Paxton's Promise (Gloves Off #3)(63)

Chuckling, he dried off and smiled. “You’ll see.”

After he shut the door, I rushed to finish washing up and hopped out. The moment I stepped into the bedroom, it was no longer dark. Lights twinkled from the hallway, giving our bedroom a glow, and on the bed there was a red dress and a letter.





The dress was gorgeous with its flowing skirt and jeweled halter top. It sparkled just like the lights coming from the hallway. I heard voices coming from downstairs, along with the soft sound of Christmas music. As fast as I could, I put on my makeup and halfway dried my hair so I could throw it up in a classy updo. As more voices sounded from below, I quickly put on my dress with a pair of red heels. What was going on?

I gasped when I left the bedroom. Eyes wide, I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. No wonder Paxton wanted it dark when we got back. The whole place was decorated for Christmas. Garland with white twinkling lights draped down the banisters and more lights shone from the living room down below. The voices were louder and once I was able to look down, the whole room was filled with my friends laughter and smiling faces. Not to mention, there was an eight foot Christmas tree in the middle of the room, surrounded by dozens of presents. It was breathtaking.

“Oh my God,” I cried, slapping a hand over my mouth.

Ashleigh waved up at me and laughed. “Come on girl, it’s time to party. I came all this way to see you and I don’t want to waste a minute of it. Not only do we get to celebrate Christmas and your birthday, but also your new title.”

Hot tears fell down my cheeks and when I turned around, Paxton was right there.

“Do you like it?” he asked.

“Are you kidding? This is amazing. I’ve never had a Christmas or birthday like this. Not with my friends and family all together. How did you know?”

Smile gone, he reached for my hands and pulled me to him. “Matt told me you two didn’t have this growing up. I wanted to give you something special. And since you won the fight tonight, we have a lot more to celebrate.” He kissed me and then led me down the stairs. Everyone I could ever hope to see was there. My mother was talking to Paxton’s Aunt and Uncle, while April and her son played with my nephew. Matt and Shelby waved at me and so did Tyler and Kacey.

After I waved, I looked up at Paxton. “I’m surprised you invited them.”

He shrugged. “I didn’t think you’d mind. Besides, I remember you telling me about wanting to talk to Kacey.”

“I do. I also wanted to speak with Ryley. Have you by any chance talked to Camden?”

“Not since he left town. I wonder how long he’ll stay gone?” That was a good question.

“I’m not sure. However, if there’s one thing I do know, it’s that it’s Christmas and we all need forgiveness in our lives. I’ll be right back.” Paxton chuckled because he knew what my mission was. If I could forgive Kyle, of all people, then hope wasn’t lost on the others.

Ryley held out his arms when I approached and I walked into them. “Good fight tonight, Gabby.”

“Thanks,” I replied. Ashleigh glowed just like every young mother does when they’re carrying a child. In this case, it would be two . . . a boy and a girl. “I have a question,” I said to them both. Ryley took a sip of his beer and lifted his brows. “Have you talked to Camden?”

Ashleigh pursed her lips and Ryley hung his head. “No, why would I have talked to him? He left town, remember?”

“I know, but I honestly think he needs help. If you by any chance come in contact with him, please remember that he helped save me. If it wasn’t for him, I don’t know if I’d be here right now.”

Ryley sighed. “I know. It’s just hard to forgive him for the things he’s done. But if he does happen to call, I’ll talk to him. I can’t promise anything beyond that.”

Breathing a sigh of relief, I smiled and hugged him tight. “That’s all I ask. I’m making my rounds of forgiveness tonight.”

“At least you don’t have to match make,” Ashleigh teased.

“Yes, I know. You two about killed me.” Tyler and Kacey were in the corner; they were my next stop. “All right, now on to my next mission.”

“Oh, goodness,” Ashleigh chuckled as I walked away.

Both Tyler and Kacey smiled at me when I waltzed up, and thankfully, Paxton joined me. “I’ll keep Tyler busy while you talk to Kacey,” he whispered in my ear.

He was a life saver. “Thank you.”

While Paxton started a conversation with Tyler, I politely cut in and stole Kacey’s attention. “Can I talk to you for a minute?” Furrowing her brows, she nodded and reluctantly stepped away. “How are you? Is the restaurant going okay?”

Her face beamed. “The restaurant is amazing. It’s taken off so fast.”

“That’s good,” I remarked with a smile. “Now that things have calmed down here, I’m hoping Paxton and I can take a trip out there. I could always use some good food.”

“Well, I’d be glad to have you both. It’s nice seeing him happy again.”

“And what about you? Have you talked to Kyle?”

Her smile faded. “No. He’s tried calling, but I’m just not ready to speak to him yet.”

After all she’d been through, I couldn’t argue. “I totally understand. But I wanted to tell you something that I don’t think you know.”