#Chapter615GuiltPresleyWhen we returned from the apple orchard, I went up to my bedroom. I laid down on the bed and fell asleep. I opened my eyes and stood in a house I didn’t recognize. I look around the room to see a fireplace and couches, along with chairs. I turned and saw a kitchen and dinin
“Presley?” Payton said.“I felt like I was drowning, and Eliza held me down. Then, two hands reached for me,” I said, catching my breath.I pulled my knees up to my chest and rested my arms on them as I rubbed my face. I hated this feeling. When someone you love dies, you grieve, but when the person
“Does that mean something to me?” Presley questioned with a tone that I knew too well.“That means you need to let go of your anger and allow people to help you. It will surprise you what happens when you do,” I answered, knowing what was coming.We talked a little more, then I left. I wanted to mee
#Chapter616Hanging out with the brothersPresleyMy brothers decided I needed a night out with them, minus their significant others. We went to a place to shoot darts and hangout. The five of us walked into the area and found a booth to sit in. We ordered something to drink as Payton paid for some
I got back to the house and walked in to see Selena reading a book. She looked at me.“If my brothers ask, I went to bed,” I said, walking past her.Selena looked at me with concern. I went up to my bedroom and changed my clothes. Then I laid down, staring at the ceiling. How do you stop loving some
#Chapter617Nixon to the rescueNixonAfter getting some beauty rest, which I needed, as did Nash, we dressed and came downstairs. Kaiden, Greg, and Lex were in the kitchen, having breakfast. I needed coffee, stat.“How bad is it with Presley?” Kaiden asked me while I poured a coffee into a cup.“It
“But you didn’t remember Ma,” I mentioned.“No, but she knew me and our life before the accident,” I said with a look. “Your ma grieved for me, but I was alive.”Presley looked at me.“The people outside looking in grieve for the one that isn’t here. The person left, and the people remained. It frus
#Chapter618A new normalPresleyAfter hanging out with Nora, I walked around town. I needed space and a chance to breathe. I stopped at a window and looked at the items in the shop. I turned to see Pax standing next to me.“Did Pops send you to make sure I didn’t do something stupid?” I asked.“Nop
#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