Just like Before

Chapter 23

*GRACE POV*

December 25th, 10:26 am.

*GRACE POV*

Christmas is my absolute favorite time of the year. And this year I am spending it in my parents beach house with them, Carly, and Nash. Jillian and Cameron are spending their Christmas with Cameron's parents in California. We were upset she wouldn't be here, but we understand that she has a family there now.

Speaking of families, Carly and Nash are doing great with little Trevor Cullen. He's so cute and apparently very loud.

Right now we were opening presents by the tree. Nash was here with us, and later we are going to his parents' house for a holiday dinner. Joseph and Sammy are off with their families today, but tomorrow we all planned on getting together, including Hayes, and doing something fun.

"Okay mine next!" I clapped my hands excitedly and handed my perfectly wrapped gift to Carly and Nash. I gave both Carly and Nash something separate, but this one is for both of them.

Carly smiled as she tore the paper and Nash pulled the box out. They both worked to get the tape off the sides and opened the top.

"Oh my god!" Carly gasped. "These are so cute!!"

I bought three baby outfits for Caleb, with snowmen and snowflakes on them.

"There's a blanket too!" Nash told Carly, pulling out a small, soft, blue blanket with snowflakes all over it.

"This is perfect, thank you so much Grace." Carly smiled and they both hugged me.

Nash smiled widely. "Yeah thanks a lot."

"No problem." I answered.

After we finished opening presents, it was 11:15. I also sent two gifts to Jillian and Cameron. I got them baby clothes too, and a Kate Spade wallet I know Jillian has had her eye on for a while.

"Merry Christmas Mom and Dad." I got up to hug them. I spent a good amount of money on my parents this year. I wanted them to know how thankful I am to have them. And since this year I actually had a lot of money saved, I figured why not splurge? After all, they are my parents.

---

Today was great, just like every Christmas. I texted Joseph and Sammy wishing them a Merry Christmas, even though it is almost five o'clock pm. Although I didn't text Hayes, because he told me he would call me, so I was patiently waiting for that as I got ready to go over there for dinner.

It took me quite a bit of time to get ready. I showered and blow dried my hair. Then I did my makeup and put on my best jeans with a nice red sweater and my brown riding boots.

Once it was almost six, my phone buzzed on my dresser. I eagerly picked it up and answered cheerfully.

"Hello!"

"Hey." Hayes chuckled through the phone at my excitement. "Your family can come over whenever they want, but you're not welcome."

"Oh darn." I played along.

"Yep, you're never allowed in our house ever again, sorry." I could practically see the goofy smile plastered on his face through the phone.

"I'll be over soon." I laughed and he did too.

"Alright. See you in a few."

"Bye." I said and hung up. "Dad!" I called as I hopped down the stairs. "Hayes said we can go over there now."

"Okay let me get your mother." I nodded as he went upstairs.

Carly came downstairs looking nice. She had on jeans with a burgundy tank top and a brown leather jacket, with brown riding boots just like me.