A Different Christmas Vacation

Chapter Seven

My dad excused us, us being mom, him, Jordan, and I, from the family room and into another room that I hadn't seen yet.

He looked at us very sternly and expectantly. "Well?"

"Uh, well, Dad. You see," I stuttered. "Jordan and I met in some interesting ways yesterday. We immediately found out we were somewhat drawn to each other. And then Chloe and Blake set us up for the date at the dinner party last night. You saw how we were dancing together. And while we were dancing, Jordan asked me out and I said yes. And then this morning, he gave me this necklace for Christmas and it's beautiful."

"Hmm," my dad grunted. My mom stayed in neutral territory. She was a sucker for a love story like this, but she had to stand by her husband's side, too.

"And how can I trust one of America's biggest country stars with my daughter's heart. It's just bound to be broken by you when you go along and find some other country girl. You'll be interested in her right away and break off my daughter's heart like nothing ever happened," Dad said.

Jordan stepped forward. "Sir, I would never even think about doing anything like that," Jordan said firmly back. Was this an impression to set on my dad, that he was all powerful. I touched his arm as a sign to recoil, but he kind of shook it off. He had to defend us in his mind.

"How can I trust you?"

"Get to know me, and you will know that I will love your daughter with all of my heart," he said. I smiled at the sweet comment.

"Fine," Dad said. "But Reina, if there is ever anything wrong, you come and tell me right away so I can kick this country boy's ass."

"I promise, Dad. But I don't think you'll have anything to worry about," I told him.

"Then you're dismissed. Thank you for telling us. And Jordan, you just be careful and watch out."

My dad was playing the classic role of scary father at his best, and Jordan knew it. He'd been in a few movies. Jordan Jones, ironically, had always been my one and only celebrity crush. How was it that I was now dating my celebrity crush? It was amazing, but I knew in some places it would be a challenge to see him and to be committed to a difficult relationship like this, but I knew I could be committed, I promised myself I would be.

∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞

For lunch, we had a huge feast of ham, turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and several pies along with many other Christmasy delectable fixings. Blake sat at the head of the table with Chloe on one side and Dad at the other. Dad sat next to Mom, who sat next to Janice. Across from Janice was Jordan, Wes and I flanking either side of him. At the end of the table was Quinn, conversing deeply with Wes and Henry who were on each of his sides.

We said Grace with our hands intertwined and our heads bowed down. Blake prayed and then we began the feast. I filled my plate with ham, mashed potatoes, a small portion of green bean casserole, Jell-O salad, and a drink of ice cream punch.

All of it was cooked to perfection by the staff the day before. Only Joshua had stayed for overtime to make more money for his family and serve us. Once it was all done, we were all stuffed. We gathered around the family room and talked about a multitude of topics like always. It was just nice to be with family and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

Eventually, ice cream, pies, and cheesecake were found and we were all brought back to the dining room to enjoy more.

A bowl of ice cream, a piece of pie, and a taste of cheesecake later, I was stuffed and ready to go back to my room. Dad did, so I decided I could too.

In my room, I laid on my bed wondering why I had eaten all the food. Probably because it was so good.

Awhile later, there was a knock at my door. I went to answer and it was Jordan. "Can I come?" he asked.