“That I’ve changed a lot since the last time I was there.”
I stare into the green eyes of the boy who has helped me realize that I don’t need separate lives but, rather, should find a boy who fits comfortably into them all.
I run the back of my hand down the scruff on his sweet face. “I love you, Aiden.”
Never in my life will I forget the way he looks in this moment. The surprise in his eyes. The emotions crossing his face. His lips forming a smile. His big hands holding my cheeks firmly in place as he looks into my eyes and says, “I love you too, Boots.”
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22ND
They’re lucky.
6pm
After filming all day, Cooper drives Aiden and me to the airport where we board the Moran Films jet. Everyone else is supposed to be here shortly, in preparation for a seven o’clock departure.
After a few minutes, though, two of my favorite—but unexpected—faces walk through the door.
“Grandma and Grandpa!” I almost yell. “Tommy didn’t tell me you were coming!”
I quickly launch myself into Grandpa’s arms for a hug.
“Grandma,” I say. “How did you talk him into coming?” My grandpa hates to fly because he isn’t in control of the plane.
“I told him either he got his ass on the jet, or I was leaving without him. Seeing as he can’t cook for himself, he figured coming to France would be better than starving.”
Grandpa laughs and walks to the front of the plane, opens the lavatory door, and nods. “Plus, now I can tell Jose and the boys at the ranch that I got to shit on a private jet. They’re always singing some rap song about that. I’ll be the only one to ever have done it. I keep telling Ma she’s gonna have to take a picture of me to prove it.”
Grandma makes a hmmppff sound. “I am not photographing you on the toilet.” She turns her attention away from Grandpa and smiles at Aiden and Cooper. “And who are these fine-looking young men?”
“This is Cooper,” I introduce. “He’s sorta my bodyguard.”
“When she lets me be,” Cooper responds as he takes Grandma’s hand in greeting.
Grandma pats his hand. “Well, you must be good at your job. We appreciate you keeping her safe.”
He says thank you and then shakes Grandpa’s hand, since he’s decided to stop exploring the bathroom.
I move toward Aiden and proudly introduce him.
“I’m a big fan of those boots you sent her,” Aiden says to Grandpa.
Grandpa puts his big hand on Aiden’s shoulder. “Why’s that, son?”
“Because they’re lucky,” he says.
We’re interrupted when everyone else joins us. Tommy and Bad Kiki, who barrels over to me, jumps up, and kisses me right on the lips before I can react.
I giggle, scratch behind her ears, and tell her she needs to behave herself.
Matt, Marisa, and little Stormy Moran, Damian and Peyton, Mr. And Mrs. Arrington, Millie and Deron, and Grandma Stevens all join us on the plane.
I’m giving everyone hugs, including Cooper, who is leaving to go spend the holiday with his family, when Tommy asks them to take a seat.
“I have a few surprises. First, we’ve had a change of destination. We’ll be heading to France instead of St. Croix. With everything that’s going on in our personal lives, Abby and I decided to throw a party. In France, on the third Thursday in November, they celebrate the uncorking of the Beaujolais Nouveau wine. This wine is young—only aged for six weeks—and is supposed to be drunk by Christmastime. Many towns in France have entire weekend celebrations with fireworks and festivals. We’re a little late, but we’ll be doing the same. Everyone up for drinking a few barrels of wine and celebrating the holiday together?”
Matt gives Tommy a one-armed hug as the flight attendant hands out champagne.
Matt holds his glass up.
We all follow suit as he toasts, “A little adventure is good for the soul.”
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23RD
Might freaking explode.
Sometime in the morning.
We arrive at Nice in the morning, head to the house, and are greeted with screams from the girls.
Sadly, they are more excited to meet Aiden and see Bad Kiki than they are to see me. I get a quick hug before they all barrel outside with the dog.
Mom gives me a hug. One that’s longer than usual.
“I missed you so much,” I tell her.
She strokes the back of my hair. “I missed you more.” Then she whispers, “That has to be the hottie god.”
We reluctantly stop hugging so I can introduce her.
“Mom, I’d like you to meet Aiden, his sister, Peyton, and his parents, Aubrey and Lane Arrington.”
Mom doesn’t waste any time getting to know them. She pulls them all into hugs like she’s known them forever. I study Mom more closely. She’s glowing and doesn’t look as skinny as before.
The move here has been good for her.