#Chapter358Trouble is brewingLarkinAs the semester was ending, we worked to draw Derek out and take care of him. Dad and our uncles were arriving to bring us home from school. We didn’t let sleeping dogs lie. We were causing more problems than we needed.Have you ever poked at a vicious animal? Y
#Chapter359RepercussionsLarkinAfter that night, there was a somber tone with everyone. Lakin was angry, which was understandable. None of us wanted to leave until we found out if Mia would wake up. Michael stayed with her every single day, as did Lakin.The doctors said until she wakes up, we wou
#Chapter360Returning to homeLarkinWe returned home. It was nice to be home with everything that had happened, except I had to take online summer courses. Oh, yay!I was busy signing up for my summer courses. Major had to tell Michael he got married, which Michael didn’t take well. He also had to
#Chapter361Unconditional LoveLakinPatience has never been my strong suit. I prefer to use my fists to get my point across. But, of course, now I would have to garnish some with Mia.Her speech had improved, and so did her motor skills, but she had developed an innocence about her. She looked at t
#Chapter362Taking it slowLakinI got dressed, left to pick up Mia, then got out of the car, walked up to the door, and knocked. Michael answered and nodded as I walked through the doorway.I climbed the stairs to Mia’s bedroom. I knocked and heard her say, “Come in.”I turned the handle, walking i
#Chapter363An explanationMajorI went to explain things to Nash before Luna did. I checked the bakery. He was there, thank God. And so were his brothers. Shit.I went inside and over to him as he was setting up a display case.“Hey, Nash,” I said as he stopped, and so did his brothers. “I mean, ca
#Chapter364Returning to schoolLakinWe returned to school, and they made adjustments for Mia. She needed special attention to help her with her schoolwork. She could still do the work but needed guidance, which Michael took care of for her.I showed her around to ease her mind. I didn’t want her s
#Chapter365Prove itLunaSchool started, and I decided to get on with my life. I attended my first class. Then, after class, I got a coffee. I stood at the counter, trying to decide what I wanted. “The lady would like a vanilla cappuccino. I’ll take regular coffee.”The barista nodded, and I turne
#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