Only Christmas

“But it wasn’t enough,” Hunter says. “You wanted to try and embarrass my wife. Did you really think I didn’t know what you’ve been up to? You used my own security team.” Charlotte’s eyes widen.

Wait, what are they talking about now?

“I did that for you. You should know what you’re getting into. Her mother is a whore and a thief. I was trying to protect you.”

“What?” I ask. I'm missing something that happened clearly.

“Her mother is sick. She has something to at least point to why she does the things she does. You don’t. You’re a greedy little girl who can’t stand the word no or the idea of being outshined.”

“What about my mom?” I pull on Hunter’s arms that I’ve wrapped myself around.

“I found her, angel.” My stomach drops. “She’s alive.” I close my eyes when they start to burn. Hunter’s warm hands cup my cheeks as he places a kiss on each of my eyelids. It only makes me want to cry more. “I know you’ve been worried, so I had my security track her down.”

“Is she okay?” I open my eyes when I feel him tense. “Hunter.”

“Know that she’s fine and safe right now. We talked her into going to a treatment facility in Arizona. She’s actually on my plane en route to there right now. That’s the only reason I left the house today.”

“You saw her?” I croak.

“I’m sorry. I probably should have told you but I was worried how it might play out and didn’t want to get your hopes up.”

“I can’t believe you did all that.”

“I’ll do anything for you, angel. All you have to do is ask.” Tears slip down my cheeks.

“Thank you. I pray that she’ll stay this time.”

“She doesn’t have much of a choice this time, angel. She and I had a very long talk. I believe she wants help, but she’s scared. She actually signed over guardianship to you in hopes that it might win some good faith from you and so that she doesn’t try to leave.”

“I don’t know what to say.”

“You don’t have to say anything.” I lift up on my tiptoes and press my mouth against his.

“How is this happening? You’re actually picking her. You’re in love with her,” Charlotte says, reminding me of the fact that we happen to be in the room with other people.

Hunter drops his hands from my face. The sweet, soft expression that he was wearing falls away. He’s about to lose it. I press myself into him, knowing it will help calm him. Getting into a shouting match with Charlotte would be pointless.

“This was the final straw, Charlotte. I warned you when I married Sophia that you better not start pulling your old tricks. You really are your mother’s daughter. You need to get help. Until you do, you’re out of my life,” Edwin tells her. There is no missing the sadness in his words.

“Daddy.” Charlotte’s whole demeanor changes in the flip of a switch.

“Don’t.” He cuts her off. “Like I said, you’re out of my life until you get help. I don’t want to hear from you until then. I’ll even get you the best care.”

“Fuck you!” she hisses.

“That’s enough,” Sophia shouts, catching everyone off guard. “I tried to help you, Charlotte. I begged my son to give you a job. I’ve tried with you and this is how you repay me.”

“I’m leaving.” Charlotte tilts her chin up high as she crosses the room. “You’re not my mother.” She glares towards Sophia as she goes.

“No, she most certainly is not.” Edwin is almost seething now.

“You’re stupid if you don’t think she’s after your money. Why else would anyone marry you? She’s a—” Before I know what I’m doing, I close the three steps that were separating us, lift my hand, and strike her across the face.

She gasps, stumbling back a few steps. Hunter’s arm wraps around my waist from behind, pulling me back from her. Charlotte starts to scream and shout. Marco grips her by the arm and begins pulling her from the room.

Hunter spins me around to face him. “Angel.”

“I don’t know what came over me,” I blurt out.

“Did you hurt yourself?” He lifts my hands, checking my palm before he kisses it.

“I’m fine.”

“That was amazing.” Sophia laughs.

“I’m sorry.” I look at Edwin.

“I’m the one that’s sorry. Please tell me you’re both staying for Christmas still.”

“They better be,” Sophia rushes to say.

“We’re staying,” I answer, knowing Hunter will want me to decide. “Family is supposed to be together for Christmas.”

“Oh, sweetheart.” Sophia’s whole face lights up. She pulls me in for a hug but only gets a half one because Hunter is holding on to me still. “Maybe next year your mom will join us.”

“Maybe.” I rest my head on Hunter’s chest. He runs his hand up and down my back. Marco returns only to collect the rest of the unwanted guests.