Page 66 of Entangled
I lose myself inside her on a guttural bellow, releasing everything. All my fears. All my doubts about us, our future. No matter what happens, she is mine and I am hers.
28
ROWAN
Mood Music: “You Are in Love” (Taylor’s version) by Taylor Swift
My father looks different.Better. I don’t know what Greta was feeding him during their trip, but his face is fuller, cheeks rounder. Or maybe it’s because I haven’t seen him smile this wide in years.
It’s Christmas Eve. Thanks to flight delays, they just got back this morning, instead of Thursday like they were supposed to. Between unpacking and everything else they needed to do to get settled in, I haven’t seen much of them since they arrived. I cooked a nice dinner for us and set the table in Dad’s favorite room, the one with four decorated trees.
Christmas music floats from a nearby speaker, filling the room with cheer. Greta just took her pies—that I prepped earlier—out of the oven. The aroma of apples, cinnamon, and roasted turkey makes my mouth water. Everything is picture-perfect, except for one missing piece. My man.
Henry had to work today until six. Sadly, I didn’t have any packages coming, and he was too busy to make the trip up here, so I didn’t get to see him. All day, I’ve worn the heavy cloak of disappointment, puttering around feeling sorry for myself.
Although when I really stop to think about it, gratitude infuses my sadness. Henry has been a godsend this week. After spending Monday night with me, he called out sick from work on the anniversary of Mom’s death. It was the first time I had someone there to hold me while I cried my eyes out. He did his very best to distract me, filling the day with movies, silly card games, even a trip outside to play in the snow. He slept over again on Tuesday night but hasn’t since then. I think he felt guilty for neglecting his sister. After all, she flew down here for a visit, so she deserves time with him too.
Even though I understand why he’s not around, the holiday makes his absence hurt more. As if on cue, the song switches to Kelly Clarkson’s version of “Blue Christmas.”
I stare at the lit trees and hum along, feeling gloomier by the minute. I invited Henry for dinner, but he’d already committed to attending the town’s annual Christmas pajama and movie marathon with his sister. I can only imagine how adorable he looks wearing festive jammies. I wonder if people will think they’re a couple. Henry invited me out of politeness, even though he knew I’d turn him down. I hate myself for my inability to function in society like a normal person.
Dad wheels himself into the dining room. “Are you ready to eat, darling?”
“I’ve been ready.” I pour him a glass of his favorite red wine and set it by his plate. His aide is still in the kitchen. It’s sweet that she’s willing to spend Christmas with us. “Greta, do you need any help?”
“No, I think we’ve got it covered.” She enters the room carrying the gravy boat. “Almost forgot this. That would’ve been tragic.”
Dad laughs heartily and smiles up at her. “Tragic, indeed.”
Greta settles beside him. She looks lovely in a sparkly red sweater dress. Her graying chestnut curls hang loose around her shoulders, and her warm smile puts the glittering ornaments to shame.
“I take it you two enjoyed your vacation?” I ask, spearing some turkey for my plate.
“It was so wonderful to visit with my daughter and grandkids. It’s been too long. I wish they lived closer.” She motions to Dad. “This guy survived the chaos better than I expected.”
“They’re sweet kids. Well behaved and thoughtful.” Dad sips his wine. “Your family made me feel so welcome.”
Greta lifts an eyebrow. “Even when Lizzy wanted you to give her a ride in your wheelchair?”
“Especially then.” He smiles across the table at me. “It reminded me of when you were little. We had fun, didn’t we?”
My heart clenches, remembering when he’d pull me around in my bright red wagon. Or when I’d sit on his lap on our toboggan as we sledded for hours. Those were the good old days.
“Yeah. We did.” Deciding we need a topic change before I burst into tears, I say, “So, what’s new?”
Greta and Dad exchange a peculiar look, and she flushes. “I’ll let your dad answer that.”
Dad’s smile stretches from ear to ear as he takes her hand in his. “Greta and I have an announcement. We have decided to marry.”
“Oh, wow.” I drop my fork, equal parts shocked, thrilled, and saddened by the thought of him moving on from my mother. “Um, that’s totally unexpected. But wonderful too. Congratulations.”
I’ve never picked up on anything romantic between them, but maybe my head was simply too far up my own ass to notice. Now that I know, I want to kick myself for not seeing it sooner. Their connection is beyond obvious.
“Thank you.” Dad beams, staring at Greta with pure adoration in his gaze. “I haven’t been this happy in years.”
I blink to dispel the moisture gathering in my eyes. “I’m happy for you.” I glance at Greta. “Please tell me he gave you a ring.”
“He did.” She holds up her hand to show me. A row of diamonds sparkle in the lights. “And it’s beautiful.”
