Begin Again

Chapter 12

Mack POV - day before Thanksgiving

"Welcome to New York!"

I turn and look at Alex, who is turned, asleep, with her arm around Riley.

I smile, and run my hand through Riley's hair.

Instead of coming to New York for Christmas, we decided to come for Thanksgiving so that me, Alex, Riley, and Charlie can all spend Christmas together this year.

I lean over and press a kiss to Alex's cheek and her eyes flutter open.

"We're here?" She asks.

I smile and nod, "A crisp 40 degrees out, babe."

Her eyes widen, "Oh my god."

I chuckle and lean down to Riley.

"Wakey Wakey, bubba." I whisper.

Her eyes open and she yawns, "Go see grandma and grandpa?"

I smile, "Yeah once we get off the plane, baby."

She smiles and nods.

I look at Alex who is biting her lip.

"Don't be nervous." I say and grab her hand.

She smiles softly, "I'm trying to calm down, but I'm just nervous that they're going to hate me."

I frown, "They won't. I promise you."

I lean in and press my lips against hers.

I pull back and see her smiling.

"Kissing you always calms me down." She says.

I nod, "Then I guess I'll have to keep kissing you."

She smiles.

Soon enough, we're getting off of the plane and collecting our baggage.

"Grandma!" Riley squeals and I turn around.

I smile when Riley takes off and runs to Ally's parents. I grab Alex's hand and squeeze it.

We get to them and I let go of her hand as Ally's parents pull me into a hug, "Hi, Mack. It's so good to see you guys."

I sigh, "It's good to see you guys too."

I pull away and grab Alex's hand.

"Kevin, Jane, this is Alex."

They look at her and smile, then pull her into a hug.

"It's so good to finally meet you, Alex." Jane says.

Alex pulls back and smiles, "It's nice to meet you guys too!"

I grab her hand and squeeze it.

"I'm ready to go to see the horses!" Riley exclaims.

I smile, "Have about an hour drive, baby."

She nods, "I remember, mommy."

We start walking and get outside.

"Holy shit." I hear Alex mumble under her breath.

I chuckle and she slaps my arm, "Don't laugh. Keep me warm."

I wrap my arm around her and kiss her head, "Always, babe."

We get to their car and pile in, Riley quickly falling asleep.

"Mack, how's the school year?" Ally's mom asks me.

I smile, "It's good, my students are pretty awesome."

"That's great. You're an amazing teacher, Ally always said that."