#Chapter429Not everything is as it seemsKaidenWhile everyone was settling down, getting married, and having families, I met someone. His name was Mitch, and he seemed like the ideal guy. The keyword seemed. Mitch treated me well, then chipped at my self-esteem and self-worth.I remember we were i
#Chapter430A broken familyNixonI sat in my church, rubbing my face and figuring out what to do about Kaiden. My boy is suffering, Kat is hurting, and Kain is angry. I stared at the cross that held Jesus, wanting answers. Finally, I stood up and started walking towards the cross.“How is it that I
#Chapter431Family problemsLexWhen you’re home chasing little ones, and your spouse works full time, finding any “alone” time is impossible, but you manage. We did the best we could. Sometimes, you forget a crucial detail. For us, that would be a raincoat. Not once, but a few times. Who was I kidd
#Chapter432Fearing loveLexAfter finding out Piper was pregnant, Luna turned up pregnant. Lakin and Mia investigated adoption but had difficulty. They faced challenges trying to adopt a baby.One day, they would have a family of their own.As for Kaiden, he started seeing a therapist about what ha
#Chapter433You must be kidding meLexWe dropped the boys off with my parents while we went to the doctor. We were finding out what we’re having, although it was another boy.The doctor examined Piper and did the ultrasound, and sure enough, we were having a boy. “I’m guessing we can rule out girls
#Chapter434So far, so goodLexWe adjusted to the twins being a part of our lives. I still had to keep Payton from corrupting Parker, but it didn’t matter. At some point, the boys would start damaging each other.As the twins got older, they started crawling and getting into things. Between the two
#Chapter435Letting go with lovePattyWith everything going on with the kids, we didn’t have the heart to tell them Lucille wasn’t doing well. She didn’t want them to know. She said they had enough to deal with in their lives.Nate called Jonas and Cayson over to see their mom. She needed her boys.
#Chapter436Live, laugh, and loveLexToday we were celebrating Grammy’s life before Nana took over the reins. Most people sit around and mourn their loved ones that have passed, but we didn’t do that. We honored her the only way we knew how and had an enormous party.With Piper’s news of her pregna
#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