A Kade Christmas

“I miss the boys, though.”

I shared his grin. “Me too.”

His eyes grew distant, and he moved into me, burrowing his head into my neck and shoulder. His hand went to my hip, pulling me even more into him before lying flat on my stomach like he was holding me in place. “Can we not tell the others?”

I moved my head so I could see him better. “Keep it a secret?”

He was watching me, concerned, and he nodded slowly. “There’s something about keeping it secret. It’s just for you and me. No one else has an opinion or advice, or constructive warnings. I mean, you know my deal. My dad was a literal piece of shit to my mom, and he’s not the greatest to Analise right now, though he says he’s changed. James. Helen. Thank God for Malinda and David. Those are my parent figures. I know it’s time to get over the childhood damage, but I don’t think some of that shit ever leaves you.”

His eyes were troubled.

I reached over, smoothing a hand over his cheek, trying to literally wipe away the concern that he had. I leaned over, whispering as I touched my lips to his, “I’m down for whatever you want. We never have to tell a soul, except my dad, or we can rent a plane to fly a banner over all of Boston.”

His eyes grew warm. “Thank you.”

It was decided.

We flew back to Boston, and it felt like we were traveling in our own cocoon.

15

Present

Taylor

I needed to go in for a prenatal visit, and I still hadn’t told Logan.

This was getting ridiculous, but we were in Fallen Crest.

James showed up at the house trashed, so Logan and Nate were dispatched. Something else new happened or came to light. At this point, I was assuming it was some new drama that James couldn’t keep quiet. Either way, Logan’s father was a mess. The man was broken, which was ironic because he’d created the shitstorm, and he was the biggest baby about it all.

Since James was at the house, Quincey and I were sent to Malinda’s house. David had gone over to help the guys out. There was talk about packing, putting a house on the market, and again, the D-word was issued.

“This is insane,” Malinda announced as she, Quincey, and I were sitting at the table. She looked between us. “This fucker has ruined lives, but there are two new little ones in the family, and he’s crying that his life is over. He is a literal fucker. I want to drink, and I’m not really affected by all this.” She reached for her phone. “Who’s with me? I’m calling Heather. I want to see where she is, and then we’re calling Samantha and Analise. It’s time the women all get together, and we figure out how to deal with this asshole.” She brought up Heather’s number, dialed her, and glanced at both of us. “You in?”

I was affirmative whenever it came to Malinda, to anything Malinda wanted to do.

Quincey followed my lead. “I’m in.”

“Good,” Malinda grunted.

Heather answered then, “Mama Malinda!”

“I’m calling a Women’s Meeting. Are you in town? I’m here with Taylor and Quincey.”

Heather’s voice dropped, getting serious. “I’m at Manny’s, actually. You guys wanna come over? I can close up the back just for us. Ava’s here too, and it sounds like she needs some fellow female time.”

“We’re on the way. Give your bestie a call.”

“Will do.”

Malinda signed off and stood, grabbing her purse. It was then I realized she meant business.

Oh, boy.

I hadn’t thought this through.

Manny’s meant booze, and it wasn’t the deal where I could be in charge of the alcohol and sneak my own non-alcoholic stuff. Of course, I could tell Heather, but it still felt wrong.

I needed to tell Logan asap. This was getting out of hand.

“You two coming?” Malinda was already at the door.

I realized Quincey was still at the table, watching me with a slight frown. Her eyebrows were pinched together. She leaned over, asking in a low voice, “You okay?”

I jerked my head up. “Yes.” My voice came out louder than I intended. I stood up, the chair scraping behind me. “Yes, I’m ready. Sorry. I just realized”—the perfect lie came to me—“I can’t drink. I messed up on some medication I was taking for an infection I had.”

“What’s this?” Malinda migrated back to us.

I repeated the lie, feeling like an arsehole. “I’m so sorry. I can’t drink, but wait. I’ll be the driver.”

Quincey’s eyebrows remained pinched together, and she bit down on her bottom lip.

Malinda shrugged, turning around. “Works for me. I’m ready to tear into that weasel, so let’s get me drunk and happy before I do.”

Quincey waited for me to follow after Malinda, and I tried to give her a reassuring smile, but I didn’t think she was buying it. Her frown only deepened.