#Chapter540Well, this sucks a**PaxThe next day I got up and got ready. Pops stayed the night to make sure I showed up for my job. The others went to apply for jobs while I came downstairs, finding Pops waiting. He gestured me with his finger to follow him, and we went to the local bakery.Pops al
“I’ll pack and return with you, then I’ll figure out something when we get home,” I said to Pops, who furrowed his brows. “Your rules.” I turned and walked away.Someone hates me enough to make my life a living hell. As I walked, Pops caught up with me, stopping me.“Pax,” Pops said as I turned and
#Chapter541A new day, same old bullsh*tPaxI figured out my school and work schedule, which are my basics, and okay. Nik scheduled me for the evening. I started classes, keeping to myself. My brothers and cousins tried to talk to me, but I stayed to myself. I did in high school and now, college.M
I groaned, getting to my feet. Well, that will hurt like a bitch in the morning. I held my side as I walked to a house, trying to stop my bloody nose. Yeah, I can’t go home and explained to my brothers why I didn’t fight back. They wouldn’t listen, anyway.I can’t go to my cousins because they would
“Is that what you think?” Parker asked.“It’s what I know,” I answered.“Pax, no matter what, you’re wanted in this family. Yeah, we fight, but we’re brothers,” Payton assured me.“We know that’s bullshit. Let’s be realistic. Ma and Pops help you. I get punished for something that someone else did,”
#Chapter542Keeping a distancePaxI kept my head down and did what I had to do. My face looked terrible from what happened a few nights ago. I went to class, and people stared at me. I focused on the course.After my classes, I went to work. Nik and Shaun stared at me. I went to the back, saying no
“Oh, I did,” I said.Parker answered the door and found the sisters standing there.“Well, our crazy aunts are here,” Park announced as Larkin smacked him, then hugged Parker. Lyric, Lakin, and Luna did the same, then Lyric and Luna hugged their kids.The sisters walked over to Lex. “Always late to
#Chapter543Family reunionPattyEveryone returned for Dominique’s funeral. It was crazy seeing how the family grew, but it was nice to see the kids again, along with the brothers. When Cayson arrived, I hugged him, and he cried. Dominique was the one person who helped shaped Cayson into the man he
#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