#Chapter270The Gray Brothers bakery attracts more than customersLexI was in the back, grabbing some ingredients for Dad’s order, when I heard Ma ask, “Lex, can you come out here?”I took the items to the steel table, set them down, and went out to the front area. Piper stood there. She smiled and
“Let me guess. You gave your ma a hard time again,” Nixon said.“Who? Us? Psh, we are angels,” Kaiden said.“And I’m a virgin, which we know is a lie,” Nixon said to them.“As much as I would love to hear about your sexcapades, which are gross, is Lex here?” Kain asked.“Yeah, he’s in the back. You
#Chapter271Ice creamLexI thought about what Dad said. What did I have to lose now that Roger was out of the picture? I could knock on her door and say, hey, Piper. We’re having pleasant weather. Pleasant weather? What the hell is wrong with me?I stood there, thinking about what I could do. How d
Lex and I sat there, eating ice cream and talking. While we were in the kitchen having ice cream, Nash and Maggie stopped by the house. Dad and Mom stepped outside.“Well?” Nash asked.“They’re eating ice cream, but Lex almost left,” Dad told him.“Yeah, he has always been on the shy side.”.“I’m so
#Chapter272Hanging outLexOver the past few days, I hung out with Piper getting to know her as Dad advised. What seemed like a crush changed? I didn’t have a crush on her anymore. I fell in love with her.I had known her since we were toddlers when her parents moved next door to me. But she hung o
“Are you ready for senior year?” She asked me, taking a bite from her hot dog.“Yeah, I’m thinking so. That’s if my sisters can stay out of trouble long enough,” I said as I took a bite out of my hot dog.“Your sisters are pretty cool.”I stopped mid-bite.“They don’t care what people think of them,
#Chapter273First day of senior yearLexThe first day of the senior year started, and the night before ended with a bang. Dad got himself into trouble with Roger. Grampa and Uncle Nixon tried to get him out of it. I didn’t care because that tool deserved it.I also found out Roger didn’t leave to f
#Chapter274Sometimes, you need a big pushPiperI needed help with Lex if things would progress. We’re on better footing, but I needed him to get the point. So, I enlisted his sisters’ help.I figure if anyone could give him that push, they could.I told them what I wanted to do, and they decided w
#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