One to Take (One to Hold 8)

She blinks up to me, and her eyes are shining with pride. “Thank you.”

“I want to see!” Amy hops up from where she’s sitting and dives onto the couch. Mariska passes her the sketchpad, and she gushes.

“It’s gorgeous! I can’t wait to show Marcus!”

“It’s funny.” Mariska’s voice is full of warmth. “As I drew, I could see the features you and Stuart share.”

“Really?” My little sister sparkles with curiosity. “Like what?”

Mariska’s face is adorably serious. “You have the same straight nose, and that little cleft in your chin.”

Amy turns to the mirror and laughs. “I guess you’re right.”

“But you have Sylvia’s round, green eyes.”

“You should know,” I can’t help teasing. “You’ve sketched me enough.”

Pink floods Mariska’s cheeks. “Stuart!”

Thinking of the times she’s sketched me stirs a response below my belt. I decide I’d better hit the small wet bar in the corner. The more time passes, the more confident Bill is about allowing liquor in the house. Still, we try to keep cocktail hour discreet.

“Where’s Marcus?” I say, pouring a tumbler of scotch. “I could use the backup.”

Marcus Merritt is Alexander-Knight’s go-to attorney. He’s quick and clever, and he’s done something I never thought possible—convinced my little sister to try being in a relationship for longer than a month. They’re going on a year, actually.

“He’s working on some case and couldn’t leave on such short notice.” Amy joins me at the bar. “Pour me a vodka.”

I pull out another tumbler and reach for the Ketel One.

“I do miss being able to have a fruity cocktail once in a while.” Mariska watches us from the couch.

“Oh! I have a solution!” Amy skips to the kitchen where her Mary Poppins bag waits. “Mocktails for pregnant women!”

She flops beside Mariska on the couch, holding her small tablet and scrolling with her thumb. “How about this one, Watermelon Mocktini. It’s watermelon, white grape juice, tonic water and an orange wedge.”

“Do they have anything with lemonade? I’ve been craving it so much these days.”

“Hm… Probably the Vitamin C. Hang on.” My sister continues scrolling, and I drift back to the couch holding two tumblers, my scotch and Amy’s vodka. “How about a Frost Bite? It’s lemonade, tonic, blueberries, and fresh mint!”

“I don’t think we have all of that…” Mariska glances up at me, and I lean down to kiss her forehead.

“I’ll take care of it.”

Going to the fridge, I grab the pitcher of fresh lemonade Winona has kept on hand every summer as long as I’ve been here and a few strawberries. Going back to the bar, I put the lemonade, crushed ice, and seltzer in the shaker, shake it up and pour it into a tumbler over the strawberries.

“How’s this?” I say, returning to the couch.

She takes it, and I actually hesitate. I’ve never been into fruity drinks, so this was completely off the cuff.

“Mmm!” Her eyes widen, and I laugh. “It’s really delicious! What did you do?”

I look back at the bar and frown. “I’m not exactly sure.”

“That’s my brilliant brother,” Amy gripes.

“Hey—”

She starts to laugh. “I’m only teasing. It was incredibly sweet. Uncharacteristically sweet.” Turning back to Mariska, she puts her arm around her shoulders. “Like I said, you’re a wonder.”