Regardless of what we do, Jase’s parents will never accept me and this baby as part of their family. I know that deep down, but my need for stability keeps me pretending it isn’t the truth, and agreeing to take them up on their invitation.
“We’re going to spend Christmas Eve with your parents tomorrow, Jase. They invited us, and it’s the least I can do since I am, after all, living for free on their property.” I hate the words as I say them, but I’ve never been ungrateful toward the King family, even when they deserved it.
I know what’s been said about my family and how we’re viewed among the people of Crossroads. I’ve even witnessed firsthand how fake and welcoming Magnolia’s been toward me, but regardless, I somehow have always cared what she’s thoughtof me. Call it a need for some sort of maternal compassion even if she’s not the ideal motherly figure, having her own reservations about the lives of her children. Regardless, much like many people in town, I’ve cared too much about how I’m seen by the Kings.
Tomorrow night is all about making a good impression now that I’m going to have them in my life for the foreseeable future.
Jase’s gaze finds mine, completely shocked by what I’ve said. “But they were complete assholes to you, Monroe. Not to mention I still haven’t spoken to my dad since we found out…” He pauses, but I finish the sentence for him.
“Since we found out we share a brother?” It sounds crass, but that’s exactly how it is. “We should put that on this year's Christmas card.”
I try not to let my gaze stay on him for too long, but it’s nearly impossible when he looks this good all the time. Dressed in black slacks paired with a dark grey dress shirt that fits him like a second skin and wraps around every inch of muscle, he looks like he’s just walked out of an issue of GQ Magazine.
When he catches me staring, he lets out a low chuckle that rumbles in his chest as he shakes his head and runs a hand through his unruly locks. “Yeah, it’s a bit fucked, isn’t it? We haven’t really talked about it either.”
My eyes focus on the way his arms flex as he picks up a large wooden crate from the kitchen floor. He was on his way to the bar before he stopped by to drop off some crates of bourbon from a local distillery he’s giving away as presents to his siblings and my brother’s. Now he’s returned to take one over to the bar for a special sampling he’s having with some investors he’s been working with to potentially expand Stingers Tavern.
“I’m sure we will in a few days when we spend Christmas Day with Bailey and my brothers.” Jase grimaces, and I know he’s dreading that outing as much as the one with his parents. Thingshave been better between all of us, but that’s only because no one’s been eager to address the chaos that’s occurred between our families in the last month. Everyone seems content with just sweeping things under the rug and dealing with them at a later time.
He shifts nervously, setting the crate back down before joining me at the kitchen island. Reaching for me, he takes my hand in his. “What if we just skip out on both? You, me, and our little bear should just stay in this year. Make it a new tradition. I’ll start a fire, you can cook something delicious, and we’ll snuggle up on the couch…”
“Whoa, now, boy. Steady,” I interrupt, pulling away slightly. The way all of that sounded pretty damn good should be a warning that we need to be surrounded by as many people as possible. The holidays bring people together and get everyone in their feelings, and that’s not something Jase and I can afford to get swept away in. Especially after our kiss and the emotions of seeing our baby for the first time just a few days ago.
“Let me stop you right there. Not what this is, remember.”
“Oh, but it could be. Come on, think about it. What’s the risk? You and I can have a little fun, fulfill each other's needs. It’s not like I can get you pregnant again. Ouch, fuck, Moonshine,” Jase groans as I smack him on the head.
“Not funny, jerk. Your siblings aren’t going to dinner with your parents. The least we can do is show up, eat with them and be on our way. I’m actually starting to like my family again, at least most of the time. I’ll be spending Christmas with my brothers and your sisters. Come if you want, or don’t I don’t care.”
“Fine, but only if I get to unwrap you as my present when we come home.” Just as I’m about to smack him again, he falls back laughing.
“You should see the look on your face, Moonshine. So fucking adorable, I might just keep you.”
“Stop with the indecent comments, Jameson.”
“In all seriousness, though,” he says, wrapping his arms around my waist. “What if we stop pretending this isn’t what we want?”
My stomach flutters at how easily he touches me, like it’s nothing when the slightest touch feels so intimate. I’m enjoying it too much, which is why I try my best to keep my distance, but Jase is determined to push me into wanting him too, or at least admitting how much I wish he would.
“What are you talking about?”
“I’ve been thinking about it for quite some time. Actually, if I’m being honest, from the beginning really, but especially after the appointment the other day. You and I, we’re living together now. We’re having a baby, and somehow everybody still thinks they have a say in what we do or don’t do. Everyone thinks it’s their business to judge us for the decisions we make. What if we took the power out of their hands?”
I push him back, escaping his embrace because this conversation feels heavier with his arms around mine. He’s clearly not thinking clearly. “Jase, I have no idea where you’re going with this, and I’m actually scared because you’re not making any sense.”
“What if we tell everyone we’re together? That way, they can all stop judging us for what we do or don’t do, and we’ll have time to figure it all out on our own without all the noise. Without my parents badgering us about how wrong this is. Without the town whispering about it every time they see us.”
I recall the run-in we had with two of Magnolia King’s closest friends as we left the clinic. They greeted Jase with warm smiles and loving hugs, yet when they turned to me, it was as if I didn't exist. Like I wasn’t standing right next to him. It bothered memore than it should have. Especially the condescending stares they gave me as they walked away, whispering something that sounded a lot like, ‘Mags is right, she’s ruining his life’.
My hands tremble as he continues. “Even your brothers will have to accept it if they see that we’re all in. This is more than just us having a baby together. It’s us starting a family.”
“No one’s going to believe it.”
“Why not? They already believe you fucked me.”
I shake my head as he paces around, startled by his forwardness. “Yeah, and I’m starting to question my sanity because of it.”
That makes him smile, and fuck does he look good when he does. “Oh, come on, you know you love me. What’s not to love?”
