Home for the Holidays

“I don’t want you to be this man’s rebound.” Right. If they checked into Logan they would know about Kelly. I don’t think my brother had to check into Logan. He seemed to know who he was all on his own.

My family might not have money like the Duncan’s did, but my dad did well, and over the years with my brother at his side they have really started to take off. They renovate and build warehouses for the most part, but they have done other projects too.

“She’s nice.” I shrug, not wanting my mom to worry over something that isn't there.

“They still work together,” she pushes. I get it. If they were really a thing at one time and this engagement was real, it might bother me too. Kelly is not only beautiful, but it’s clear she’s brilliant.

“They aren't in love, Mom.” At least I don’t think they are. When I first saw them together I did think they were a couple. Then watching them together, they fit more like brother and sister. My stomach turns at the idea that he has some hidden feeling for her.

“You know you can tell me anything, sweetheart. It will stay between us.” I swallow. I should have known my mom would pick up on the fact that something is bothering me. She knows me too well. Only a few minutes with her and she’s busted me. “Are you pregnant?” she whispers. No wonder she wanted to get me alone.

“No!” I rush to say. My whole face flushes with heat. That was not what I was expecting her to ask me.

“Oh.” Her face drops.

“You want me to be?!” I thought everyone was going to be mad that I showed up with a surprise fiancé. One that I have never brought up before. Hell, they saw me a month ago, and there was no talk of there being anyone significant in my life.

“Your Logan lives here.” My stomach flutters when she calls him mine. What is happening to me? I don’t know this man! We’ve known each other for mere hours. “So you’d be moving back home once you're married.” Ahh. That’s what this is about. A pang of guilt hits me at the thought that I’m getting her hopes up.

“We haven't really talked about that either.”

“Oh,” she says again. Then she spins around, giving me her back to pull things out of the fridge.

“Mom?”

“Yes?” She pastes a giant smile on her face.

“LA isn't permanent for me. I’m getting experience out there. Might help me get a job back here one day.”

“I know, sweetheart. I want you to do whatever makes you happy.” I know she does. “Don’t mind me. I just miss having everyone in one place.” She comes over to me, kissing my cheek. I can understand that. Beau went into the Navy, quickly becoming a SEAL. There were times he’d drop off the map. He retired because of an injury about the same time I was taking off for college. She wants everyone back here with her.

“I want you to do whatever makes you happy.”

“I was sure you were going to be on me about how fast this Logan thing is happening.”

“I married your father after two weeks.” A real smile forms on her lips now. My parents have a forever love that I’ve always admired.

“Only because it took me two weeks to wear her down.” I turn around to see my dad standing there. I jump up from my seat to rush over and give him a hug. He engulfs me in his arms, my feet leaving the ground as he spins me around. The same way he has since I was a little girl.

I open my eyes to see Logan and my brother standing a few feet back. Everyone looks to be in one piece. He puts me back down.

“You’re engaged, pumpkin.” He kisses the top of my head. I glance at Logan, who doesn't say anything. His arms are folded over his chest as he watches me. I can’t really determine the expression on his face.

“Leave them be, William” Mom says to him. He makes a grab for her, stealing a kiss.

“Why don’t you show Logan to your room so you can get your bags put away and freshen up? Dinner is in a few hours.” My dad starts to protest, but my mom puts her hand over his mouth. “She’s an adult.” She gives him a look. My brother looks like he wants to say something too, but everyone is going to be on good behavior for Mom.

“Okay.” I rush past everyone, grabbing Logan by the hand to make our escape. This isn't going so badly after all. It might actually work. Still, I hate lying to everyone. At least we get to be together for Christmas. That’s why I am doing all of this. Why I agreed to this crazy plan in the first place. So that I could be with my loved ones. There isn’t much I wouldn’t sacrifice for them. I think it’s a fair price to pay.