Chapter 40
Bonding
It’s only two o’clock, and it’s already the best Christmas ever. Nathanial and I pack up all the gifts for his family and place them in the trunk of his new car.
“I can’t wait to show my brother everything. He’s going to be so jealous. I got all this great stuff, and the best part is I got the girl.”
“I think our families will enjoy each other,” I assume.
“Who couldn’t love your family? Plus, this is just the first of many more celebrations together.” He seems so enthusiastic.
My family brings some gifts for the McCord family and some wine to go with dinner. Both families greet each other with open arms.
“Please come in. Thank you for joining us,” Mrs. McCord says. “My name is Nikole. This is my husband Arthur and our eldest son Luke. It’s a pleasure to meet the family of the young girl who has stolen my son’s heart.”
Nathanial grabs Luke and they head outside to check out his new car. “Dude, you have got to see this.” The rest of us kids join them. Alexander begins telling them all the vehicle specs and all the car talk. The adults stay inside to become acquainted with one another. Although I notice them peeking outside at us from time to time with smiles on their faces.
“I don’t believe this. Are you sure you don’t have an older sister for me? How about it, Mati? Want to go out on a date?” Luke jokes.
“I would be honored, but I’m spoken for!” She winks at Alexander.
“Yeah, I know. I’m just teasing, Nate told me you and Alex are a couple and not actually siblings. Alex, you are a lucky man.”
“Yeah, I am. Thanks, man.” Alexander pats Luke on the shoulder, and Nathanial shakes his head.
“Bro, you are such a player!” Nathanial punches Luke in the shoulder.
“No, man, I am just jealous. I would give anything to find the right girl. Don’t get me wrong, I have had fun, but you found what Mom and Dad have, and I can only hope I will find it someday too,” Luke admits, hopping into the passenger seat.
“You will. I can feel it. You have a great soul.” Matilda offers.
“So are you gonna let me take it for a test drive?” Luke requests.
“Sure. Why don’t you go with Alex? He can tell you all about it! We’ll wait out here for you to go around the block,” Nate agrees.
“The block? I want to open this puppy up.”
“Another day; It’s Christmas, and we have guests!” Nate argues.
“So right, little brother. Excuse my rudeness,” Luke agrees, and the two older brothers leave for a quick test drive.
While waiting for them to return, I can overhear the conversation going on inside the house.
“Florence, Elijah, it is way too much. We will never be able to repay you for the car,” Arthur says.
“There is no need to worry. Our family is extremely privileged, and we enjoy sharing with those who come into our lives. This is a gift from our family, and if there is anything you need, please do not hesitate to ask. Sophia is happier than we have ever seen her. She has come out of her shell, and it is all thanks to your son. We can never repay you for that,” Elijah insists. “Our families are now joined by love, and to us, that is as good as blood,” he adds.
“Thank you. Our children have fallen fast for each other, but we believe it to be true, Nikole and I fell in love at first sight and have been together ever since,” Arthur admits.
“We completely agree. It has all happened very fast, but we believe in true love as well. Our kids are soul mates, meant to be together, and it will only improve with our support,” Elijah encourages.
Constance and Florence help Mrs. McCord put the finishing touches on dinner. By the time they finish, every counter in the kitchen, as well as the table, is filled with delicious-smelling food.
“Please fill your plates and have a seat wherever you can find room. It is a little snug, but try to make yourselves comfortable,” Nikole encourages.
I love this, even more perfection to the perfect day, I think as I take a seat next to Nate on the floor in the family room.
We enjoy the evening, opening yet more gifts, talking, and playing games. I will remember this day for all eternity. Not only do I love Nathanial, but I am falling in love with his family almost as fast as I did with him. Our two families seem to fit so nicely together, I hope to have at least a few more Christmases like this before having to move on.
“Thank you so much for a beautiful evening. I trust you will all be joining us for New Years?” Isaac asks.
“Yes of course. We would not miss it. Is there anything we can do to help?” Nikole responds.
“Not at all. Just the pleasure of your company again will be enough. Please do not hesitate to bring any guests of your own. We have more than enough room and would enjoy meeting any of the townspeople,” Constance adds.
Nathanial and I just look at one another without saying a word. I know we share the same thought: elation that our families fit so well together. I am now not only protective of Nathanial, but also of his entire family, and they all mean so much to me. It is very overwhelming. To fall in love at first sight with my soul mate was one thing, but his family is even more unexpected!
We exchange hugs with the McCord family and thank them again for a wonderful evening.
Nathanial sees us to our cars. “I promise to be over in the morning to finish with the party plans.” He reaches out to me, and we share a small kiss. “Sweet dreams, my love.” He closes the car door, only to stand and watch us drive away.
Back at home, my family raves about the wonderful family we just got to know. I think this could be a wonderful union between mortal and immortal. This may work out better than I ever expected, I thought to myself.
Immortal Embrace Page 40
