted the papers out and placed them on top of the coffee table, then zipped it closed again.
He felt as if he had been waiting for this trip forever. First they planned to spend Christmas with her folks in Colorado and then the rest of the week in Oaxaca with his family. He'd never been so excited. Well, that wasn't entirely true. He'd just been picked up as a travel liaison for a multimillion-dollar company. He was scheduled to start in January. God was good, and so was life.
Heather walked back in, her eyes falling on the ticket information. “You're amazing."
He lifted his collar. “I know."
She stood on her tiptoes and kissed him. “Ready?"
A horn honked outside.
"Just in time,” she said.
Daniel grabbed the bulk of the bags and Heather held the door open. In a few hours, they'd be back in Colorado. He couldn't wait.
* * * *
Heather squeezed Daniel's hand and debarked the plane. They decided to rent a car this time so she could show him around Denver without the family. They stopped by the counter and picked up their keys, then walked out to the lot. The air chilled her to the bone. “Man, it's cold; I always seem to forget that part. Please hurry and get the door open."
Daniel hit the button on the keychain and the locks flipped up. They tossed the bags in the trunk and quickly jumped inside, cranking the heater. A light powder of snow brushed down on the window. He glanced at Heather wide-eyed. “Are you kidding me? It's snowing."
"Yes, I believe it is."
His smile grew bigger. “I know this is going to probably shock you, but I've never actually seen it snow before."
She laughed. “You're kidding."
"Seriously. I grew up in Southern Mexico and San Diego. We'd go skiing in the mountains, but it never snowed while we were there.” He hit the windshield wiper and stared. “This is so cool."
"Yeah, cool except for the fact now you have to drive in it."
The flakes drifted down in the beam of the headlights.
"Yeah, I see your point."
"We'd better go before it picks up. Neither of us is prepared to drive in a blizzard."
"Call your mom and let her know we're on the way, just in case.” Daniel put the car in reverse and backed out onto the main road.
Heather dug in her purse for her cell phone and dialed the familiar number.
"How far is the house?” he asked.
"It's...” She held up a finger. “Hi, Mom. We just landed and are on our way."
"Sweetheart. It's just starting to snow, but we're expecting a substantial blizzard. How far are you from the house?"
"Not more than an hour, I think."
"Okay, well tell Daniel to drive safe, will you?"
Heather smiled at her boyfriend. “Yes, Mom. I'll do that. See you soon."
"Okay, bye now.” The line went dead and Heather snapped it closed. “Mom wants you drive safely."
The tires slid a little to the right and he frowned. “I'll do my best."
She grasped
the handle over her head, suddenly nervous. “You want me to drive?"
He shot her a mock look of disgust.
Smiling, she held up her free hand in surrender. “Fine. Just asking."
They found a radio station they both could agree on and blasted it. Anything to distract their nerves from the dark, snowy road. An hour turned into almost two, but finally, they pulled onto the surface road that would take them to her house.
"You did it!"
"You doubted me."
She leaned over and kissed his cheek. “Never, my love. I knew you could it."
He pulled in the driveway and cut the engine.
The front door opened and her family poured out. Her dad helped Daniel carry in the bags, all hurrying to get inside the warm house.
"So, how was your trip?” her mom asked once they were settled on the couch.
"Not bad,” Daniel said.
"Except the last leg.” Heather smiled. “He doesn't like driving in snow."
He tickled her side and she squirmed away. “Translation. Heather doesn't like riding in the car when I'm driving in the snow."
"It was like Mr. Toad's Wild Ride."
"Funny."
Her mom watched them with fascination, an amusing grin on her face. “Are you hungry?"
"Starved,” Heather said. “All we had was peanuts. Did you make anything?"
"We had rock soup."
Daniel raised an eyebrow. “Rock soup. That sounds delicious,” he said sarcastically.
Heather smiled. “It is."
"I'm afraid to ask."
Her dad leaned forward in the rocking chair. “When Heather and Jayne were little, they wouldn't eat anything but hamburgers, pizza, and macaroni and cheese. Well, Heather got real sick one winter, so Roberta had to get creative. She bought Heather the child's book, Rock Soup."
"I loved that story,” Heather said.
"When I finished reading it to her, I said, ‘wouldn't it be fun to eat rock soup?'” Roberta laughed. “And she went for it. All that was in it was chicken broth, noodles, vegetables and a few pinto beans."
"The beans were the rocks,” Heather said. “And whoever found them won."
Daniel smiled. “Do you still put pinto beans in it?"
"Of course. Wouldn't be rock soup any other way.” Roberta stood. “I think there is still one left to be found. Interested?"
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