“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
#Chapter56Guess Whose Birthday it is?PattyAfter Christmas, I wrote in the journal while recalling my dreams, making brief stories out of them. The nightmares had become less when I saw what haunted me in black and white. Therapists call it a dream journal, and most doctors recommend it after you
#Chapter57Hot and heavyPattyWhen you’re dating someone, making out gets a little heated. Well, Nate and I got a lot heated, and I don’t mean sex.Nate’s bedroom got hot with our steamy make-out session.We were lying on his bed, kissing, even though I should be working on homework. He moved his h
I had to hand it to Nate. He understood intimacy. I laid down on his chest, and he wrapped his arms around me. My first time would excite me, but I’m not ready.The other stuff we did? Yes. Sex? No. Sex can wait.*****After that evening, I had questions, and my curiosity got the best of me.Nate sa
#Chapter58DecisionsPattyAfter returning to school, my work kept calling me, demanding to know when I was returning to work. My answer was still the same. I’m not sure, but that wasn’t good enough. I’m sorry, but I didn’t ask for a co-worker to attack me right before Christmas.Lucille, Grayson, t
#Chapter59My Girl: A Valentine’s Day ChapterPattyThe entire day at school, I was feeling excited and anxious. Nate had something planned for Valentine’s Day and wouldn’t tell me about his plans. Ugh, I hate surprises.I had a tough time concentrating on my classes, thinking about Valentine’s Day.
“Now, we didn’t come here to talk about jobs but to enjoy a nice Valentine’s Day date.” He smiled.The server brought our food, and we ate. The steak was excellent.“Nate. Do you remember when you mentioned marriage on your birthday?” “Yeah?”“If one day you were to ask me, I would say yes.” I look
#Chapter60I Swear Lucille is CrazyPattyNate made Valentine’s Day memorable. When circumstances involve Lucille, expect craziness to ensue.Now, she’s crazy with her antics, but this time took the cake. I came home from school and saw cop cars and two ambulances in the Gray driveway. What the hell
#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