#Chapter26Jonas Allen GrayLucilleIt took about six hours, but the baby arrived, and it’s a boy. They brought Grayson back to see us once they settled me into my room.I cradled the baby in my arms when Gray walked over and took a seat next to my bed. The baby slept.“He’s beautiful, Luci.”“He is
#Chapter27Cayson David GrayLucilleMy last pregnancy made me happy. This child made it more complicated for me. I had been sicker, crankier, and suffering worse than I ever did. They say every pregnancy is different. No shit.Nine months of pure hell I endured with this child. That’s fine because
#Chapter28BrothersLucilleLife became more chaotic as the boys grew up. Nate’s six, Jonas’s four, and Cayson’s two. Danny would play with the boys. He was a pleasant kid, but my boys would corrupt him.As Joan expected another child, the kids kept us on our toes, especially my boys. They were alwa
#Chapter29ChildhoodLucilleAs the kids aged, so did the neighbor kids. One day, Joan was over with the kids, and we talked while Danny and Cayson played. Cayson was about seven. Patty was four.Nate came around to the backyard.Patty said, “Hi, Nate.”She smiled as Nate walked over and leaned over
#Chapter30Growing OlderLucilleWe made it through the model car incident and Patty’s fall from a tree. She was okay, but my boys will drive me nuts.As the boys aged, they started dating. Jonas dated little because he kept his nose in a book. Cayson has his little girlfriends who didn’t last long.
#Chapter31Times Are Changing Nate While growing up with my brothers and other kids, life became chaotic. What kept it somewhat sane was Patty George, who grew up kitty-corner from us.I remember when I met her. Ma would drag us over to her house, so she could visit Mrs. George. She was this chubb
#Chapter32FeelingsNateI continued to talk to Patty at night until she started working part-time and going to school full time. Our talks became less frequent, and I missed them.I would try to make an excuse to talk to her. Her parents allowed her to date since she mentioned it during our talks.
#Chapter33Misunderstanding and jealousyNateToday had been a shit day. I had to deal with some asshole about his car at the repair shop. He thought he knew more than me. I’ve been working on cars since I was a teen. If it was one thing I knew, it’s cars.I came home as Dad yelled at Cayson about h
#Chapter654Happy anniversary, Patty and NateMaggieWe got back, and everyone got settled. The boys went to pick up family members from the airport. The girls and I checked the hall to make sure everything is ready. Lyric and Larkin brought the cake and desserts. Lakin and Luna helped Lex and Nash
“That’s why I became a pastry chef,” I said, surprising Dad. “You taught me you could love what you do and make people happy. You were patient with me and never raised your voice while encouraging me.”“You had this shyness to you that people didn’t understand. It didn’t matter because I did,” Dad s
#Chapter653GraduationPresleyIn the next few weeks, we spent studying for finals as Payton, Parker, and Markus finished school. Our parents were coming in along with the brothers and sisters. They had to pick up their caps and gowns for graduation.After my last final, I came home and collapsed on
Pax looked at me and arched an eyebrow.“Okay, we had a lot of issues, but it’s time to put those issues to rest,” I reasoned.“I didn’t understand why we didn’t get along growing up,” Pax said to me.“Because brothers fight, but it doesn’t mean I wouldn’t protect you if someone else hurts you,” I r
#Chapter652ResolutionKayleeWe returned from our trip, and Caleb called us down to the station. I didn’t know what to expect coming into the station. Presley and I entered and stopped. I looked at the station, remembering what happened.“Are you okay?” Presley asked me.I sighed. “I didn’t underst
Markus walked as he dragged me behind him until we were out of earshot from everyone. He released my arm.“If you want to redeem yourself, then you and I are working together,” Markus informed me.“Redeem me with what?” I asked.“Nora,” Markus told me.“I apologized to Nora. We’re good,” I replied.
#Chapter651Spring break funPresleyWe spent the rest of spring break kicking back and having fun. We needed it after the few years we had. My brothers and I faced off against our cousins, Shaun, and Hayden in beach volleyball.The girls hung out and talked. Now, here is the issue with our girls. T
I looked at Josie, who talked to Selena. I ignored a girl because I had issues, and it turned out to be the best thing for me.I almost lost my chance with someone incredible because I didn’t see Josie. It took her to open my eyes before I lost my chance.Josie looked at me, and I smiled. “What?” Jo
#Chapter650Spring breakPresleyWe went to Myrtle Beach for spring break since our family owns a beach house. Plus, I thought Kaylee could use the distraction. Jaime was still working on the case with Martinez. His lawyer wasn’t budging.Caleb thought it was best if Kaylee didn’t return to work unt