#Chapter52Lucille Is at It AgainPattyWhen Lucille wants something, she wants it. How she persuaded my parents to let me go with Nate to their family cabin is beyond me. The best part was when she got me to agree to go, but I still can’t understand how that happened.The woman called my boss and t
I kissed him back, then pulled back and looked at him. “Much better.” We got up, and Nate cooked breakfast, surprising me. I offered to cook, but he said he would. After he finished cooking, he put the food on the plates. We sat down at the island and ate. “What?” “I didn’t know you knew how to c
#Chapter53Dating a Gray BoyPattyWhen you date a Gray boy, the relationship comes with more than I realized.Nate would take me out on dates. I would have dinner at his house, or he would have dinner at mine. When I wasn’t working, he would spend time with me, even if that meant distracting me fro
“Danny, let it slip.”Still, I didn’t particularly appreciate that my brother and my best friend saw each other, but I couldn’t do anything about it.“Of course, he did.” I sighed and rubbed my forehead in frustration.She reached over and touched my arm. “Patty, if Nate treats you well, then that’s
#Chapter54‘Tis The SeasonPattyWith Nate and I making things official and our families knowing, Lucille and Mom conspired together. Why is everyone conspiring together?It was also Christmas vacation, which meant doing all Christmas-related things. I helped the Grays decorate their tree, and Nate
Three simple words, but with so much meaning behind them. How could I not love Nate? Nate has shown me how to care about someone. He never pushed me into doing something I wasn’t comfortable with doing. He enjoys listening to me — age doesn’t matter. I would take him being older than a guy my age.“
#Chapter55‘Tis The Season, Part 2PattyChristmas break has been great, except for work. The grocery store was nuts while working around the holidays. You would figure people would seem happy, but they seem more miserable than anything.People plowed into me while I stocked shelves which sucked. I
“Dad?” My voice broke.“It’s okay,” he told me in his deep voice, causing me to cry. Sometimes, a girl needs her father to say to her that everything will be okay. “Come on, and let’s go home.”I nodded as we stood up, and he wrapped his arm around me while I held onto him.Nate walked over to my mo
#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