#Chapter597Christmas with the familyPatFor Christmas, we brought Sam, Britt, and Nora Tilson, along with Shaun. Since our house is full, Sam, Britt, and Nora stayed with Nana and Grandpa. I didn’t know how that would go with my grandparents, considering their history with Britt’s family. I guess
Someone knocked at the doorframe, and I looked to see a guy standing there. I set the frame down on the desk.“Did you find everything, okay?” The guy asked me.“Yeah,” I answered.The guy looked at me with steel-grey eyes.“Look, I know our families have issues, but I promise that my sisters and I
#Chapter598Christmas with the family, part twoPatChristmas is a time of happiness and joy unless a cousin screws it up and sends my girl’s sister packing. Markus informed us he told Matthew about Nora and Mason. That leads to dysfunction at its best.Matthew went to our grandparents to talk to No
“Yeah, I remember growing up, Mom would make the holidays special, and Dad would make them miserable. Nora would decorate her room in construction paper and find things to give to us as gifts,” Britt informed me.“Nora has a kind heart, doesn’t she?” I asked.“Yeah, that’s why Nora didn’t tell Mason
I furrowed my brows. The two people who understood me best won’t be here for Christmas. Matthew isn’t coming because of Nora, and Nora is celebrating with Skylar. Britt and I looked at each other.“I made cookies,” Shaun mentioned, picking up a plate of sugar cookies.“We have Christmas movies,” Pay
#Chapter599Back to school, we goPatWe returned to school, and Mason asked Skylar out on a date with my cousins’ encouragement.“Okay, here’s your chance. Walk up to Skylar and ask her out,” Kaxon advised, rubbing Mason’s shoulders.“Is that necessary?” Pax asked.“Is what necessary?” Kaxon questi
“I know. The professor wouldn’t shut up,” I said, counting supplies.“Well, this summer, we do our ride-along, then become certified,” Eliza reasoned.I smiled. We were taking a course to earn our certifications as paramedics. We completed our EMT course in the summer after graduation. Uncle Cayson
#Chapter600Valentine’s day mixed with crazyKaxonValentine’s Day arrived, and I planned a romantic night for Jesse, except for sex. I heard about Pat’s butt cramp incident. That was a hell no, and if I can make it a romantic night, excluding sex, even better.Markus went out with Hayden, and Mason
#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