Free Down To You (The Love On Edge Series) by Addison Kline Page A

missing?!”
     
    Suddenly, the kitchen door swung open and a middle-aged blonde with a radiant smile and emerald eyes emerged in the dining room. She couldn’t have been a day over fifty-five, but she had the body of a twenty-something. Holly’s eyes broadened at the sight of her.
     
    “Momma?!” Holly shouted in pure joy. Her chair slid out loudly from the table as Holly ran in her high heels to her mother, who she hadn’t seen in over two years because she lives so far away.
     
    “Momma! I cannot believe that you’re here!”
     
    Gloria McCresson held her arms out to her only daughter as she beamed in delight.
     
    “I’m so happy you’re here!” Holly delighted.
     
    “Thank Brant. He flew me out this morning!” said Gloria, in response.
     
    Holly was amazed. She looked back at Brant with an expression that was so full of meaning and emotion. As tears of joy began to flow from Holly’s eyes, she exclaimed, “Thank you all so much for being here! I love you all and I don’t think I’ve ever been so happy in my life!”
     
    Gloria hugged her daughter, thrilled to see her so happy. Marv wiped a tear from his eye. It was a long road home for Holly and Brant, and finally, here they were, back to normal again. No, better than normal. They were rising to a better life together. Marv’s heart soared with happiness.
     
    Gloria, still beaming from her daughter’s huge welcome, grabbed Holly’s hand and said, “Now let’s see that ring!”
     
    Holly showed off her new/old engagement ring with pride. “Good job, Brant… I see you took my advice.”
     
    Holly looked back at Brant once again, and he winked at her, barely able to contain his amusement.
     
    *****
     
    The Christmas Eve party began winding down around midnight and thanks to the overabundance of wine and eggnog being served (courtesy of Sloane), everyone decided to call the Edgemont residence home for the evening. Luke, Greg, and Sloane camped out in Holly’s furnished basement. While Luke and Greg were banished to sleep in sleeping bags on the floor, Sloane cozied up in her candy-striped pajamas on Holly’s futon, as comfortable as can be. Meanwhile on the third floor, Brant’s parents took the back guest bedroom, while Marv and Gloria awkwardly took the front guest bedroom. The only thing keeping Marv off of the couch was the promise that he wouldn’t try anything fresh.
     
    As the house quieted down and everyone fell asleep, Holly and Brant still had an important job to do. Holly went to the large coat closet by the front door and removed the child safety lock from the handle.
     
     
    “Money was really tight for me this year, so this was the best I could do…” Holly said apologetically. As she opened the closet door, Brant looked at Holly as if she was insane. The closet was filled to the breaking point with presents.
     
    One by one, Brant and Holly placed the brightly colored gifts under the Christmas tree. When the last one was under the tree, Holly yelled out, “Is that it?”
     
    “No,” Brant said with a laugh. He continued, “Follow me.”
     
    Brant led Holly out to his truck where he pulled the cover off of his flatbed to reveal even more presents.
     
    “These kids are spoiled rotten,” remarked Holly bluntly as she laughed at the sheer amount of presents they were to receive this year.
    “ There’s some things in there for you, too,” said Brant as he nudged Holly with his elbow playfully.
     
    *****
     
    After the presents were under the tree and the candles were doused and the music ceased, Brant and Holly enjoyed the warm serenity that had enveloped them. Although the house was quiet, it was filled with everyone who loved them. Brant and Holly slumped down on the couch, dead tired but still aglow from the amazing day that just passed.
     
    Holly shook her head in amazement, “I never knew it could be like this.”
     
     
    “Well, you know, we could do this every year if you wanted to.”
     
    “I’d