“That’s what I figured. It's been a long time since you walked out of the room like that. Do you want to talk about it? The boys are planning a video game, so they are occupied.” I nodded and let her into the bathroom. “We could always talk somewhere with chairs.” We both laughed as we sat on the floor.
“So, Harpie, what the fuck was that?” Wren tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear before crossing her legs and placing her hands in her lap. She was wearing my brother’s black hoodie, leggings, and fuzzy socks. She recently cut her auburn hair to just past her shoulders and started wearing her hair down more. I loved her wavy auburn hair. It complemented her freckles that covered her pale skin. My best friend was so beautiful, and I’m so happy we chose each other all those years ago.
I sighed. “He was going to propose to Lena.” Her hand flew to her mouth. “He’s not okay, and she’s not either. It worries me. And I miss us. I feel like we have both been so busy that I barely see you, and we’ve been living in the same house. I haven't been feeling like myself the past couple of days. Walking into this house makes me sad. I don’t want to move back in alone.” I covered my face with my hands, willing myself to calm down. “I’m so scared of being alone.”
“Hey. It’s okay.” She moved to sit next to me against the door,pulling my head gently so it could rest on her shoulder. “If everything works out, I will literally be ten houses down from you. You know that either of the boys would sell their places to be with you. You will never be alone. We are all here for you. I’m sorry I wasn’t around more when things first went wrong here. I’m glad you found solace in my brother and Tucker.” She held my hand, placing both of ours in her lap. “I’m so fucking proud of you, Harper. From coping with losing your dad to finally finding yourself. This shit is huge, and I really hope you are proud of yourself too.”
A silent tear rolled down my face. “I’m so lucky to have you, Wrennie. Thank you so much. I am proud of myself. And you’re right. I’ll never be alone.”
“You should ask Cam and Tucker to move in. I think you’d be surprised at the response you get.”
I smiled. “I think I’ll bring it up. Thank you.” I looked up at her. “I think I’m ready to head back out.”
She patted my leg and stood up. She wiped her hands on her leggings and offered me one. “I can’t believe he was going to propose, but let her go anyway.” Wren shook her head. “I would’ve loved to have seen them together.”
“God, me too. That would’ve been a fun wedding. But like the saying goes, if you love someone, let them move to Oregon without expressing how you truly feel.”
We both laughed, knowing how fucked the situation was but silently hoped they’d find their way back together.
We walked back downstairs, making a pit stop in the kitchen so Wren could grab a beer and pizza. Cam and Dax were sitting next to each other on the couch placed in front of the TV and now lit fireplace. They were playing an old Call of Duty game while Tucker was taking a call at the front door. Reed sat on the floor between them, playing with his switch, and Wren sat in his lap. Honestly, the way they were obsessed with each other wasadorable. I sat on the loveseat where I assumed Tucker had been sitting before he got up.
Cam shot me a brief glance, asking me if I was okay with only a facial expression. I nodded, giving him a small smile. Tucker ended his call, wiped a hand over his face, and walked over to me. He smushed himself in between me and the couch and let out a small chuckle. With ease, he lifted me into his lap, holding me close.
He pulled me back to his chest and put his lips close to my ear. “You okay, Princess? Walking off like that wasn’t like you. And you’ve been terribly quiet.”
I swear his voice alone made me wet. I sighed, trying to regain some control of my body. “Just having an off day. I’m okay.” I turned towards him, kissing his cheek.
The night went by quickly. Dax was surprisingly chatty, which was so nice. I am so glad he came. We played both Mario Party and Mario Kart, which were my favorites of the night. I swear, Mario Party brought out my competitive side. Eventually, we were all gamed out. We just put on a movie for background noise, sat around, and talked.
“Do you guys have plans for Christmas?” Dax asked, sipping his beer.
“We haven’t discussed anything. Reed, do we have plans?” Wren asked, nudging his shoulder from beside him.
“We do not. Do you guys have any plans?” Reed pointed to Cam, Tuck, and me, who now resided on the couch, while Dax sat in the loveseat.
I looked between my two men. “Your call, Sugar. What are we doin’?” Tucker asked.
The way Wren looked at us, Cameron holding my hand and Tucker’s arm slung over the back of the couch behind me, was with so much love and admiration. It made my heart swell.
“In that case, you’re all welcome here,” I said with a smile.
“We can cook, and if you guys want to bring food, that’s cool too.” Cam chimed in.
Tuck switched positions, sitting forward with his elbows resting on his knees. “House will be done before then, too. We can put up some decor and a tree.”
I nodded, trying to swallow down the lump in my throat. “Yeah, if anyone needs to stay over then or wants to, you’re absolutely welcome.”
Wren clapped her hands. “Our first Christmas at Harper’s! Aw, I wish Lena were here!”
My eyes met Dax’s in an instant. He gave me a slight, reassuring nod. Reed broke the tension, letting out a dramatic yawn. “Alright, kids, it’s been real. I think we are going to head out. I am exhausted.” He stood up and helped Wren up. We all exchanged goodbyes, and they headed out.
“What about you, man? You saying?” Cam asked Dax.
“Nope. But I’ll help clean up a bit.” He stood up, grabbing a few discarded chip bags and empty bottles. He walked to the kitchen, and I followed since he wouldn't know where anything went. Tucker and Cam stared at me as I drained almost empty beer bottles into the sink. I silently shooed them away, hoping to talk to Dax again before he left.
As they headed upstairs, I turned to Dax. “You should go after her.” He stopped putting the leftover pizza in the fridge and stood there with the door open. “You should’ve said you wanted her to stay. She’s not okay either. You have to know that.” My voice was rising. I was frustrated. He let her go, and now what? He gets to be mopey and pretends it wasn’t his suggestion for her to go.
“I wasn’t going to get in the way of her dreams, Harper.” He shut the fridge door and turned to face me.
