“Yeah, whatever, little bro.” Malik rolled his eyes. “Wait, I have to put a ring on your finger, babe.” He fished the other ring from the box and held it out. “Give me your hand.”
As I extended my left hand to him, I swiped the wetness from my eyes with the other. I could barely believe what was happening, but seeing the ring on his finger made it real.
Sliding the ring on my finger, he said, “Now no one can ever attempt to steal you from me again.” As his stunning gaze locked on mine, he pressed a warm kiss on my lips and then gave me a fierce hug.
“Okay, champagne all around.” Marc handed flutes to each of us. “You too, Landon. This is a special occasion.” He gave one to Malik’s brother.
“About time.” Landon sipped the champagne.
“To fresh beginnings and a life full of happiness.” Janice held up her glass, and we all tapped our flutes before drinking.
I might have lost a family and a fancy car, but I’d gained so much more.
We passed out presents,commenting on each one. Malik had given me new gym clothes and had felt bad about it after what I’d done, but I assured him it was what I needed. I was dying to tellsomeone about our engagement, and Julie deserved a call from me, anyway. “Hey, I’m going to call Julie and wish her a Merry Christmas.” I rose from my spot on the sofa.
“You are?” Malik studied me. “Can we call her together?” His eyes narrowed. “Because I know you’re going to tell her about this.” He held up his left hand and wagged his fingers at me.
“You caught me.” With a grin, I grabbed his arm and pulled him from the couch. “Let’s use your room.”
“Sure.” He patted his mom on the shoulder. “Be right back.”
“Of course. When you get back, we’ll have more hot cider drinks and watch Christmas Vacation.” Mom threw us a warm grin. “It’s tradition, you know.”
“Yeah, I know.” Holding my hand, he led me into his bedroom and dropped onto the end of the bed. “She’ll be happy for us, right?”
I sat beside him, slipping my phone from the pocket of my team sweats. “I think so.” It hadn’t dawned on me she wouldn’t be. Tapping my screen, I called her and set the phone on speaker. It might be a little late there, but the kids should be in bed by now.
“Merry Christmas, Greyson. I was wondering if I’d hear from you,” she said in a voice full of cheer.
“Of course I’d call. Merry Christmas to you. I’m sitting here in Santa Fe with Malik, and you’re on speaker.” I rested my left hand on Malik’s thigh, the gold band shimmering in the light of his nightstands.
“Well, Merry Christmas to you and your family, Malik,” she said.
“Thank you, Julie. Merry Christmas to you.” Malik smiled into the phone.
“How are things in New York?” I chewed my thumbnail. What would she think of the news I’d share?
“Things are great here. We had snow, and the kids built a snowman in the courtyard,” Julie said.
“That sounds like fun.” My mind replayed a memory of her helping me build my first snowman. We’d been traveling and staying at a mansion in Aspen. “I have news.” I didn’t want to bring up the rift with my father, but there’d be no way around it. But first, I’d start with the good news.
“Oh? What is it? Tell me you got an NFL contract,” she giggled.
“No, I won’t know that until after the draft, which happens in April.” I leaned against Malik’s side. She knew nothing about how football worked. “I do have an agent though, and I’m heading to the combine with Malik, where NFL teams will evaluate us.”
“That’s wonderful news,” she said. “I hope to see you playing football on the television someday.” Her breath caught. “Grey, whatever happened with Ella Astor? Did you contact her?”
“Uh…” I peeked at Malik, who dipped his head. “Ella and I didn’t work out. But on that topic, I have much better news.” I squeezed Malik’s thigh as my pulse hastened.
“What’s that?” she asked.
“Julie, I’m engaged to Malik. I asked him to marry me today, and he accepted.” My eyes widened. Holy shit, I’d just put it out there. No mention of my sexuality. But she knew Malik was bisexual.
She was silent for a beat and then said, “That’s wonderful news, Greyson. You both have been so close all these years. I can’t say I’m surprised.”
“Thank you, Julie.” Malik rested his cheek against my shoulder. “We fell in love after he moved in with me, and when he proposed today, he made it the best Christmas I ever had.” He kissed my cheek.
“That’s so sweet, Malik. I think marrying your best friend will make for a lifetime of happiness.” She giggled softly and then inhaled quickly. “Greyson, I assume your parents are on board with this? I mean, they were matching you up with?—”