“I graduated.” As soon as I said it her eyes went wide.
“Really?” She pulled away and spun me around, I let her because I felt the joy too.
“I’m done.” I confirmed.
She stopped spinning us. “How do you feel about it?”
“Happy.” It was the honest truth. “How’ve you been today?”
“I’ve been setting up decorations. But I’m glad you’re back to help me.” She frowned and patted her stomach. “I’m starting to get a little queasy.”
“That’ll be the pregnancy.” I smiled.
“So, I’m going to take a seat and watch your big strong arms hang up the wreaths,” she said playfully.
“Do you want me to do it shirtless?” I asked, teasing back.
“Don’t tempt me,” She got closer. She moved back and brightened up. “Come on, I’ll show you what I’ve done.”
She pulled me into the other room, and I followed behind with an easy smile on my face.
Two years ago, I wouldn’t have believed I would ever get to this point. I never thought I could finish therapy. I never thought I could stand up to Hana. I never thought I’d find someone who would love me after knowing how deeply I was hurt. I never thought I’d ever have a happy family.
“Your dad called,” Lydia said looking back at me. “He wants to know how much wine he should bring?”
“As much as he wants,” I said.
I also never thought my dad would ever be in my life again. It was because of Lydia. Lydia was the spark. She helped unbury all the feelings and desires inside of me. She heard my pain and instead of leaving or being disgusted, she helped me find solutions. I would never be able to fully repay her for what she’d done for me. I would just have to spend the rest of my life loving her.
Chapter 19: Lydia
When I first stepped into Taylor Hirano’s Victorian style manor, I noticed immediately how empty it was by the way my every footstep echoed around me. I wouldn’t have recognized the place back then if I walked into it now. The large windows each had a wreath hanging from it filling the air with the smell of pine that mixed deliciously with the smell of the gingerbread Taylor had spent the whole morning baking. I stole one off the still hot tray earlier and it tasted amazing. It was worth it, even though Taylor had playfully scolded me for having some before the party. I settled for tasting the gingerbread off of his mouth while he worked.
In the largest room, where we planned to hold most of the party, was what I was most proud of. In the center was the Christmas tree. I insisted on a real one. I hadn’t had a real Christmas tree since I was a kid, but it was tradition for the Maxwell’s. The tree Taylor and I picked out towered over the room. We had to use a ladder to spin the tinsel around it and get the star on top. The white string lights added a subtle glow to the whole tree. We didn’t have a lot of ornaments yet, but I hoped to collect more during the many Christmases to come.
As I did my last-minute check to make sure everything looked right, an instinct I’d gotten from countless fashion shows. I noticed the box Taylor had set under the tree yesterday. Both of our gifts for our friends we wrapped together but this one I had never seen before. It was addressed to me and I longed to open it up. My gift to Taylor was coming later that night, once everyone had gone home and the lights were low. I blushed at my thoughts. I had given him his real gift a few days earlier; it was another suit that he was wearing to the party that night. I couldn’t help but give it to him early.
My thoughts of what he got me disappeared once I heard the doorbell ring. I ran to the front door and opened it wide.
“Hello Lydia.” Taylor’s father, Lincoln, handed me a bottle of wine.
“You look beautiful,” Carol said, greeting me.
I was wearing a simple red, off the shoulder dress that hit just above my knees with matching red heels. It was easy and sexy, as Taylor had already told me.
“Thanks. And thanks for coming, you can set your gifts under the tree,” I said and led them to the room.
The next to arrive was Mrs. and Mr. Tupp. Mr. Tupp was wearing a Santa hat, which made him look even more like Santa than he already did. After dropping off their gifts, they immediately went to the kitchen with their casseroles to give Taylor a hand.
Next was Virgo and Michael.
“You better not be late for fashion week. Again,” I said, but smiled.
“We left with plenty of time to spare, I have no idea how I always end up late,” Michael complained.
“That reminds me of that time I was in the Amazon,” Virgo said seriously but didn’t elaborate further.
I let them inside, and they mingled with Lincoln and Carol, drinking the nice sparkling wine the two had brought.
Last to arrive was my aunt.
When I opened the door, I couldn’t help but rush forward into her arms. The hug was a little awkward because she had a present in her hands, but I couldn’t wait, I hadn’t seen her in so long.
“Merry Christmas sweetie,” she said and kissed both of my cheeks.
“Merry Christmas Aunt Renee,” I let out a visible breath in the cold air as we stood outside.
“Come on, you’ll freeze out here in that dress,” she said, and we went inside.
She seemed to get along well with everyone. I saw her talking the most to Lincoln and Carol, probably trying to get as much information about my husband as possible. I was so happy to see her, I probably would have run over and held her in my arms forever if she would let me.
When it came time for
