The Broody Brit for Christmas (Holiday Springs #1) - M.J. Fields Page 0,72
much about you two. I’m so glad you’re here to join us for dinner.”
I love that she’s heard about me.
I hold out my hand, and she shakes it, a huge smile on her beautiful face. She looks like she must be in her mid-sixties, with medium length straight black hair, absolutely no makeup, and a broad, welcoming smile. “Come in, come in.”
“Oh, I forgot something in the car. Just give me a moment.” I run back down to where I parked and grab the wine from the back seat. It’s a delicious Cabernet from Napa Valley. Walking back up to the door, I put my arm around Nikki’s shoulder, bringing her close to me.
Her uncle shouts, “Stop hogging them, Gloria!”
We’re ushered into the cozy home, and I hand Gloria the bottle of wine. She takes it graciously, thanking me. I inhale. The smell of dinner cooking is wonderful. Nikki has told me that her aunt was always an excellent cook and that she couldn’t wait to put all those recipes to use at my place. The smell alone makes my mouth water. I can’t imagine it not being a great meal.
Her uncle Elden walks straight toward me with a firm handshake. “Welcome, Raff. I’ve heard a lot about you. Lord knows it took you long enough to meet us, eh?”
I choose not to tell him that it took Nikki long enough to accept what was happening with her and me, or we’d have been here sooner to break bread with them.
“You’re right. It’s taken too long.” I smile, feeling glad that I’m an adult and not a teenager meeting Nikki’s family for the first time. If I were a kid? I’d be scared to death right now. Crew cut. Hard, weathered face. Very football captain turned military. Everything about his body language says: I’ve got a gun in my room, and I will shoot you dead if you upset me.
“Come on in and have a seat.” He waves to us over his shoulder.
We sit down together on the floral living room couch, with Nikki and me on one side and Gloria and Elden on the other. Gloria jumps up, bringing forward family albums from beneath the television for me to sift through. Elden glares at me, but I pretend I don’t notice. It’s not about me, but about his love for Nikki. Frankly, I’m glad she has an uncle who protects her this way. With her parents passing, she could have found herself in trouble. Instead, these two came into the picture and gave her love and support. For that, I’ll be eternally grateful.
“We love our Nikki so much,” Gloria beams. “And we’re so glad she’s returned to Holiday Springs! Oh, and how she’s been helping the Sweet Spot and, of course, her new job. Cornell for college! She always was an overachiever…” Her aunt goes on and on about all of Nikki’s accomplishments through high school and beyond. Nikki’s skin has gone pink. It’s adorable.
That’s when Nellie saunters into the living room. “Yes, Nikki, the best girl of all time who exceeds all of our expectations.” She says it like a joke, but none of us miss the jealousy in her voice. “Hi, Raff. I’m sure my parents have been regaling you with all of Nikki’s wondrous talents.”
Quietly, Gloria clears her throat. “Raff, you know our daughter, Nellie.” She moves her eyes away from mine.
“Sure I do.” I stand up, shaking Nellie’s hand cordially.
Nathaniel stands up from his spot beside me. “Hi, Nellie.”
“Hey, Nate.” She beams.
Nellie smiles, not unkind, but I still worry about how she and Nikki are getting along.
The rest of the evening goes by easily enough. Just as I thought, Gloria is an amazing cook. She filled our plates with steaming white rice, roast chicken with potatoes, and a large green salad. Nathaniel was the star of the evening, talking all about school and football. And luckily, Nellie behaved herself well enough. By dessert, even Elden softened a bit.
Rule Number Twenty-Three
Playing Dress up… not just for kids
Raff
As soon as we walk into the Sweet Spot, Nikki sees us and squeals in delight. Of course, Nathaniel is dressed as Harry Potter, and he asked that I dress as Rubeus Hagrid.
She hurries over to us both. “You two look amazing!”
“Thanks,” Nathaniel beams. “Your makeup is the GOAT.”
“Goat?”
Nikki laughs at my confusion. “Greatest of all time.”
I swing my face from my son to Nikki, who is made up like a clown. “Most adorable of all time. Is that M-A-O-A-T?”