'Tis The Season

“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.

“You okay?”

“I’m not sure.” I tilt my head back and peer up at my brother through misty eyes.

“Believe me, you lucked up, finding out what he’s really like now. Once he had you across the country in California, it would’ve been next to impossible to leave him.”

“I’m glad you see it my way.”

“Look, Mom and Dad just need time. They’re only looking at the financial aspect.”

I sigh. “We’re not even going to be together because there’s too much tension between us, War. That’s my fault.”

“No. It’s our parents’ fault for being so old-fashioned. Listen, I have a special gift for you.”

“You do?” I ask, cheering up.

“I do. Come on.” Wrapping an arm around my shoulder, he guides me away from the doctor’s office and the mess I’ve yet to figure out. He pulls up in front of a pet store, and I frow

n.

“What are we doing here, War?”

“You’ll see. Come on.”

We exit the car and walk into the shop.

“Warren, you’re back. Is this your sister?” The brown-eyed beauty with a head full of coarse black curls is a little too excited to see us.

How long has my brother been visiting ... I squint at her nametag, Riley?

“This is Faye. Riley here has been instrumental in arranging this surprise for you.”