Into You (14 page)

"Are you worried?"

"Extremely.
You're so cryptic, and you won’t talk to me."

"It's all good. I think I like having you on the edge of your seat." He glanced over and rested his hand on my thigh, just under the rim of my dress.
"Unless you want to pull over to take the edge off."

"Carter!"

He laughed. "That's what I thought."

“I’m glad you’re enjoying this. But remember
tomorrow you meet my parents.”

“Only if tonight goes well.”

I gasped feigning hurt feelings. Did his mother's opinion mean that much to him? If she told him not to see me anymore would this be our last date? A whole new wave of anxiety washed over me.

“A deal’s a deal! There’s no way I’m going to let you back out!” 

Carter chuckled.

I looked out the window and tapped my fingernails against one another. I heard the music to
I’ll be home for Christmas
on the radio, leaned forward and turned up the volume.

“This is one of my favorites.”

He gave me a sideward glance.

“You don’t like it?”

“No,” he answered. “It’s depressing.”

“How?”

“The guy is away from home, all alone, away from the woman he loves.”

“Yes, but that love and the spirit of the season offer him hope of returning home.”

“If he were so hopeful he wouldn’t have to put in the disclaimer, ‘If only in my dreams.’”

“I think he’s so optimistic about being with her he’s telling her his spirit will make its way to her even if his body cannot.”

“Like he’s dead. So is he going to kill himself just to be with her on Christmas?”

I shook my head, “You don’t think that view is a little warped?”

He laughed and gave my hand a squeeze. “If you think I’m bad, wait until you meet my mother.”

Chapter 36

Carter

The fresh scent of pine trickled out the front door as Aunt Rose greeted us with a warm welcome. She smiled at Elizabeth and pulled me into a long, affectionate hug. After breaking away from me, she introduced herself extending her hand and placing her arm around Elizabeth's shoulder leading us inside.

The look on Elizabeth face softened, and her lips drew up into a smile at the scene she walked in on. My cousins' kids, all four of them sat on the living room floor, encircled in a mess of wrapping paper thrown askew, and played happily. I knew that would soon come to an end.

Elizabeth took a deep breath before moving forward to get acquainted with the rest of the family. I knew I made her nervous in the car. I didn't want to be the only one on pins and needles.

So many wonderful smells filled the air, the scent of the wood burning fire, sauce cooking on the stove, along with apple and cinnamon spices. The warmth and fulfillment in my chest had me feeling like I'd walked into a holiday movie. The good thing about those movies, they always end on a happy note.

Aunt Rose wasted no time introducing Elizabeth to the family. First to her daughter’s Laura and Kara, their husbands John and Niko, and her four grandchildren starting with the oldest Travis, working her way down to Luke, Sammy and finally Arianna. After a quick hello the children immediately turned their attention back to the trains and cars rolling
across the living room floor.

Elizabeth pretended not to notice when I cleared my throat and opened my eyes wide. I saw her look up, out of the corner of my eye, but once my aunt shrugged her shoulders, and gave a slight nod toward the kitchen, Elizabeth turned her
attention back to the children.

“I’ll be right back,” I gave her hand a gentle squeeze.

I hadn’t taken more than two steps before my mother entered the room.

“You’re here,” she announced taking me in her arms.  “I didn’t hear you arrive.”

I knew she lied. Not only did she know I arrived, I saw her looking out the window when we pulled up. I wouldn't call her on it though. I had to handle her with kid gloves. She hadn't met anyone I dated after Jamie. I knew she wasn't keen on meeting Elizabeth, let alone having her with us for Christmas dinner.

“Hi, Mom.”
I took her hands in mine and kissed her on the cheek. “You look beautiful as always.”

My mother didn't respond with her usual warmth. I knew she could radiate a coolness about her that would frost the windows.
But never with me. If I didn't warm her up now, by the end of the night she'd be downright frigid.

Chapter 37

Elizabeth

I watched the exchange between them. I saw Carter’s eyes smile and dance at his mother. My stomach tumbled in anticipation. I hoped whatever Carter saw in me, his mother would too.

“So is this the young lady who’s captured your heart?”  she said approaching me.

Like a shy little boy, Carter glanced down at his toes. “Yes.”

Carter’s mother took a step toward me. Her pale blue eyes felt like they had tentacles that could reach inside me. She looked me over from head to toe, no doubt evaluating my physical appearance, but still I felt she searched for something more- like she wanted to see right into my heart and soul whether or not I was worthy of Carter’s love and affection.

It seemed an eternity before a word was spoken. The room hung in a stifling silence with only the crackling of the fire booming through the air. Every breath was held waiting to see what would happen next. Even the children seemed to be placed under a sort of magic silence spell for a brief moment in time, until Carter’s mother welcomed me with a quick pat on the back.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you . . ." I stopped, realizing I had no idea what to call her. 

“Dominique.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Dominique.”

“Likewise.”

It felt like everyone in the room exhaled. Both the quiet and tension were quickly replaced with laughter and warm banter.

The food wasn't only delicious, but plentiful. Antipasto, calamari, crab legs, lobster tails, and pasta adorned the table. I tried a little bit of everything and enjoyed it all. I was quiet through most of dinner, trying to get a handle on the family poli
tics and enjoying the company.

After dinner Carter took my hand and led me to the couch. He put his arm around
me, and pulled me against him.

"I really should be helping clear the table."

He shook his head, "Not tonight. Tonight you're mine." He whispered and I felt like we were the only ones in the room. He brushed a loose wisp of hair from my face.

“Having fun?” 
he asked.

I nodded. “Do you spend every Christmas like this?”

“Every Christmas Eve for as long as I remember.”

Dominique approached the couch and cleared her throat before taking a seat next to me. She smiled, but I didn't feel a whole lot o
f warmth radiating off of her.

“So, dear, Carter has told me so little about you,” she said placing her hand awkwardly on my knee, “What is it you do?”

I met Carter’s eyes, hoping he’d understand my plea for help. The rapport with his mother already felt like it was hanging on a thin line. I didn’t want to do anything that might fray it.

“Elizabeth works in medical billing,” Carter answered.

Dominique pulled her hand away and covered her mouth, as if someone just told her I carried a highly contagious disease. After a moment she regained her composure.

“I just assumed you were a college graduate.”

“Elizabeth did graduate from college Mom, with honors,” Carter held a warning in his voice.

“I’m just taking my time, while I figure out what to do next. I’d like to start a business,” I explained. “I’m just no
t sure what kind.”

“I see.”

The ringing doorbell interrupted the uncomfortable aura spreading over us. The children jumped from their chairs and ran to the front door like sprinters in pursuit of Olympic gold.

“Santa,” they cried, excitement spilling out of their pores.

On cue the front door opened and in came Santa Claus, his bag of goodies slung over his back.

“Ho, ho, ho,” said the kind old man in the red suit.

The rest of the adults left the dishes they'd been clearing off the table and gathered around Santa. John brought along a dining room chair for Santa to sit in.

Santa brought with him a warm cozy feeling. The lines etched in his skin around his eyes showed he was not a young man, but a rather old man. His mustache and beard were long, white and real, his smile genuine. He reached into his sack and pulled from it a book,
T’was the Night Before Christmas
.

The children dropped to the floor and sat in silence as Santa read. I couldn’t believe how even I hung on to his every word. He drew the room in and performed well for his audience. After he finished reading, the children began to ask questions about the reindeer, Mrs. Claus and the North Pole.

Santa answered all the questions with kindness and patience before addressing each child individually on how they can improve their behavior in the upcoming year.  Once he completed his lecture, he pulled gifts from his sack. The awed children collected their finely wrapped boxes, stacked them in piles, and waited for Santa to finish before opening any.

With the children shredding the paper off their presents, eager to see what was inside them, I found Santa looking into my eyes. I wondered why he stared at me like that, and what Carter's mother would think about me getting so much attention from Santa. A wide smile formed on his face.

“Elizabeth, what a pleasant surprise to find you spending Christmas Eve with Carter,” Santa said.

I felt my face flush from embarrassment as everyone in the room turned toward me. I smiled in spite of myself, feeling very awkward and self-conscious, unable to think
of a funny or witty response.

“Why don’t you come
have seat?” he patted his lap.

“I don’t think so.”

“Don’t tell me you’re too old to believe,” he said raising an eyebrow at me.

Carter, looking thoroughly amused, nodded his head in Santa’s direction and nudged me forward. Seeing I wasn’t moving, he took me by the hand and led me over to Santa.  With no way
out of it, I sat on his lap.

“See, this isn’t so bad is it?” Santa asked.

I made the mistake of looking around at the faces watching me. Carter’s cousins wore amused smiles, whispering to each other.

“No, it’s not bad.” I shook my head unable to contain a slight giggle.

“Are you having a nice time?”

“Yes.”

“Everyone making you feel comfortable?”

“Very much so.”

“Wonderful. Now, I think I have something in here for you.”

I covered my beat red face with my hands feeling ridiculous, as Santa once again reached into his bag of goodies. I tried to ignore the overwhe
lming feeling of embarrassment.

“Ah. Here it is.”

I took a deep breath before looking down at the small black velvet box in Santa’s hand. I looked to Carter and searched his eyes. His lips were pursed into thin lines, yet his eyes were glowing. I took the box into my trembling hands.

With my eyes fixed on Carter, I opened it slowly. I took a deep breath before casting my eyes down to see what treasure the box held. Tears filled my eyes as the sparkling light made the dia
mond ring in my hands twinkle.

Carter stepped forward. He reached for my hand and bent down on one knee, “Elizabeth,” his voice
cracked, “Will you marry me?”

I thought I would die of happiness. I'd been caught up in the moment, in the warmth of his family it was what I'd always wanted. Tears trickled from my eyes as I leapt out of Santa’s lap and threw my arms around Ca
rter’s neck. I held him tight.

“Yes!” I said kissing him firmly on the lips. “Yes, I will marry you!”

Carter stood, bringing me to my feet. He held me tight and swung me in his arms. My body slid down against his until my feet were back on the ground. He stroked my hair and kissed me passionately, forgetting for the moment anyone else existed.

Chapter 38

Carter

My aunt and cousins surrounded Elizabeth trying to get a glimpse of the ring. She looked so happy, her eyes glowed. I knew if I left her alone for a few minutes my absence would barely register. I watched them all oohing and
ahhing as I snuck out of the room unnoticed. I entered the kitchen prepared for my mother’s disapproval. Disapproval would be welcome. I expected her to go off on a tirade.

I knew she wouldn’t be happy I brought a guest, as she’d been very possessive of me since the divorce. I also knew she’d be stunned by the engagement and hop
ed I could curtail her anger.

When I walked into the jewelry store in the morning I planned on picking up a bracelet or earrings. As I looked for something to catch my eye, I found myself drawn to the ring. The vibrancy in the diamond reminded me of the liveliness in Elizabeth’s eyes. It was perfect
for her. I couldn’t resist.