#Chapter519Close your eyesPaytonJosie helped me upstairs. When I got to my room, I sat down on the bed. Those bastards cracked three ribs. I tried to change but felt excruciating pain.Josie helped me change out of my clothes and not flinching. I hissed because of the bruising. She got me down to
#Chapter520Family visitMatthewI finished breakfast and took a drive. It’s what I did when I felt things were too much. I pulled into a cemetery and drove down one road until I came to a spot. I got out of the car and walked over to the snow cover ground, crouching down as I brush the snow away wi
“On that note, we’re going to go somewhere that’s not here,” I said as we went to find a table and sit down. Nora wasn’t ready for the Gray family yet, which included the Harpers.“Okay, spill,” Nora said as I looked at her.“Spill what?” I asked as I ate my cupcake.“Who’s that guy, and is he singl
#Chapter521A partyMatthewTonight, we were going to a party. I prefer to stay at home and read. Markus tried to persuade me, then enlisted the brothers to help. I don’t know why I needed to go, but then again, someone is running their mouths, earning a beat down. I can’t stand ignorant people.I s
I stood there, stunned, as Parker and Markus to find what the yelling is about outside.“Sadie was my girlfriend and committed suicide in front of me. I tried to stop her and couldn’t. I begged her, but it didn’t stop her,” Matthew said as he started crying. Parker and Markus came outside as Josie a
#Chapter522Family is everythingPaytonThis school year has been one hell of a year, and it’s not over yet. Each of us has gone through our separate issues. The one constant reminder is we’re family. Family is everything, even if it’s not blood. Josie, Britt, and Hayden became part of our family, a
Then I noticed Hayden and saw him with another guy, laughing and being close. Now it made sense.“Or it’s because Hayden found someone better,” I said, pointing at Hayden. My cousins turned to see Hayden with another guy. “Yeah, I’m sure I suck at these things. So, I’m going home.” I turned and walk
#Chapter523Spring breakShaunWe arrived at a house and got out of the car. I was apprehensive about being here. I wasn’t ready to see Pax, but the brothers assured me it would be fine. I took my bag to my room, got settled, and then felt someone in the room with me. I turned around, startled to se
#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