LOGINIf you’ve just finished Out of My League, take a deep breath, and maybe a sip of something warm, because this little bonus story picks up right where we left off.Reese and Don have faced plenty together already, from unexpected love to pregnancy, family drama, and finding their footing in a world that doesn’t always offer second chances. But The Season We Built isn’t about high-stakes moments. It’s about the quiet ones. The flicker of a menorah candle. The smell of pine in a newly restored home. A baby’s laugh. A shared look across a crowded room.This is their first holiday season as parents, partners, and a family. It’s soft. It’s chaotic. It’s real.Thank you for loving these two enough to want just a little more of them. I hope this story makes you smile, breathe a little deeper, and believe, just like Reese is learning to, that sometimes the best things in life aren’t planned. They’re built, moment by moment, season by season, with love.With gratitude and holiday cheer,—Bryant
My mother hasn’t spoken to me or anyone at the party since she was forcefully removed. She only speaks to Uncle Shaw at the office when the business requires her to; even then, it’s strictly professional. I don’t think he minds. Of course, now that there was an engagement party, I have formally told the rest of the family that we are engaged and expecting. Both sets of my grandparents are thrilled and look forward to the wedding and meeting new great-grandchildren. No one has officially lived at the estate since Great Aunt Cordelia died. The property went into a trust and is owned by Grandfather and his two brothers. Grandfather insisted that as we’d discussed an outdoor ceremony, we allow him to host the whole event at the Frost Estate. While I don’t want a big formal event, I have to admit the estate has beautiful landscaping, and if the weather doesn’t hold, we can go inside. So it made the perfect venue. Don and I were still going to stick to our more rustic and subdued affair. W
There has been no slowing down just because I discovered I was pregnant with twins or because Don proposed. That is why everything has been moving at super speed around here. There’s a lot to do, and when you think about it not a lot of time to do it. The twins are due September 13th, so we are in a time crunch. And as much as Don and I would love to renovate the house ourselves, we had to concede with twins coming, we were not going to have the time, and it would be unsafe to have the place under construction. So as his gift to us for our engagement and that we are giving him his first grandchildren, Dad took over renovations. While a crew was working on the house, we stayed in my old apartment, so I wouldn’t breathe in the construction dust. Dad covered everything about the house, listening to our input on what we wanted just like he would for any client. He was paying extra special attention because it would be the home his grandchildren are raised in. That is probably why I’ve se
The last couple of months has been busy. All in good ways, of course, but a lot more activity than usual, that’s for sure. Reese made her mind up after her mother made it clear she couldn’t and wouldn’t apologize for her behavior. She resigned, much to the disappointment of many in her family. Thankfully none have held the decision against her. They hold it against Sophia. She’s been doing great working at her dad’s construction company as their in-house lawyer. It may not be a big deal in court cases, but she’s happy, and that is all that matters. The job is more about drawing up contracts and handling any legal hiccups that may arise, so very different from what she was doing. It’s much less stressful for her, and the work environment is much more welcoming. I’m pretty sure I’d get dirty looks if I showed up at the Frost law firm because Reese forgot lunch or her briefcase. While at the Nikolaidis Construction office, I get warm smiles and welcoming greetings as I go to her office.
“I will still never approve of this relationship. But when it implodes, I will be there for your Reese to help you pick up the pieces. I wash my hands of your personal life. But I do ask you to reconsider resigning seriously. Think about your career. I will see you in the office, and I hope you’ve made the right choice.” Mother went into her professional mode, smoothing down her jacket. “Have a good new year.” She tacked on while walking out my door. I don’t know what came over me, but I crumbled to my knees in tears. “How… how can she be so indifferent? To be so heartless to her only daughter.” I sobbed, finding myself pulled into Don’s arms. “It’s her way of protecting herself. It ain’t right, but she does love you, Reese. She’s going about it poorly, but she wants to protect you. Give her time and space. She may come around.” Don tried to reassure me as he stroked my hair as I cried into his chest. Those twenty minutes on my living room floor were the most I’ve cried in a long ti
Yes, I was hiding from my mother. No, I’m not proud of it. I’m twenty-seven and hiding from my mother at my boyfriend’s. The sweet man didn’t call me out on it until he had to. I know he’s right, I have to face her eventually, but more than having to face her, I need clothes. While his clothes are comfy, I can’t wear them to dad’s for a party or work, even if it’s to resign. At least whatever had my stomach angry went away after that tea and toast. Or maybe it was talking things out with Don. Who’s to say? I’m inclined to believe the latter. Knowing he will back me no matter which path I take helps. And it’s sweet of him to want to believe there is a chance my mother will apologize. I, however, am not going to hold my breath. The universe is against me today. First throwing up this morning and now finding my mother pounding on my door like she’s the cops with a warrant. Given her general attitude, I doubt she’s here to apologize for her behavior at the party. She only looks frazzled







