Chapter 28
Hi lovelies! Thank you SO MUCH for reading and for your patience:) Back with another one. Hope you enjoy! xxxx
It was Christmas Day, and Zac was doing his best to give Vanessa the peaceful holiday she deserved. Hosting multiple families—Kai's father and his family, Vanessa's mom and sister, the Efrons, and a few family friends—was no small feat. To make it easier, Zac had taken charge of the planning. He had even ordered a massage for Vanessa and insisted she take her time getting ready.
Meanwhile, he was in the kitchen, apron on, with his tiny sous-chef, Kai. Unfortunately, Kai was no better a cook than Zac, which became glaringly obvious as the turkey began to look less like a festive centerpiece and more like a victim of a five-alarm fire.
Zac opened the oven and winced. "Uh, Kai… should we tell Mommy it's not looking so hot?"
Kai shrugged adorably, holding a wooden spoon like a sword.
Zac pulled the turkey out, staring at the charred, blackened skin. He gave it a tentative poke with a fork, and the skin cracked like dry plaster. "Yeah, I don't think this is edible."
Kai leaned closer, sniffed it, and scrunched his nose. "Yucky."
"Thanks for the feedback, buddy," Zac said, sighing as he set the turkey on the counter. He turned to the vegetarian dish, which was equally tragic. Somehow, the soy protein had both burned and stayed uncooked in the middle.
Panicking, Zac grabbed his phone and texted Stella.
Zac: Emergency. Turkey's dead. Soy thing… also dead.
Stella: Seriously? WHAT did you do?!
Zac: I tried my best!
Stella Facetimed him and took one look at the turkey, and burst out laughing. "Zac, did you try roasting it with a blowtorch?"
"It's not funny! Vanessa's going to kill me," Zac groaned.
"I told you I'd do it! You're better at eating food than making it." Stella retorted.
"And I told you you're already doing too much. I wanted to contribute somehow." Stella, the only true chef in the family, had undertaken the task of making most of the side dishes and desserts for the day. Zac felt it was only fair to help out but perhaps he hadn't thought his plan all the way through.
"Sorry, okay, let's not fight, we need to think of a game plan. Everyone's coming in -"
"A few hours," Zac groaned. "I'll have to tell her."
"Oh man. Well, it's your funeral. Don't say I didn't try to help!"
"Yeah, yeah… Alright. See you soon. Drive safe. Love you."
"Love you!"
Kai chimed in, singing, "Yucky, yucky!"
"Okay, buddy. Let me think for a second."
Realizing they couldn't hide the disaster, Zac decided to face the music. He walked into the bedroom, where Vanessa was lounging in her robe, post-massage, looking ridiculously calm.
"Hey, babe," Zac started, rubbing the back of his neck.
Vanessa opened her eyes and smiled serenely. "Hey, how's everything going? You're amazing for handling all this, by the way."
"Nah, it's nothing."
"No, seriously. I've been so stressed about everything but once the decorations, cleaning and cooking responsibilities were taken care of I felt I could breathe. And I'm so glad you talked me into this massage. I couldn't feel calmer."
"That's awesome. Okay, better get back to it. See you in a bit." Oh man, he couldn't tell her anything yet. He slipped back into the kitchen.
"Okay, Kai, here's the plan," Zac whispered. "We act normal. No one needs to know about this… yet."
Kai nodded solemnly, as if he were part of an elite covert mission.
As Zac busied himself with looking up delivery apps and restaurants that might have last minute turkeys available he failed to shut the kitchen door completely.
Vanessa walked in a few minutes later, radiating. She glanced around the kitchen. "Hey, you two. How's everything coming along?" She went over to give Kai a hug as Zac jumped.
"Great! Perfect!" Zac said a little too quickly, positioning himself in front of the turkey as if it were a crime scene.
Vanessa squinted, sensing something was off. "Uh-huh. What's that smell?"
Kai piped up, "Tuwkey—"
"—smells just fine! It's almost ready." Zac interrupted, shooting Kai a desperate look.
Vanessa's eyebrows shot up. "Okay, what's going on?"
"Nothing!" Zac said, his voice an octave higher than usual. "Everything's totally under control."
Vanessa crossed her arms, her serene demeanor starting to crack. "Spill."
With a defeated sigh, Zac stepped aside, revealing the turkey in all its blackened glory. Vanessa stared at it, speechless, her eyes darting from the turkey to the soy protein dish, which looked like something out of a science experiment gone wrong.
"Is that…?" she started, pointing at the turkey.
"Burnt to a crisp," Zac admitted, his shoulders slumping. "And the soy thing didn't make it either. I'm so sorry, babe. I really wanted everything to be perfect."
Vanessa blinked, her initial shock giving way to a mix of emotions. Before she could react, Gina walked through the door and found the three of them in the kitchen.
"Merry Chr-"
Her enthusiastic greeting stopped in its tracks as she analyzed the scene in front of her. The turkey looked like roadkill, Vanessa was in a state of shock and Zac and Kai looked extremely guilty.
Finally, she broke the silence. "I'm so glad you two are rich, otherwise I'd be worried about how you ever feed yourselves... I suppose cooking really isn't for everyone, darlings."
Vanessa's shock melted into laughter, and she doubled over, clutching her sides.
Zac looked at her, sheepish but relieved. "So… you're not mad?"
Vanessa shook her head, still smiling. "Mama G's right. We're actors. Not chefs. Let's just call it a day and order takeout. And wine. We're going to need plenty of wine."
"Damn, okay. That must've been a good massage," he mumbled. She gave Zac a pat on the back as she scooped up Kai and headed upstairs to get ready.
Within minutes, Zac was on his phone ordering pizza, Chinese food, and tacos, ensuring everyone's dietary preferences were covered. What had started as a culinary disaster quickly turned into a creative save, and Zac could feel the stress easing as the scent of takeout began to fill the house.
By the time Stella arrived, the party was in full swing. The dining table was overflowing with food, albeit from a patchwork of delivery bags and serving platters. Drinks were flowing, people were mingling, and kids were running around the house, their laughter echoing through the hallways. Despite the unconventional spread, the atmosphere was warm and lively—exactly what Vanessa had envisioned for the day.
Cole and his family arrived shortly after, exchanging hugs with Vanessa and Kai. Zac stood by, observing their dynamic with quiet respect. When the introductions came around, Vanessa made a point to formally present Zac to each member of Cole's family.
Zac shook hands, smiled, and did his best to make a good impression, even though the situation felt surreal. Most of Cole's family greeted him warmly, but his Aunt Jackie barely acknowledged his presence, choosing instead to busy herself with her children. It wasn't subtle, but Zac decided to shrug it off.
What mattered most was his interaction with Cole. "Hey, man. Merry Christmas," Cole said, his tone casual but genuine.
"Merry Christmas," Zac replied, matching Cole's energy as they exchanged a one-armed bro hug. Vanessa gave them space, watching from a distance with a faint smile as they transitioned into a conversation about sports. She had insisted they meet beforehand, and now he could see why. That initial round of golf had broken the ice, making today feel less like an awkward formality and more like a natural progression.
The Efrons arrived shortly after, bringing their trademark warmth and charisma.
Zac lit up at the sight of his family. "I'm so happy you guys are here," he said, hugging his mom tightly before greeting his siblings.
As Vanessa busied herself with greeting other guests and Kai darted around the house with his cousins, Zac felt a surge of relief to have his family there. It was grounding in the midst of a situation that was, admittedly, a bit difficult to navigate. Being in the same space as Kai's father and his family, while also having his own parents and siblings present, was a dynamic that didn't come naturally to him. It wasn't just about showing up and being polite—it was about actively figuring out his place in this blended equation. Where did he fit in? How was he supposed to act? Friendly but not too familiar? Supportive but not overstepping? And what about Kai? How did he see him in all of this? If he couldn't handle one Christmas, how was he supposed to survive the co-parenting logistics of the coming year? Especially with the upcoming January trip.
Luckily, his family had no problem diving right in, which was a huge relief.
Mama G swept into the room with a presence that demanded attention. "Dylan! You're taller than a Christmas tree!" she exclaimed, pulling Zac's younger brother into a tight hug.
"Hi, Mama G!" Dylan laughed, bending down slightly to accommodate her embrace.
Meanwhile Starla sought out Vanessa. "Honey," she said, squeezing Vanessa before pulling back to cup her face. "Everything looks amazing!"
Vanessa smiled, visibly touched. "Thank you, Starla."
He watched as his younger siblings quickly bonded with Kai and Kai's cousins, their easy laughter and playful banter lightening the atmosphere.
Amid the chaos of introductions and settling in, Zac noticed Vanessa stealing moments to check on him. At one point, she brushed by, squeezing his hand in reassurance. The touch was brief, subtle enough not to attract unnecessary attention, but Zac felt it all the same. She was in this with him. But as much as she was trying to be there for him, he could tell she was feeling the pressure, too. Hosting this many people—juggling her ex's family, her boyfriend's family, and all the little moments in between—was a lot. She wasn't just worried about how Zac was handling things; she was making sure everyone was eating, their drinks were full, and the conversations kept flowing.
As the evening settled into a more comfortable rhythm, Zac finally had the chance he'd been waiting for—introducing his mom, Starla, to Kai. He spotted her near the Christmas tree, her eyes admiring one of the handmade ornaments Kai had painted with Vanessa. Taking a deep breath, Zac walked over to her, gently holding Kai's hand.
"Mom, there's someone I'd like you to meet," Zac said softly, his voice filled with pride.
Starla turned and smiled warmly, her face lighting up in recognition. She knelt down to Kai's level, her eyes soft with maternal affection. "Well, hello there," she said, her voice gentle as a lullaby. "You must be Kai."
Kai looked up at her, his eyes wide with curiosity. "Hi," he said shyly, squeezing Zac's hand a little tighter.
Starla extended her arms. "Can I give you a hug, sweetheart?"
Kai hesitated for only a moment before stepping forward, his little arms reaching out toward her. Starla scooped him into a warm embrace, holding him close like she'd known him forever.
"Oh, you're so handsome," she whispered, brushing her fingers gently over his curls. "I've been waiting a long time to meet you."
Vanessa, standing a few feet away, couldn't help but watch the interaction. Her heart swelled, tears threatening as she saw the natural, instant connection between Starla and Kai. The way Starla held him so tenderly, so lovingly, brought a sense of peace she hadn't even realized she was missing.
"Thank you, Starla," Vanessa said softly, her voice thick with emotion as she walked over.
Starla let Kai go and immediately enveloped Vanessa in a warm hug. "Oh, my sweet girl," she whispered, holding Vanessa tightly. "You've done such a beautiful job with him. I couldn't be prouder of you."
Vanessa blinked back tears, returning the embrace. In that moment, she felt truly embraced—not just by Starla's arms, but by her love, acceptance, and understanding. It was everything she needed.
Zac stood nearby, a lump forming in his throat. Watching his mom meet Kai for the first time and seeing Starla's open affection for both Vanessa and Kai made him feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude.
Starla leaned down to Kai again, her eyes twinkling. "Now, tell me, young man, do you have a favorite Christmas song? Because I think we need some music in this house."
Kai's eyes lit up, his initial shyness melting away. "Jingle Bells!" he said enthusiastically.
"Well, then, you better show me where the music is," Starla said with a smile, taking Kai's hand. Together, they headed toward the living room.
Zac and Vanessa stood side by side, watching them go, their smiles matching each other's joy.
"I told you she'd love him," Zac whispered to Vanessa, his heart light.
Vanessa nodded, her eyes still glistening with emotion.
As Vanessa moved off to tend to something else, Zac joined Starla and Kai. But just as he was about to take a seat, Aunt Jackie swooped in again, her voice cutting through the warm moment.
"Come on, sweetheart," she said, lifting Kai up effortlessly. "I want to show you a new toy I bought."
Zac froze for a moment, his mouth opening to protest, but Aunt Jackie was already moving, her grip firm as she whisked Kai away without a second glance.
Zac blinked in confusion. "What was that?" he mumbled under his breath, his irritation starting to creep in again.
Starla, seemingly unaware of his growing discomfort, smiled and patted his arm reassuringly. "Oh, hush, hun. I'm sure his auntie just wanted some time with him. And who wouldn't? He's adorable!"
But even as Starla spoke, Zac couldn't shake the niggling feeling in the back of his mind. The moment Kai had finally started bonding with his mother he had been interrupted by Aunt Jackie, swooping in with too much authority.
Was it just me? Zac wondered, trying to push the discomfort aside. I'm sure she didn't mean anything by it.
Still, the unsettled feeling lingered. The line between being a family and stepping over boundaries wasn't always clear. It wasn't easy navigating this new world, especially when so many dynamics were constantly shifting. Zac just hoped, for everyone's sake, that these transitions would smooth out over time. For now, though, it was about patience. For Kai. For Vanessa. And, maybe most of all, for himself.
A few moments later, Zac slipped away to the bathroom, needing a breather. On his way back, he overheard whispering coming from the hallway. Curious, he paused, listening from around the corner.
"Aunt Jackie, it's Christmas. Can you not start?" Cole said, his tone low but firm.
"I'm just saying," she insisted, crossing her arms. "He's around Kai majority of the time, right? And you don't know anything about him like where he comes from or what his intentions are. Vanessa has always been too trusting. Someone has to look out for her."
Zac lingered in the hallway, feeling the weight of the conversation between Aunt Jackie and Cole pressing down on him like a heavy fog. He'd been prepared for some awkwardness, but this? This was a new level of discomfort. Zac clenched his jaw, feeling his blood pressure rise.
His fingers tightened around the doorframe as he took a deep breath, telling himself not to storm in and confront them. He didn't want to make things worse, but his heart raced as he listened to the tension building on the other side.
Cole's voice broke through the silence. "Jackie, I know you mean well, but Vanessa wouldn't bring anyone around Kai unless she trusted him. And honestly, Zac's been good to her. To both of them. So unless he gives me a reason not to trust him, I'm staying out of it."
Zac exhaled slowly, trying to calm the unease creeping up his spine, but Aunt Jackie wasn't having any of it.
"Just one reason?" Her voice was sharp with disbelief. "I've read about him. He's got a past. He's a druggie. What kind of influence is that? If you can't raise your own kid, you better make sure he doesn't get raised by another man, and that too, someone with a history of bad decision making. Is THAT really who you want your son to be around? Don't say I didn't warn you. You can't just let some guy swoop in and play house. Kai deserves better."
Zac felt the sting of her words even though they were meant for Cole. He closed his eyes, his jaw clenching, forcing himself not to walk in and defend himself right then. Not now, not with the way the conversation was going.
The silence stretched out for what felt like forever. Then Cole sighed heavily. "You're right, okay? I'll make sure to keep an eye on him. Kai is the most important thing to me, and I'll never let anything bad happen to him."
There was a smug satisfaction in Aunt Jackie's voice when she spoke again. "That's all I'm saying."
Zac's stomach dropped. Had Cole really just agreed with her? The unease that had been simmering inside him now bubbled to the surface. Was Cole starting to question him, too? As much as he wanted to step in and set things straight, he knew it wouldn't help. Not in front of everyone. Not when tensions were already so high.
He lingered a moment longer, but when he heard the soft sound of Vanessa's laughter from the living room, he forced himself to walk back toward the noise, plastering a weak smile on his face despite the knot in his stomach.
When he re-entered the room, Vanessa was in the middle of a conversation with Starla, her laughter bright and easy.
Noticing his brother's return, Dylan joined him and handed him a drink.
"You good?" Dylan asked, his voice low.
"Yeah," Zac replied, though his tone wasn't entirely convincing.
"Look, you're doing great. This whole blended family thing? It's not easy, but you're handling it. Don't let anyone make you feel otherwise."
Zac smiled weakly, appreciating the support. "Thanks, man."
Vanessa noticed Zac's return, her gaze sharp and concerned. She subtly reached for his hand, her touch steadying him.
"Everything okay?" she asked softly, her voice low, as if she could feel the shift in his mood.
"Yeah," Zac replied, squeezing her hand gently. "Just needed a minute."
Vanessa frowned slightly, unconvinced, but before she could press further, Stella's voice cut through the tension. "Dinner's served! "
Vanessa flashed a quick, reassuring smile at Zac before standing and calling out to the group. "Dinner's served! I hope you're hungry," she said, her voice brimming with warmth as she moved to direct people to the table.
Zac felt the knot in his chest loosen just a fraction. He had to keep it together—for her, for Kai, for everyone. He knew this was just one of those hurdles in the messy, beautiful process of blending families. But as he followed Vanessa toward the table, a part of him couldn't shake the discomfort of what he had just overheard.
As everyone gathered around the dining table, Vanessa stood at the head, her warm smile lighting up the room. "Alright, everyone," she began, her voice steady and full of emotion, "let's head to the table and eat. I know this isn't your typical Christmas family affair, but families come in all shapes and sizes. And personally, I think the more, the merrier."
Her eyes scanned the room, resting briefly on Kai, who was sitting proudly in his chair, a twinkle in his eye. "At the end of the day, we are all bonded by love and respect, and that's what truly matters. For me, my anchor and the reason behind everything I do is my baby boy." She gave Kai a warm smile, and he grinned back at her, his cheeks rosy with pride.
"So thank you," she continued, her voice thick with emotion, "for helping me create beautiful core memories for him. I couldn't ask for more."
The room filled with a soft murmur of agreement and smiles of approval, but the moment was disrupted by Aunt Jackie, who mumbled just loud enough for everyone to hear,
"Back in my day, we had one mother and one father—not this hippie lifestyle with multiple fathers and mothers..."
The room went silent, the air thick with tension. Vanessa's expression didn't falter, but her hand tightened slightly on Zac's under the table. He squeezed her hand in support, silently letting her know he was with her.
To break the awkwardness, Cole cleared his throat and raised his glass. "To family," he said, his voice steady but firm.
Stella, immediately joined in, lifting her glass. "To family," she echoed, her tone light and cheerful.
The tension eased as others followed suit, raising their glasses. "To family," they all chimed in, the moment shifting back to one of unity and warmth.
Vanessa glanced at Cole, her eyes meeting his in a brief but grateful exchange. Despite their complicated history, moments like this reminded her of the importance of working together for Kai.
As the toasts ended, Starla took the opportunity to add her own heartfelt words. "You know, Vanessa's right. Families come in all shapes and sizes but at the root of it they're about showing up for each other, no matter what. And today, we're all here to show up for one another for one reason: love."
"Yes! To love," cried Gina as she lifted her glass up in agreement.
Her words were met with nods and murmurs of agreement, and soon, the sound of laughter and conversation filled the room as everyone began to eat.
Zac leaned closer to Vanessa as the meal went on, whispering softly, "You handled that beautifully."
Vanessa turned to him, her eyes soft. "I couldn't have done it without you."
"Hey, I'm just here for the food," he teased, earning a quiet laugh from her.
As Kai happily chatted with his cousins, and the adults exchanged stories and memories, the evening transformed into something magical. Despite the hiccups, Vanessa realized this was exactly the kind of Christmas she wanted for her son—filled with love, laughter, and the beautiful chaos of a blended family.
Later in the evening, as the party wound down, Zac found himself alone with Vanessa in the kitchen. The chaos of the day had finally quieted, leaving behind only the soft hum of the dishwasher and the distant sound of laughter from the living room, where Kai was snuggled up with his grandparents.
Vanessa moved around the kitchen, gathering plates and putting them in the sink. Zac leaned against the doorway, his eyes lingering on her as she worked. There was something captivating about her in this moment—her focus, the way her hair framed her face as she moved, the soft curve of her body. Everything about her drew him in, and it didn't help that he hadn't been able to put his hands on her all evening.
Vanessa glanced over her shoulder and caught his gaze, the playful glint in her eye making Zac's heart race. She smiled mischievously as she grabbed the dish soap, squeezing a generous amount into the sink.
"Care to help?" she asked, her voice a little too sweet, her lips curling in a way that made his pulse quicken.
Zac raised an eyebrow, stepping forward. "That depends. What exactly am I helping with?" His voice was low, teasing.
Vanessa didn't answer right away. Instead, she reached for a sponge, dipping it into the sudsy water, and began scrubbing the plates, deliberately swaying her hips as she worked. The way she moved, so effortlessly confident, made him want to pull her close and make her stop everything for a moment, but he didn't. Not yet.
Zac reached for a dish towel to start drying, but before he could, Vanessa tsked softly. "No, no, not there," she murmured.
He frowned in amusement. "Then where do you need help?"
She flipped her hair over one shoulder, tilting her head slightly, exposing the smooth skin beneath. Her eyes met his, playful and full of intent.
Zac smirked, stepping closer, his chest nearly brushing her back. He leaned in, his breath warm against her skin. "Ahh, I see," he murmured. "I think I can help you there."
His hands found her shoulders, kneading gently at first, then more firmly, his thumbs pressing into the tension he knew had built up over the day. Vanessa sighed, leaning into his touch, a quiet moan slipping past her lips.
"Good?" he asked, his voice husky.
"Mmm," she hummed, stretching slightly, teasing him with the way she arched under his hands.
Zac's fingers trailed lower, grazing the small of her back, sending a delicious shiver through her. He leaned in closer, his lips just barely touching the curve of her neck. "What about here? You need help here?"
Vanessa turned slightly, her lips brushing against his jaw. "Mhmm," she whispered, her voice thick with anticipation.
He paused for a moment, his eyes dark with desire, and whispered, "You sure you want to keep playing this game?" sending a shiver down her spine.
Vanessa turned slightly, her lips brushing against his neck. "I'm sure," she whispered back, her voice thick with anticipation. "But only if you can keep up."
That was all the invitation Zac needed. He spun her around, capturing her mouth in a kiss that was slow but searing, his hands settling at her waist as he pulled her flush against him. The world outside the kitchen blurred, the only thing that mattered was the warmth of her body, the taste of her lips, the intoxicating push and pull between them.
When they finally broke apart, breathless, Vanessa smirked. "I still need to finish the dishes."
Zac exhaled a laugh, his forehead resting against hers. "We can finish them later."
Vanessa's eyes gleamed with mischief. "Uh-uh, we still have guests." She gently pushed him back, her touch lingering just long enough to make it sting.
Zac groaned in protest but chuckled. "You started it." He stole one last lingering kiss before pulling away, his hands reluctantly letting go of her.
"I know," Vanessa sighed, her smile soft.
"You're lucky we have company," he teased, running a hand through his hair before finally grabbing a dish to dry.
Zac stood there for a moment longer, just watching her, before finally grabbing a dish to dry and slipping back into their domestic routine, the promise of more moments like this hanging in the air.
"Hey," Vanessa said, breaking the comfortable silence as she set a plate in the sink. "I know today wasn't exactly smooth sailing, but you were amazing."
Zac turned to her, surprised by her words. "Even with the turkey fiasco and Aunt Jackie's… skepticism?"
Vanessa chuckled softly, the sound warm and genuine. "Jackie's always been overprotective. She doesn't mean any harm. And as for the turkey, I'll take burnt food and pizza over stress any day. You made this day special, Zac. For me and Kai."
Her words hit him like a wave, but not in the way he had hoped. The uncertainty that had settled in his chest earlier, the uncomfortable conversation with Aunt Jackie, came flooding back. No one had ever weaponized his past quite like that. Was he really a bad influence on Kai? Could he live with the idea that if Kai grew up and read about him, he might resent him? What if, one day, Kai looked at him and only saw his failures?
Zac's mind raced, but he couldn't bring himself to share any of it with Vanessa. Not now. Not when she was so happy, her face lighting up with excitement as she chatted about how successful the day had been. No, he couldn't burden her with his doubts, not after all the effort she had put into making it a perfect day. But still, like an unwanted seed, his insecurities began to take root in the pit of his stomach, growing slowly, steadily, threatening to sprout.
Vanessa didn't notice his inner turmoil, her energy too contagious for that. Her smile, the way she moved with grace in the kitchen, made it hard to keep his thoughts from slipping into darker places.
As Vanessa ducked out to put Kai to sleep, her phone buzzed. She answered quietly, stepping into the hallway.
"Hey," Cole said. "Can you drop Kai off tomorrow instead of Zac? I know that was the plan, but—"
Vanessa frowned slightly. "Uh, yeah, I was just going to go to Mom's first to help her with some stuff. That's why I thought Zac could do it since it's on his way to the gym. But sure, if you insist. Any reason?" she pressed.
Cole hesitated. "No, it's okay. It's just... Jackie is staying with me, and I'd rather avoid unnecessary stuff." He trailed off, alluding to the tension from earlier.
Vanessa sighed. "Okay… I get it. But how long is she staying?"
"Just for a few more weeks. She just wanted to spend time with everyone before going back to Dallas."
"Okay…"
"Look it's really not that big of a deal but if it is, Zac can drop Kai it's fine. I'll figure it out."
"No, no. Don't worry I can do it. See you later."
"See you."
When she returned to the kitchen, Zac glanced at her as she leaned against the counter. "Everything good?"
She nodded. "Yeah, just a little change in plans. Cole wants me to drop Kai off tomorrow instead of you."
Zac's brows furrowed slightly, but he kept his expression neutral. "Oh. Why?"
Vanessa shrugged, keeping her voice light. "Jackie's staying with him, and I guess he just wants to avoid… 'unnecessary stuff'."
Zac forced a small smile. "Makes sense."
"Yeah, but don't let it get to you," she said, touching his arm gently. "It's no big deal."
Zac nodded, but the explanation left a niggling feeling in the back of his mind. It wasn't just a small change—Jackie's words had gotten to Cole, and now, even indirectly, they were affecting him too.
She wrapped her arms around him in a warm embrace, and for a moment, the tension he had carried all night seemed to dissipate. He pulled her into his arms, resting his forehead against hers.
"Merry Christmas, Zac," she whispered, her voice soft but filled with warmth, that same warmth that always seemed to melt away his fears, even if just for a little while.
"Merry Christmas, Ness," he whispered, his voice full of emotion he couldn't quite express.
In that moment, everything felt right. Families were messy, and blending them even more so, but as long as they had each other, they would figure it out. Together. Or at least, that's what he wanted to believe.
But the ache of doubt gnawed at him, persistent and heavy. This was the first time his past had caught up with him in this new chapter of life, and he was shocked by how it hit him. It wasn't just a lingering thought—it felt like a ton of bricks. The weight of it threatened to crush everything he had worked so hard to build.
Everything had gone perfectly. Vanessa was happy and content as she snuggled into him, her presence comforting. But Zac couldn't shake the feeling that it wasn't. Just like the turkey he had tried so hard to cook only to fail, Vanessa had been so forgiving, but what if there was a limit to her forgiveness? Could she ever forgive him if he were the reason anything ever happened to Kai?
On a night when everyone else slept peacefully, he didn't sleep a wink. Instead, he lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, consumed by the quiet storm of his own insecurities, wondering what the future might hold for him, for Vanessa, and for Kai.