My breathing hitched as my cheeks burned. Being close to Nash was making my body go into a tizzy. Ugh, no, we’re supposed to go slow. I had to keep my composure. “Um, well, uh.” He cut me off. “One day, I’ll have you, Mags.”Oh, wow. That was hot.He slid back across from me. If you’re wondering, N
#Chapter191Admitting the truthNixonMy stint in rehab was ending, and my parents would bring me home before everyone else arrived. I met with Reverend Thomas after one of my meetings. I walked into the chapel and looked around for him but didn’t see him. I took a seat in the front pew.How was I g
We sat there and talked. I told the Rev what I had decided about my future, getting input from him. He agreed with my decision but said he would pray for the people I met. Everyone's a critic.*****The rehab center released me two days before everyone arrived home. I packed my back, then zipped it.
#Chapter192Can you hear what I hear? A Christmas ChapterMaggieOur semester ended. Our return home for the holidays overjoyed us. The semester had been long, with Nash and I breaking up, along with Nixon getting kicked out of school. Okay, that’s a poor example.Everyone headed home. Before leavin
I narrowed my eyes and wagged my finger at him. “No, but you’re formulating a devious plan.” He chuckled. “I understand why you did it. Well, after Grammy called and yelled at me for a good hour. That was a rough hour.”My brows lifted.“She set me straight on a few things.”“You know your Grammy i
#Chapter193Guess Who?MaggieWe arrived back at school and the house. The car ride exhausted me, and I had to deal with everyone’s bickering. Yep, that’s right. They bickered about bathroom breaks and where to eat.Once we got back, I carried my bag to my room and tossed it onto the floor. Then I c
I didn’t take my eyes off Mags. “What did the doctor say?” They took a deep breath. “Maggie contracted a virus. They don’t know what kind, but they know it’s serious,” Ma said.“She was fine yesterday.” “Hunny, a virus can happen quickly. That’s how they work. They’re working on getting her bette
#Chapter194It’s about damn timeMaggieMy eyes fluttered open, and I noticed machines in a room. The last thing I remembered was lying down in my bedroom. I rubbed my eyes and face.“I see you’re awake.”I glanced at Nixon sitting in a chair with Nash asleep in a chair next to me.“What’s going on?
#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