Piper

I normally spend my New Year’s Eve in front of my 60-inch flat screen TV with a glass or two of champagne on the coffee table and lit vanilla-scented candles surrounding me, waiting for the ball to drop.

But not this year.

This year, I have my entire family in my apartment for the New Year’s party Matthew and I arranged. They all agreed to travel here to spend more time together, and you know what? It’s been great.

After leaving the airport and going back to the cabin with Matthew, spending a sweet night with him between the sheets as he promised, we made up to my family by whipping up breakfast.

They were all surprised to see us together in the kitchen so early, and having so much fun while flipping pancakes. Bailey thought we were still putting on a show, Mom was surprised I was actually cooking, and everyone else kept their mouths shut but probably wanted to say something too.

I told everyone to sit down and get comfortable because it was a long story. Then, over lots of syrupy pancakes and coffee, I told them everything.

I told them Matthew was an escort and I hired him so I could please them all, Mom and Dad especially. I told them how none of this was Matthew’s fault and that if they wanted to blame anyone, it should be me.

And then I apologized to Stanley for being the worst baby sister on the planet.

“It’s all good, Pipey,” he said, smiling sincerely. I knew right away he’d forgiven me.

I also told them the truth about how Matthew and I felt more for each other than we thought we would over the course of one weekend. It felt surreal to say it out loud to them. They were all glad to hear it. It seemed a psychic sigh of relief filled the room when I unleashed that fact.

To my utter surprise, after delivering my news, Mom and Dad stood from the table, walked over to me, and pulled me up into one of the tightest embraces I’d ever felt.

I remember Mom’s words so clearly. God, I don’t think I will ever forget them.

“Piper, don’t ever feel like you have to do something like that to make us happy. You make us so proud already. We have always wanted the best for you, and I know sometimes we can step on your toes, but we are glad you chose to do something that makes you happy.” She grinned, her eyes watering. “You are happy, and that is what makes us happy. Right, honey?” she asked, looking at Dad with wide eyes.

He was reluctant, but he nodded and I knew he really meant it, deep down. Sheesh—that man has so much pride.

“Umm… while we are being all mushy,” Bailey said, lifting a finger in the air and rising from her chair. “I just want everyone to know that Tony and I are…expecting.” She turned as red as beet, plopping back down in her seat and picking up a slice of toast.

Stanley’s mouth hung open for several seconds. “You, the spawn of Satan, are pregnant? What was the big man up there thinking?”

Bailey gave him the evil eye. “Hardy-har-har.”

Dad was shocked. “Goodness, you kids are trying to kill me!” he chuckled.

And then we all laughed, even Bailey.

Dwelling in the joy of the moment, it was almost as if all of the bad things had been forgotten. It was a breath of fresh air—light in our hearts again.

My family forgave me. They adored Matthew and were glad we were willing to make something work.

It was almost like a fairytale for me—ending up with a guy I had no clue I would ever be with and having my family finally accept me for who I really am.

So, yes. We are all here, counting down from ten, waiting for that big ol’ ball to drop in Times Square.

Bailey has her boyfriend Tony, Mom has Dad, Lena has her twins and is Face-timing Dexter as we wait for midnight, and Stanley has his baby brother Monty.

Yep, our brother Monty.

Stanley worked hard to get him out of rehab for the New Year’s party and it worked, but only because Mom approved of it. Monty hasn’t tried escaping or stealing anything other than food off of people’s plates, so that’s good.

And me?

Well, I have my boyfriend. My real boyfriend. And his name is Matthew freaking Cooper.

Matthew quit escorting, shut down his website, and got a job as a bartender, thanks to Jen, who has a brother that owns a huge nightclub in Manhattan. I had no clue Matthew took a class for bartending when he got out of jail. I’m still learning so much about him.

He gets great tips—not nearly as much as seven grand a weekend, but it’s more than enough for him to pay his bills. And on the plus side, he enjoys it immensely.

Hey, at least he still gets to flash those dimples to the ladies. Can’t take everything from the guy cold turkey.

As he wraps me in his arms and pulls me close, I know this is what I have always wanted.

To be adored.

To be accepted.

To be cherished and treated like a queen.

Every girl deserves a Matthew Cooper, someone who is willing to sacrifice $7,000 a weekend just to be with her. Someone who will put forth the effort, even when it seems so daunting.

We kiss when the ball drops, and it’s an enchanting, beautiful moment, being surrounded by and wrapped up in so much love.

Warmth courses through me, joy hitting me harder than ever before—so hard I almost want to cry because I am overwhelmed by it.

Everyone is here, and that is all I could ask for.

This is to new beginnings, new relationships, and newfound hope.

This is to family, and pretend boyfriends that can turn into real boyfriends.

This is it.

And it is wonderful and perfect.

Happy holidays to me!