Season's Greetings : Christmas Box Set

“Marriage, to me, is a partnership. It requires compromise, honesty, and trust. I don’t think you’re ready for that.”

He reaches out and cups my face. “Didn’t I take care of you?”

“Yes,” I answer, honestly.

“Did you ever want for anything?” He forces my gaze up to meet his.

“No,” I whisper hoarsely as my mouth dries out.

“And you were happy, weren’t you? We were in love and about to get married, Faye.”

“I thought I was. Now I’m not so sure.” What we had was pleasant. I felt secure and content. But was that love?

“Bullshit. It’s not like I cheated.” His snarl makes me jump. “I was good to you, and I’m getting tired of this stubbornness you’ve decided to develop.”

Had I really been such a pushover with him?

Keys jingle, and the lock turns in the tumbler. The door swings open to reveal my brother bursting in like a bull about to wreck china. I’ve never been so ecstatic to see Warren. My brother looks at us and stands to his full six-foot-two.

“You’re back bugging my sister again, I see.”

Preston wrinkles his nose as if he smells something foul. “It’s time for her doctor’s appointment. I want to see Brigitte.”

“That’s not going to be her name,” Warren replies.

“It sure as hell won’t be Flora.”

“You seem real certain, considering I’m the one who has to push her out.” I take strength from my brother’s presence.

“What the hell happened to you?” Preston asks, frustrated.

“I became a mother. I have a being to try my best not to screw up. That changed me.”

“Your hormones are making you irrational.”

Warren growls. “Don’t do that.” He steps in front of me, forcing Preston to take a step back.

“What? Tell her the truth?” Preston huffs.

“Screw with her mind. I saw you do it all the time before. But you were so good at downplaying it. You must be desperate because you’re getting sloppy with your manipulation. She seemed happy, and you weren’t around enough for me to really make up my mind about you. Now everything has changed. I see you for the parasite you are. I can’t chase you off because of Flora, but I’m here to make sure you don’t bully your way into getting what you want. You have no power here anymore.”

Preston eyes my brother coldly. “We’ll see.”

Warren tenses, and I slip between the two of them. “Hey.” I snap my fingers, and they look down at me. “Don’t let him get under your skin, War. Preston, keep in mind allowing you to come with me to my appointments is a courtesy. One I can rescind.”

Preston’s jaw tenses. I can see the barely concealed rage boiling inside of him. What would life with this man have looked like? I thank God I won’t have to find out.

“I’LL BE HERE THROUGH Christmas if you change your mind about visiting with Mom and Dad.”

“I think it’d be uncomfortable for all of us.”

“Are you going to keep Bri— the baby away from them?”

“No, but she’s not here yet.”

“Fine.” He sighs. “Merry Christmas then.”

“Merry Christmas, Preston.” I watch him walk toward his car, and my heart aches. This isn’t how I envisioned my pregnancy. I was supposed to be married and anticipating this with the rest of my family. My parents think I’m unrealistic. After a life spent working their fingers to the bone, security isn’t something to be tossed aside over a misunderstanding. They want me to reconcile with Preston. Their disapproval weighs heavily on me.