Speak To Me: The Easton Brothers

Chapter 14

(Grant)

***Christmas Eve***

I glanced down at my phone, feeling my knee bouncing like crazy as my driver drove us towards Gabriella's house.

Why the hell hasn't she responded?

I sent multiple texts all f*****g week and yet, nothing.

This woman was going to be the death of me, I swear.

I wondered if she might pull back after that night I dropped her off. The reality of what she agreed to must've scared her off. But while she seemed to be having doubts, I was the complete opposite.

I knew every f*****g detail about this woman now. Well, every detail on paper.

The college she attends. The roommate she had when she was a freshman. The two relationships she seemed to be in that lasted no more than a few months. I even went as far as to look those two douchebags up. Lucky for them, they weren't in the same city any longer.

Being an Easton, I couldn't help but get my tech guys to flag their credit cards for fraud.

It's nothing detrimental, more annoying than anything. But it sure made me happy.

So if Stephanie thinks I would just forget about what she said and let it go that easily, she has no idea what the f**k is coming for her.

"Dad, look! It's starting to snow!" Sammy exclaimed happily, making me look up from my phone and peer outside.

"Oh yeah, it is." I said, smiling at Sammy as he bounced in his booster seat happily.

"Okay kiddo, I'm just going to drop you off first and then go take care of something. You have everything you need in your backpack?" I asked, making sure he had some extra clothes just in case the shirt Grayson put him in gets uncomfortable.

I swear he buys Sammy designer suits and s**t. He is six! It's just going to get dirty anyway.

"Yep, Uncle Gray put some snacks in there for me too. Dad?" Sammy began, making me turn and give him my full attention.

"Yeah buddy?"

"Do you think Miss Stephanie might come?"

Oh god, this kid. I know he feels a connection with Stephanie. Why exactly, I have no f*****g clue but I'm taking it as a good sign. The fact that Sammy likes her is more reason to go forward with this, right?

"Can I tell you a secret?" I whispered, making Sammy's blue eyes light up with excitement as he nodded his head yes eagerly.

"That's what I'm going to do after I drop you off. I'm going to go pick Miss Stephanie up and bring her to the party." I smiled, seeing the absolute biggest smile ever fill Sammy's face as he let out a cheer.

"Can I come with?!" He rushed, making me laugh.

"I need you to sit this one out, bud. But I promise I won't take too long, okay?"

"Okay dad." Sammy nodded in agreement. The look in his eyes helped to make up my mind, convincing me I was about to do the right thing.

Once we got to Gabriella's house, Rylan came out to meet us as he opened the door and helped Sammy out.

"Well, don't you look sharp little dude." Rylan stated before whistling. Suddenly, Sammy pulled out a pair of sunglasses from his pocket and put them on, making Rylan burst into laughter.

Maybe he is spending a little too much time with my brother...

"Oh yeah, that's the look. Might not be conventional for nighttime, but still looks badass." Rylan added with a thumbs up as Sammy took the glasses off.

"I will just be a minute. Thanks for walking him in." I stated, seeing Rylan give me a curious look.

"Where you off too again?" He asked suspiciously, making me freeze.

"My dad's going to go pick Miss Stephanie up!" Sammy exclaimed, ratting me out.

"About damn time." I swear I heard Rylan mumble, making me narrow my eyes as him. What was that supposed to mean?

"Come on, kiddo, let's go inside before we freeze to death. Better be quick, I heard the snows going to pick up even more." Rylan added before closing the door and led Sammy to the house.

That's when I felt my phone vibrate, causing me to glance down at it.

Well, look who finally decided to message me back.

Incoming Text:

Doc: I know I should've messaged earlier, but I knew if I did, you would try to convince me otherwise. I think it's best if I don't come tonight. I hope you and Sammy have a Merry Christmas.

I read the message twice, feeling a smirk pulling at the corner of my lips as I couldn't help but scoff.

"So f*****g stubborn." I mumbled to myself before turning off my phone and looking towards my driver.

"Change of plans, we are going to the practice instead." I stated, knowing for a fact that Stephanie would be there after getting that text. I had a feeling she would do this. That's why I thought ahead.

"You put all of the items I requested in the back, correct?" I asked Clay, seeing him nod once more as I leaned back and stared out the window.

She thinks she can hide from me.

Cute.

I watched the snow falling heavily outside, my eyes focusing on the big flakes as I couldn't help but feel this sense of warmth despice the chilling temperature outside. For the first time in my life, I'm actually looking forward to this Christmas. Not just because I have Sammy now, but because of her.

Whether she likes it or not, I plan on making Stephanie my Christmas gift this year. And I can't wait to unwrap her. I actually feel f*****g giddy about it.

But she isn't only going to be my present this year. She is going to be Sammy's as well. And now that I know what he wished for this Christmas, I decided to make all of his wishes come true.

Last night, while tucking Sammy in, I went to go grab his favorite blanket from the living room when I heard him whispering something as I stood outside of the door.

"Dear Santa, I hope you got my letter. But just in case if you didn't, I wanted to ask again. Please bring me a mommy this Christmas. A mommy who will love me and my dad. I think Miss Stephanie would make the best mommy. So if you could make it her, I promise I will never ask for anything again." He pleaded, the desperation in his voice broke my damn heart as I let my back sink against the wall before closing my eyes.

I knew what it was like to make a wish like that. His wish wasn't so different than my own when I was his age. I used to plead with whatever invisible force was listening. Begging for my mother to return for me. But she never did.

That's when it hit me.

Maybe this was all meant to be.

I mean, I found Sammy and felt this weird protectiveness over him right away. And I have no doubt in my mind that me finding him in that apartment was meant to be.

But perhaps that's what this is, too. Maybe Stephanie is the missing piece to all of this. She is what will finally make us a real family. A complete family.

The more I thought about it, the more obsessed with the idea I became. Obviously there is this undeniable attraction between Stephanie and I. One I have never experienced in my life. And the way she treats Sammy, it's so maternal and natural that I can't help but think it's our destiny.

I watched as the tall buildings passed by. With every mile we inched closer, my excitement became more and more unbearable.

Tonight, I am going to make Sammy's Christmas wish come true.

I just have to make sure Stephanie stays in the dark for a little longer. Until I know she won't freak out. But damn I can't wait to finally have my own family. She is going to make a great mom for Sammy... and for me, she will be the perfect wife.