Nicole Edwards - Holidays With the Walker Brothers

“Well, the beans have to cook just a little while longer, or I’d offer you some now.”

“I’m sure I can wait.” He hoped he could wait. Hell, with Jared’s flight still delayed, he hoped they made it home in time for dinner.

♂♀♂

Kylie

“You look like hell, boy,” Curtis told Sawyer when he joined them at Moonshiners a little after one in the afternoon.

Kylie was kind of thinking the same thing. If she wasn’t mistaken, Sawyer was still wearing the same clothes he had on the night before. And the sunglasses that he sported in the dark bar didn’t conceal much.

“Thanks, Pa,” Sawyer groaned as he made his way toward the back.

Kylie sat on the stool between V and Gage, the three of them watching Brendon and Travis play pool. They’d been there for the better part of the afternoon, just hanging out. At noon, Brendon had called to remind them that they were all supposed to meet at the bar. Little did Kylie know until then that this was another one of the many Walker family traditions.

According to Travis, everyone, including Lorrie, would come to the bar on New Year’s Day for a couple of hours just to spend time together. Travis had explained how Lorrie liked the idea of being able to spend time with her boys on the first day of the year and Travis said they had never argued with her logic.

So, they were just passing the time until they would all head back to Travis’ parents’ house for dinner. The menu tonight: cornbread, black-eyed peas, and brisket. Kylie still couldn’t believe just how much Lorrie liked to cook. But then again, with seven boys, it probably came natural for her.

Travis came over to the table to stand at her side when it was Brendon’s turn and he wrapped an arm around her, pulling her back against his chest. She leaned her head back, looking way up as he leaned forward and gave her a quick upside down kiss. Sitting back up, she smiled at Gage, resting her hand on his thigh.

The holidays were almost officially over, and the last few weeks had produced some of the most wonderful memories for her. Having been welcomed into such a loving family was more than she could’ve imagined and having the pleasure of spending so much time with them was something she knew she’d look forward to for years to come.

Her free hand moved to rest on her belly as though it had a mind of its own. As another thought took root, Kylie smiled again. Maybe this time next year, they’d be celebrating more than just the holidays.

♀♂

Lorrie

Lorrie had to admit that she didn’t spend much time at Moonshiners, but every year, on New Year’s Day, the boys would invite her and Curtis to join them, and since the very first invitation, she had never said no.

And just like every other time, she was enjoying herself immensely, completely consumed by the welcoming atmosphere, the love that rolled off of her boys and the people that loved them. The gift of her family was truly the only thing in the world she needed. A blessing that she thanked God for every single day.

“Have I mentioned how pretty you look today?” Curtis’ deep voice rumbled in her ear, and Lorrie turned to face her husband.

“Hmm, I’m not sure you have,” she teased.

“Well, you’re the prettiest woman in the room.”

It was amazing that after so many years together, this man could still make her blush. Planting her hands flat on his chest, she pushed up on her toes as he leaned over. She pressed a kiss against his lips and smiled. “I love you,” she whispered.

“And I love you,” he replied. “What are you over here thinking about?”

“Oh, anything and everything.” Turning in the circle of his arms, Lorrie’s eyes darted around the room, looking for every one of her boys.

She found Kaleb first. He was sitting at a table with his beautiful pregnant wife perched on his knee. They weren’t joined by anyone else, but the extra chair at the table wasn’t needed. With those two, they were rarely separated. Considering they had spent the majority of their lives as friends, it only made sense that they would transition into a marriage with a sturdy foundation of deep love and respect for one another. Soon, they were going to be parents and Lorrie was going to receive the honor of being a grandmother, something she’d been waiting on for as long as she could remember.

Not far away from them, Sawyer was standing stoically against the wall. But even with the sunglasses shielding his eyes, she noticed he was staring forlornly in one specific direction. Lorrie didn’t have to guess who he was looking at. The same woman he’d had eyes on for more years than Lorrie could count. Not that he would admit it. He was her fun-loving boy, but she suspected his wild and crazy days might be soon coming to an end. She knew he’d always be the wildest of the bunch, but Lorrie had a feeling that, with the New Year, there were going to be some changes in Sawyer’s life. As a mom, she just had a feeling.

Tracking the others around the room, she saw Travis, Gage and Kylie huddled together, the three of them smiling like new lovers should. Lorrie was beside herself with happiness for them, just glad that her oldest boy had finally found what he’d been searching for. And no, maybe it wasn’t conventional, but it was love. Pure and simple.

Several feet away from Travis was Zane. He was standing behind V, one hand resting on her shoulder as he talked animatedly to Beau. It was amazing how much of a difference a year could make. Last year at this time, Lorrie remembered finally finding relief after months of going down on her knees, both night and day, begging the Lord not to take Zane away from them. And this year, he stood tall and proud with the woman he loved and Lorrie’s heart filled to overflowing at the sight.

Her eyes trailed to V who was sitting at the table, talking to Kylie. Soon, very, very soon, she’d have another daughter-in-law, and she certainly couldn’t wait. The woman Zane had fallen in love with was a treasure, one that needed to be protected within the arms of Lorrie’s wonderful family.

At the pool table, Brendon was playing, his attention focused on what he was doing. Just a short while ago, he’d been talking to Braydon, both of them looking more intense than she’d ever seen them. Granted, nothing escaped her notice. At least not where her boys were concerned. And it was evident that the world as the twins knew it might actually be evolving into something much, much different. She had a feeling that Jessie Prescott might actually have something to do with that. Unfortunately, Lorrie couldn’t make this road an easy one for them, but she would certainly be there for them when they needed her.

Her eyes searched the room until she found Ethan, sitting alone at the far end of the bar. He was her loner, the one who preferred to keep himself distanced for whatever reason. Ethan looked up, his eyes moving across the room, and Lorrie followed his gaze until it landed on Beau.

Just as she thought.

Smiling, Lorrie glanced up over her shoulder at Curtis.

“What’s the matter?” he asked, leaning down closer to her ear.

“Nothing,” she told him, moving her hand up to cup his cheek. “Absolutely nothing.”

The End

Writing Holidays with the Walker Brothers was a spur of the moment decision, one that I made with the readers in mind. As soon as I came to the realization that I was, in fact, going to write this book, I dove right in. The only thing that mattered was ensuring I told the story as the characters demanded it and in a way that I hoped my readers would enjoy. During times like this, when the creative process takes over my life, I realize just how many people I depend on daily in order to accomplish this. All of the people who encourage and support me. If I could shout your names for everyone to hear, I certainly would. I know there are too many to list in the back of a book, but I’m going to do my best to get you all accounted for.

My family: First and foremost, I’d like to thank my family – my incredible husband, my breathtakingly beautiful daughter, my devastatingly handsome sons – for standing by me during my craziness. Whether it is the long hours, or the times I really don’t want to leave the house because my characters are speaking to me, or the middle of the night when I have to find paper and pen to write something down so I don’t forget it, you’ve been there through it all and the fact that you are still there is proof of how much you love me. I’d be lost without you. Y’all are my heart and my soul. I love you with all that I am.

The beautiful ladies of Nicole-Nation: You make me laugh, make me smile, make me cry, make me jump for joy. I enjoy every single day with you and all of the ways you share yourself with me. We’ve become a family, and I wouldn’t be able to do this without you. Thank you.

Denise and Chancy: Thank you for your never-ending patience. Thank you for reading and re-reading over and over and having the courage to tell me exactly what you think. I love you both.

All of my readers and fans: Your unwavering support is what pushes me every single day. The fact that you continue to come back for more brings me to tears – happy tears. I love you all!

The phenomenal authors I’ve met through this journey: It’s been a blessing to have met so many fabulous authors through this journey. I celebrate your successes right alongside you and I wish you tons more in the future!

The bloggers: I don’t think it is possible to truly express my thanks for all that you’ve done for me. Without your support, I would still be sitting at my computer, hoping someone would happen upon my books. It is thanks to you and all that you do for the authors that you love that have given us visibility to readers who probably wouldn’t know who we are. Thank you!