Soul-Bonded to the Alien(68)

“Ready.” She gave him a bright smile refusing to let the trembling inside show on her lips or hands.

“Paige.”

“No, Cal, we’re in this together and you’re right, this is the time for family, we’ll be alone soon enough.”

They waked down the stairs hand in hand, Cal’s thumb rubbed against her hand making her feel loved. There were two seats waiting for them along with a small box on one of the plates.

“Cal?” she turned to look at him.

He drew her over to the table pulling out the chair before she sat and pushing her back in. His strength always amazed her.

“Merry Christmas, Paige.”

“But it’s not Christmas.”

“Then Merry early Christmas, Sunshine. Open it.”

Paige blinked fast the tears wouldn’t be stopped this time. It didn’t matter to her what the gift was, what mattered was that it was a gift. She wanted to rip the paper off and open it. Instead she practiced self-control making the moment last. She slid her pinky finger under the taped edge gently opening it without ripping the paper. Once the tape was off, she slowly unwrapped the gift savoring the fact that it was wrapped specially for her.

The paper came away to reveal a beautiful velvet box. Her stomach churned hoping, wondering, and refusing to believe it could be what she hoped it was. She ran her hand over the top enjoying the feel of it against the palm of her hand. She looked up to see every eye patiently watching her. Taking a deep gulp of air she moved to the opening of the box and flipped it open.

The gasps in the room were barely heard over hers.

“Cal!” She jumped up and threw herself into his arms never letting the box go.

He set her on her feet and took the box before going down on one knee.

“Paige, in the hustle and bustle of soul bonding and falling madly in love with you, I never asked you the most important question. Will you marry me? Will you be my wife forever?”

“Yes! Yes!”

She slid down into his arms holding out her hand as he slipped the ring on her finger. She lifted her hand gazing at the pear cut diamond ring in awe.

“Do you like it?”

“I love it!”

“Are you sure? I wanted to get something bigger but Selma and Vincent said it was overkill. They assured me you’d like this one.”

“They were right, I do love it.”

Paige turned her head and mouthed a thank you to her brother and sister-in- law.

“Sneaky man, I never suspected.”

“It was hard hiding it from you, but you always allow me my privacy.” He kissed her before holding her chair for her to take a seat.

“We can eat now,” Joaquin’s dry tone brought laughter to everyone.

“Good thing too, I don’t want the food to get cold.” Victor took the children into the kitchen with him. They all came out bearing platters of food.

“Paige, aren’t you going to eat?”

She looked over at Victor and shook her head. “I don’t think I can eat anything. Maybe that’s a good thing; when we went through the…”

She stopped when she realized Aviana was watching her. Aviana didn’t know what was happening. She knew nothing about the soul bonding trials and Paige didn’t want to be the one to tell her.

“I’m not really hungry.”

“Eat a little bit, the rules are different this time and you will need the energy.” Victor got up and made a plate for her before making one for Cal. “Both of you eat it all.”

Family, it was still hard for her to really comprehend that she now had a family. There would be someone to grieve her passing. They would miss her. Once again her eyes misted, she really needed to stop with the crying. She took a bite of the food feeling an energy go through her. The food felt like it was lighting her up on the inside; she took another bit suddenly ravenous.

She ate, enjoying every bite. Vick and Mckayla were making plans about when to wake up on Christmas morning and who would be the first one down the stairs. The house was full of joy and she savored every word, smile, and laughter.

“Paige, why don’t we go for a walk?” Cal asked as they cleared the table.

She looked at him, one more walk—hand in hand. Another memory to add to her collection in case she didn’t make it. She wouldn’t think that way, she would just enjoy every moment she had.

“Can we come?” Vick questioned quickly standing next to Mckayla.

“If your Aunt Paige says it ok.”

“Aunt Paige?” Two pair of eyes stared up at her.

“Of course you can come, it will be fun.”

They shrieked and ran out the room to get ready.

Cal and Paige stood in the kitchen together; the lower floor was suspiciously deserted.