"We have a guest today, so everyone needs to behave," Mom said in her stern voice that we usually ignored.
I opened the door, finding Natasha on the porch in jeans, a cream sweater that hung off her shoulder, and knee-high boots.She handed me a bottle of wine as she stepped inside."Thanks for inviting me."
I threw a hand over my shoulder."Mom insisted."
Natasha smiled."I remember how that is."
"There was no way you were getting out of this.But hopefully, it's one and done.Now that she's welcomed you home, you won't have to come over again."As soon as the words were out of my mouth, I winced.That was not exactly what I meant to say, but the damage was done.
"Hopefully," Natasha said, and I couldn't get a read on her.Was she upset at my words, or did she take it as I meant it, as a joke?My mom could be overbearing, and I imagined not everyone would want to take part in our family gatherings.They were a lot.
Aspen approached."I'm so glad you're here.There's way too much testosterone in that kitchen."
"What am I?"Penny asked as they drew Natasha into the kitchen.
I followed slowly behind the girls, thinking that Natasha would spend the evening with them, and I wouldn't be tempted.
Instead, I was bombarded with the memories of every time Natasha came over when we were younger.How we loved to spend every minute we could together, sneaking away to be alone.But now, we were grown up, and the distance between us was insurmountable.Or at least that was what I kept telling myself.
Hudson's warning was fresh in my mind.It wasn't a good idea to stir up old feelings or revisit our relationship.We could only move forward.
When I walked into the kitchen, Mom was hugging Natasha."It's so good to have you home again."
Mom always liked her and had mentioned several times over the years it was a shame that we'd broken up.But she'd understood why.The distance was just too much.But now that Natasha was back in town for good, would Mom try and push us together?
She was ecstatic that Lincoln had found the love of his life.Would she want all of us to do the same?She wouldn't think of the ramifications on the business if things didn't work out.
"It's good to be back," Natasha said.
"I'm so sorry about your parents.It was absolutely heartbreaking," Mom said, and the room was quiet.
Natasha's eyes were shiny at the comment."Thank you."
"But I'm happy to hear that you and your sister moved home to run Mistletoe Inn and Christmas Town.I can't wait to get over there myself and do some shopping."
An easy smile moved over Natasha's face."We have a few new stores.I think you're going to enjoy it."
"They're planning a parade for the weekend after Thanksgiving.I'm really excited for that," Aspen said and talk turned to who would be involved.
I stood back, content to watch everything around me.
Hudson joined me, a drink in his hand."Are you behaving?"
"Of course I am."
"So you haven't taken her up on her offer to 'show you her view'?"He mimicked air quotes.
I shook my head, my stomach twisting."Nope."
His eyes widened."You're stronger than me.I wouldn't have been able to resist an invitation like that."
My head swung to look at him."You told me it was a bad idea."
He snorted."Since when do you listen to me?"
"What you said made sense."Even though Natasha seemingly fit perfectly with my family after being apart for so many years.She was already friends with my sister, and my mom didn't hold any hard feelings because she'd broken up with me.What if our timing was off then, but not now?
He patted my shoulder."I'm proud of you."
