I glanced over at Tucker and he was looking back at me. Without saying anything, he took my hand in his and nodded towards Bear, who had shifted at some point and was batting at ornaments on the bottom of the tree. No one seemed to mind and Abby wasn’t freaked out by it. Everything felt so close to perfect in that moment that I had to blink away tears.
They weren’t my kids, but I felt like they could be. Hell, I would take better care of them than their mother ever would. I had felt an instant connection with them. Then, there was Tucker. It wasn’t instant with Tucker, but our connection had transformed when I walked into the police station earlier in the day. I’d been alone for what felt like so long and suddenly my heart was filling so quickly that I found myself reeling a little bit.
“I’ll give the toast.” Carolyn called as she ushered everyone closer. “This Christmas, I’m reminded of how incredibly blessed we all are. When you’re a Long, you’re almost never alone. There’s always another Long within throwing distance and that’s been one of the things I’ve loved most about our family. Seeing that sometimes people aren’t as lucky, makes me realize that we should never take family for granted.
“I’m so thankful for my family, for all of you being as wonderful as you are, for giving me these little rugrats and for constantly bringing new people into our lives that just keep stealing little bits of our hearts. Lettie, I’m so glad you’re here. You’ve practically been family your whole life. It’s about time you showed up to dinner.”
I laughed and felt myself sway from emotion, but Tucker positioned his body next to mine and wrapped his arm around my back. “Thank you for always welcoming me in. And now, for welcoming my little friends.”
Carolyn looked at the kids and then back at me. “I have a feeling this won’t be our last Christmas together. Anyway, I’m just thankful for each and every one of you. I love ya’ll. More than you’ll ever know.”
Everyone took a turn hugging her, letting the joyous feelings bubble over. Even Abby rushed over to hug her. When it was my turn, she held me a bit longer.
“Your parents would’ve been so proud of you, Lettie Jay. And I know your Mom is thrilled to see you away from your office today.”
Tears filled my eyes and I nodded. “I was just thinking that earlier. She never would’ve been okay with me sitting in my office on Christmas day.”
Carolyn looked over at where Joey and Bear were tugging on Abby’s braids. “Maybe, just maybe, she sent you a Christmas miracle to make sure you never do it again.”
I looked at her, confused. “What do you-”
She grinned as she cut me off and moved away. “Alright, everyone, it’s time for my Christmas meal.”
Tucker’s mom, Melissa, snorted. “Your Christmas meal? I’ve been slaving away in there for hours. But, no, go ahead, Carolyn, and take all the credit. That’s just like a big sister.”
Carolyn wrapped her arm around her sister and led her away. “If I was being just like a big sister, I’d push your head into the toilet and give you a swirlie again like the old days. Want to try me?”
CHAPTER 6: Tucker
After devouring heaping plates of the delicious meal that our moms had prepared, everyone was useless for a while. Bears, being bears, gorged themselves and then found couches to stretch out on before falling into naps. I was tempted, but I had other things on my mind. I was too keyed up to nap. The kids were all passed out on the living room floor with throw blankets and afghans, sleeping to the sounds of the football game playing on the television. The women were spread out. Some were helping with clean up, while some were lying next to their men, napping alongside them.
Lettie was in the kitchen, fielding questions from my mom while doing the dishes. I would’ve been worried for her, but she’d known my mom for years. She’d be fine. Instead, I walked out to my truck and made a few calls to check on the status of the kids’ mother.
“Found her, boss.”
My heart sank to my feet. “Already?”
Steven Hannity made a scoffing noise. “Not a lot of good it did. She freaked. Said she had no interest in ever seeing the little heathens again. Went on and on about the little one being a freak of nature.”
I growled. “Where is she?”
“Already in Colorado. Headed towards a boyfriend in Alaska, apparently. You know I read people pretty well. She’s not coming back for those kids, Tuck.”
A big part of me felt devastated for the children. Losing your mother, especially by her choice, couldn’t be easy. Another part of me felt something strangely similar to relief. No way should a woman who is capable of leaving her kids out in the middle of nowhere to freeze to death on the side of a highway be allowed to have said children back in her care.