“Holy mother—”
“Little ears!” I blurted to interrupt my foul-mouthed daughter-in-law.
She narrowed her eyes and continued, “—of all trees.”
Mackenzie laughed. “You should’ve seen Bear’s face when I said that’s the one I wanted.”
“I’m glad they didn’t see yours when you got the big one you wanted,” I rumbled close to her ear.
She turned toward me to hide her face and playfully slapped my chest. “Not in front of the kids.”
“You realize my son is older than you, right?”
I jumped back when I felt something pinch the skin on my lower back. “Ow!”
Mackenzie held up her hands in surrender. “What? Wasn’t me.”
“Is everyone here, Mommy? Can we open presents now?” Brinkley asked again.
“Hang on,” I said and squatted down to her level. “I need Trey to help me with your Mommy’s present,” I whispered.
“Can I help too?”
“Yes, you can show Mommy and Tatum your new Christmas dance while we’re getting the present,” I suggested.
She nodded with determination and marched into the kitchen. “Want to see my Christmas dance?” she asked and twirled around without waiting for their answer.
I nudged Trey with my elbow and motioned for him to follow me outside.
“More presents?” he asked when I came to a stop beside my truck.
“Sort of,” I said and leaned against the door, crossing my arms over my chest.
“I hope you’re not about to ask me if it’s okay for you to be with Mackenzie,” he said vehemently.
“Well, I was,” I said slowly, unsure of how to interpret his response.
“Dad,” he sighed and took a moment to choose his words carefully. “I know what it’s like to lose a parent. So, the only thing I want for the one I’ve still got is for him to be happy. If that’s with her, then let me know when I can welcome her to the family.”
I unlocked my truck and reached inside to retrieve the small black box from the center console.
“Well, I suppose you can in about five minutes,” I said and held up the box for him to see. “If she says yes.”
As we walked back to the house, Trey asked, “Do you want us to clear out for a few minutes?”
“Listen, son. I’m old. I say what I’ve got to say, and I don’t give a shit who’s around to hear it.”
With that, I walked into the kitchen and wrapped my arm around Mackenzie, pulling her against my side.
“They’re back! Time for presents!” Brinkley announced.
I placed the box on the counter and turned to face Mackenzie. “We both know the value of time with our loved ones. I know it’s fast, but I don’t want to waste any time. You may not be ready for this step yet. And that’s okay. But I want to make sure you know what my end game is. I’m in this for the long haul. I love you, and Brinkley. I want to get married and be a family.”
She flicked her eyes to the box, then back to me. “What if there’s one more?” she whispered.
When my forehead wrinkled in confusion, Mackenzie moved my hand down to her stomach.
“Are you—?” I asked, needing her to say the words I never thought I’d hear directed at me again.