Season's Greetings : Christmas Box Set

“I wonder what the courts would think of this tape. Or the interviews of the customers who were literally afraid for Faye.”

“This is one instance.”

“Did I mention I have cameras taping outside the front of my office?”

I turn to Preston, furious. “You went to his job?”

“I wanted to let him know,” Preston mumbles.

“Let him know what?” I scream.

“That you’re his,” James says.

I shove Preston. “I belong to myself.”

“I don’t think any lawyer in their right mind would grant a misogynistic, raving lunatic full custody, do you?” Warren asks from where he’s leaning against the wall.

“Probably not even partial.” James shakes his head. “That’d be too bad.”

“What do you want? Money?”

“No. I want you to leave my sister alone. You will see Flora on her terms, and if you ever try to blackmail her into anything again, this will go viral.”

“N-No. We don’t have to let things come to that.” He shakes his head. “You’re not worth it.”

My hand is moving before I can think. His head snaps back. “Fuck you, Preston.”

Suddenly, James is between us. “Time for you to leave.”

/> Warren tugs him onto his feet and ushers him out. My mind spins as I take in the turn of events.

“Breathe, baby. It’s okay. He’s gone.”

“James,” I whisper.

“I’m right here, love.”

I bury my face into his neck, inhaling his scent, and enjoying his warmth.

“We’re so sorry, pumpkin. We had no clue what he was like.”

“But you knew what he did to me.” I turn as James supports me. “And that should’ve been enough. I know you guys worked hard to support us, but we were happy. We had a good childhood, and if that’s what Flora has, she’ll be blessed.” I grab my mother’s hands in mine. “Stop thinking you let us down when we were kids. Because you didn’t.”

“No, but we did now, and as much as I’d like to take that back, I can’t. Neither of us can,” Dad says softly. “I think it’s time we accept the fact that our baby girl is all grown up and fully capable of making her own choices. We support you and your choices, baby. We want to watch Flora for you while you work. We’re retired and ready to put our time toward something worthwhile.”

“Dad, I couldn’t do that. You just retired last year.”

“And he’s already going crazy in this house.”

“What she’s not saying is I’m driving her crazy, too,” Dad says sheepishly.

I laugh, relieved to have them back in my corner. I won’t pretend their snubbing didn’t hurt, but they’re here now, and they’ve apologized. I need everyone in my corner.

“You did this for me?” I whisper shakily to James.

“There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for my girls.”

“I think we should let these two talk a bit,” Mom says as the room clears out.