She jerked her head, her eyes widening, completely caught off guard.
“Hello, Roxanne.” Pearl circled the counter, offering her hand. Roxanne noticed the slight shake.
It must’ve been intimidating getting together with all her dad’s children at once in an unfamiliar place. She hadn’t thought about that. Roxanne took her hand and placed the other over their clasped hands.
“It’s so nice seeing you again.” Roxanne smiled and held on to her hand, hoping to make her feel at ease. “I’ve been on my dad to have you come visit. I’m so happy you’re finally here.”
“Me too.”
Roxanne released her hand, dropping the bag of food on the counter. “This is Holden.”
He rushed forward and shook her hand. “Are you Roxanne’s dad’s girlfriend?”
Well, that’s a mouthful.
“Um,” Pearl seemed completely caught off guard and Roxanne snickered.
That was one way to break the ice.
“Yes, she is.” Roxanne winked at Pearl. “Where is everyone?”
“Emory is using the bathroom, and your father and Ethan are …”
She clamped her lips when her dad and brother walked into the kitchen with Emory a few steps behind. Her dad walked over and gave her a hug.
“Dad, this is Holden, Jonah’s brother.”
Her father reached out his hand with a welcoming smile.
“I’m not the one who hit Roxanne’s car and then ghosted her. I’m the other one.”
Her father laughed and walked around the counter and stood next to Pearl. He placed his hand on her back, and she leaned into his side. It was a move she’d seen before with her parents. If her mother seemed a little uneasy, her dad would always try to settle her with a simple touch.
Roxanne smiled at the new couple. This was good.
“So, Pearl, are you coming for Christmas?” Emory asked, catching everyone off guard, especially Pearl. It was still over a month away, but Roxanne had started mentally preparing.
Pearl glanced up at her father. It was clear they hadn’t discussed it yet. Maybe they were waiting to see how this visit turned out. Roxanne was going to take the decision out of her hands.
“It’s a three-day event. Christmas Eve, Christmas, and the day after. I suggest coming a few days earlier, though.” She held up her hand. “And plan to stay for New Year’s.”
Her father chuckled. “And if you need any help planning your trip, Roxanne seems to be volunteering.”
Yes, I am.
****
Jonah slid open the patio doors leading to the backyard. There was talk about having a fire in the pit, but everyone seemed content inside near the fireplace. The temperature was unseasonably cool for this time of year. Jonah walked to the cooler and grabbed a beer. When he straightened, a waft of smoke filtered through his nose.
John Garrison had a large parcel of land, mostly wooded. He scanned the trees in the distance. Surely if there was a fire, he’d see it.
He stepped off the patio and rounded the house, stopping short when he spotted the culprit. He flattened his lips andconsidered sneaking away unseen. It was obvious she was taking a minute to herself. Jonah could understand. For as kind and welcoming as the family was, there were a lot of them with big personalities and a past she wasn’t a part of.
Pearl turned, taking a drag from her cigarette, and locked eyes with him. Her gaze widened, and there was a flash of panic in her eyes, followed by a blush so bright he saw it in the dark.
She quickly exhaled, and a gust of wind directed the smoke toward Jonah. She waved her hand, shaking her head.
“I’m so sorry.”
