Page 129 of Holiday Hopefuls

“Sure,” I tell John, “I guess at this point, I can thank you for making that ridiculous flyer.”

John scoffs, looking around me at Chris. “Yeah, only after he’s married with a five-year-old and a son on the way.”

Chris’s eyes widen just as Connie walks by. “What’s wrong?” she asks. Her panicked expression flits between us.

“Calloway’s having a boy,” her twin grins. “Pay up.” Chris holds out an open palm.

Shaking my head, I look at them, incredulous. “You two were betting on that?”

Connie digs into her pocket, producing a bank note. She shrugs. “Gotta keep life interesting somehow. Especially since we don’t have people trying to infiltrate our family and gaslight us anymore.” My favorite sister-in-law smirks, shifting one of her tiny daughters from one hip to the other.

I can’t help but laugh. “You try to fool a woman’s family one holiday season and they’ll never let you live it down, huh?”

Connie shrugs. “Nope, sorry Oliver.” Her smile softens. “But for what it’s worth, I’m really glad she picked you to help dupe our family.”

John rests his free hand on my shoulder. “That makes two of us.”

Rolling my eyes, I can’t help but smile at my oldest friend. “If you all are finished, I’m going to go see my wife now.” Not waiting to see if there are any protests, I take off toward my own personal beacon of light. Deftly ignoring anyone trying to get in my way, I manage to scoot right up next to Callie as Blythe explains her stance on some new health trend. Sliding my arms around my wife, I pull her into my side. “How’s my newest nephew?” I ask, nodding to Harrison snoozing in Blythe’s arms.

“I forgot how exhausting newborns can be.” My sister rolls her eyes, but the megawatt smile never leaves her face.

Hudson turns in his seat at the table and holds up his empty juice pouch. “I made it full of air, Mama!”

Sitting down next to her older son, Blythe finally turns her attention away so that I have Callie all to myself.

My wife peeks up from underneath dark lashes. “Hi, stranger.”

“Hello, Dr. Rhodes,” I murmur into her hair, pressing a kiss to her temple, “and little Alder, of course.”

Callie turns, resting her forehead on mine as my hand finds the gradually growing bump.

“I was thinking … ”

“That’s dangerous,” my wife laughs, leaning back. “The last time you werethinking, we ended up announcing I’m pregnant again.”

Grinning like an idiot, I shrug. “Yeah, but we had fun, at least.”

Callie rolls those warm chocolate eyes. “So, is this idea something the rest of our family can overhear, or should we go somewhere more private?” I don’t miss the mischievous sparkle in her eyes as she lifts a brow.

“Why don’t we start a new holiday tradition?” My hands interlock behind Callie’s back, securing her to me.

Settling her hands on my chest, Callie nods. “We could go to Boston and see your grandma. I think she’d like that. Then we can see my family when we return.” My heart warms at the relationship that has been built between Callie and my grandma.

Gran insisted on meeting Callie once she heard about everything. One trip to visit was all it took before she and the love of my life were in cahoots. But then, that’s pretty normal for Calloway Rhodes.

“She’s moving here this summer.”

Shock coats Callie’s features. “Really? I hadn’t heard that.”

“You’ve been a little busy,” I chuckle. “Finishing grad school and growing a human are no small feat. Not to mention our other little gremlin. And Nacho. And Gilmore.”

“I hope Ivy doesn’t feel like I’ve abandoned her.” Callie’s expression softens from the guilt I know she often feels.

“Never,” I say, taking her chin between my fingers. Making sure I have her full attention, I smile. “You are an amazing mother. She’s just as proud of you as I am.”

Callie looks at our daughter, who is busy teaching Hudson how to stuff five crackers in his mouth all at once. Sighing, my wife shakes her head, returning her gaze to mine. “Then what’s the new plan, Dr. Rhodes?”

“I was thinking something more tropical might be fun this year.”

She smirks, raising both brows. “You’ll never get it past our parents.”

“I’ve got plenty of time to come up with a game plan. All I need now is a willing partner.” Trying to be as subtle as possible, I shoot my wife my best suggestive look, waggling eyebrows and all.

Callie presses those flawless lips together, nodding. “It’ll be quite the scandal.”

“Without a doubt,” I concede. “Know any volunteers?”

“Maybe … So, what does this new tropical tradition entail? A beach? Cruise? Traipsing through the rainforest?” Callie thoughtfully tilts her head, amused eyes tracing my confident expression.

Taking the opportunity, I press a quick kiss to my wife’s lips. “I’m not sure yet. But I’m hopeful it’ll be a holiday to remember.”