Eleven
Erica
Yesterday was my last day as a cop for Caraway County. I’ll miss the people I met there, well mostly. My former partner made me miserable. I never said anything because I could never keep a partner for very long. I didn’t want to be that girl. As the only female officer, I couldn’t afford that stigma. Therefore, I’m happy to finally be done with that part of my life. I’ve honored my brother, now it's time to start living for me. Tonight, I meet Colt’s family, and while nervous, I’m excited to meet the people who have raised such a fantastic man and leader.
I stare at the full-size mirror that is propped up in the walk-in closet in our bedroom. I smooth my hands down the front of my cranberry red dress that flares out my hips and ends above my knees. I put on black tights and finish the outfit with a pair black ankle boots. Is this too much, not enough? I don’t want to give the wrong impression.
“You look stunning love, as always. I got you something.”
I look at the door of our closet and see my man standing there in black slacks and a tie that matches my dress. Colt walks to me, and I’m taken over by the rich smell of his cologne. I lean in and get a better smell of my man.
“You’re wearing that push-me-in-the-bush cologne Colt.”
He bursts out laughing. “What?”
“You know. You smell so damn good, I want to push you in the bush and do naughty things to you.”
He kisses me silent where I’m no longer thinking about his cologne, but the naughty things he’s going to do to me later. He ends our kiss and places his forehead against mine. “Damn Baby, I can’t even let an hour go by without needing you in some way. Shit, this isn’t how I wanted it to go. Come sit down on the bed.”
I follow him into our bedroom and wait for him to get out what he’s struggling with.
“Erica. This is a small token of my love for you. I want you to feel cherished and loved for the rest of your life. I’ll try my best to show you every day. If some days are harder to see it than others, look at these and remember the times that were easier.”
He pulls out a little black velvet box. My heart stops for a minute, when he opens the box, there is a stunning pair of diamond studs.
“Oh my God, Colt. These are beautiful. Thank you so much.” I pull out the feather drop earrings I just put in and switch to the studs. I’ve never been given jewelry before, not even by my parents. His token of love means more than he knows.
“Are you ready to go? Mom and dad are dying to meet you. Plus, Gemma keeps bugging me about the fact that I’m finally bringing a girl home. She told me she’s bringing the guy she had been seeing. Don’t mind me when I go all big brother on him.”
“You’ve never brought a girl home before?” I ask, grabbing my purse.
“Nope, you are the first woman I’ve ever been serious about. And believe me, my mother is already crazy about you.”
That makes me feel a little better as I pull my coat on at the front door. He puts on his suit coat and then a sexy pea coat. We go out to the driveway, and his black Chevy Silverado is already pulled out of the garage. After he helps me up into the passenger seat, he walks around and slides effortlessly into the driver’s side.
“It’s been awhile since I celebrated a holiday with family. Usually, I spend it alone watching movies on Hallmark and eating chips and salsa.”
Colt grabs my hand and kisses it before placing it on his thigh and holding it. “Not this year baby girl, or any other that comes after it.”
Before I know it, we are pulling up to a large gated driveway. Colt enters a code on the machine, and the gate opens for us. He drives us up the long path, and I gasp as soon as I see his parent’s home. Home is an understatement, the thing is huge with a circular driveway and tall double doors, I’m feeling less than ready to walk in there on his arm.
I look down at my outfit wondering if what I’m wearing is appropriate for a night at the Montgomery’s. He parks next to a blue Toyota Tundra, and I wait anxiously for him to come around and open my door. He grabs my hands, but I pull him back, not quite ready. He walks closer and kisses me softly.
“They bought the place five years ago to retire on. This is not the place I grew up baby. My dad was a doctor. He worked at the hospital for thirty years and invested well. They aren’t rich babe, and they aren’t snobs. Please don’t feel intimidated by their home, it’s only a piece of them. They’re regular people.”
“Thank you. I shouldn’t have judged your parents before meeting them. Please forgive me.”
“There’s nothing to forgive. I get it. I just don’t want you to be worried about them. You ready now?”
I nod and take his hand as he leads me up the stairs on the porch to the front door. He opens the door, and we walk in.
“Ma? Dad? We’re here!” He hollers out. The cutest older woman bounds out into the hallway that leads to the doorway. She is wearing an ugly Christmas sweater that has a light-up reindeer on it. I have never seen anything like her before. She runs right past Colt and pulls me right into her arms.
“It’s nice to meet you Mrs. Montgomery,” I say. It has been so long since I’ve had a motherly hug.
“None of that nonsense. You can call me Paulette or Ma. Everyone else does. I feel like I know you. Colt hasn't shut up about you for years now. I was almost sure he made you up.” She says laughing.
“Ma, please. Go easy on me. I was in a delicate position. I didn’t want her thinking that I made passes to all my deputies.”
“No chance of that babe,” I say. “I am the only female on the force, besides Sheila, and she can’t stand you,” I say laughing.
“I like you. Give Colt your coat and come visit with me in the kitchen. This is Jimmy. Colt’s father.” She gestures to the handsome older guy that came out of the living room.
“Sure Ma, it’s a pleasure to meet you, Jimmy.” I hold out my hand to Jimmy, and he pulls me into another hug.
“You darling girl, will call me Dad, you got it?” He gives me a stern look, and I do the only thing I can do, I nod my head. These people are going to make it easy to love them.
When Dad releases me, I hand Colt my coat and purse. I kiss his cheek then follow Ma into the kitchen. This is shaping up to be the best Christmas I’ve had in years, and I owe it all to the man who came out of the shadows and claimed my heart.