She gasped. “Okay?”
I sighed, rubbing a hand down my face. I hope this decision wasn’t going to bite me in the ass. “Okay, Anessa. I will talk to Reed first before anything final is said. But this is the last time. If you are serious and sober… okay.”
I could hear the smile in her voice. “Please talk to Reed. I will call him again in a few days. We talked for a bit yesterday, but I don’t think he is quite ready to have me a part of this yet. Don’trush him. I want it to be on his terms. Whenever you are ready to chat, please don’t hesitate to text or call this number.”
Reed must’ve been livid if he didn’t tell me she called. Or maybe he was considering the same thing as me. Either way, that’s his prerogative, and there was no use in my getting upset over that.
“We will be in touch.” Is all I could think to say. I was a few houses down from mine and desperately wanted to be warm.
“And Harper, I’m so sorry you didn’t get the same closure from your dad. But he did love you, and Bash was so sorry he left. And even sorrier, he never mustered up the courage to say so. Merry Christmas, sweetie.”
I blinked back tears. Even though the words didn’t come from him, they meant so much to hear.
“Merry Christmas, Anessa.” And with that, I ended the call.
I took a deep breath before walking into the house. I entered quietly so as not to disturb the laughter. I took off my boots and removed my coat, hoping my hands would thaw quickly.
I walked up, joining the group in my living room, and Reed met my gaze. As he saw my tear-stained face, an eyebrow quirked with a silent question. I widened my eyes slightly and shook my head in silent reply.
Wren stood up after looking between Reed and me during our silent conversation. “Harp, you want something to drink?”
“Yeah, sure. Not picky, anything but alcohol is fine!” I answered with a smile on my face.
She walked into the kitchen, grabbing a Diet Coke for herself and I. Reed moved quickly towards her as she walked back from the kitchen. They met under the mistletoe Tucker had hung earlier, at the start of the party.
I smiled to myself. He was so fucking awkward sometimes. We all looked as he pointed to the mistletoe and placed a quick kiss on Wren’s lips.
And then… oh, fuck!
Reed got down on one knee, grabbing a small blue velvet box out of his back pocket. A small gasp came from Wren, and a louder one came from her brother. She rushed to set our drinks down that she grabbed.
Tucker pulled out his phone, snapping a picture or maybe recording it while Dax watched with a smile on his face and a look of pure joy in his eyes.
“Wren Willow Callahan,” Reed started, “you have been nothing but a light in my life since that night on the beach all those years ago. Like a moth to a flame, I am drawn to you. Every sign has led me to you. You’re it for me, Little Birdie. You have made me a better man, brother, and friend, and I cannot thank you enough for that. But what I can do is promise you forever. A forever full of laughter, love, and happiness. A forever where you never have to be anyone but yourself. A forever where we get to be together. You are and always will be my past, present, and future. Wren, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”
She was too stunned to speak. She nodded vigorously, bending down to grab his face and kiss him. When they pulled apart, he placed the ring on her finger and stood to wrap her in a hug. We all gave them a minute to be in their little bubble before cheering and hugging them.
I hugged my brother, letting him know how proud I was. He whispered back, “I love you, and I know you talked to mom. It’s okay. I want her back, too.” He placed a chaste kiss on my hairline before heading over to Dax. I was speechless and watched him walk away.
Wren tapped my shoulder, causing me to turn, and we immediately began squealing. She showed me the ring, and it was absolutely her dream ring. The pear-cut diamond was at least three carats. It sat on a white gold band. It was simple, but so beautiful. I couldn’t be happier for her.
“Congratulations, Wrennie! I’m so happy for you guys.” I said, hugging my best friend.
“I love you, Harp! Thank you. I cannot believe we actually get to be sisters!”
As everyone chatted, I slowly slipped out to go sit on the stairs. I just needed a minute to breathe, but didn’t want to disappear again. I sipped a ginger ale, fighting the nausea this little bundle of cells was causing.Fuck. I’m pregnant.
My boys came to sit next to me, leaving me in the middle of them.
“So?” Cam asked.
“So?” I repeated.
Tucker didn’t tiptoe around like us. Just got straight to the point. “What happened earlier, Sugar? I don’t think I have ever seen you so worked up. And you have been through a shit ton since I’ve met you.”
I sighed, not knowing where to start.
“That bad harp?” Cam’s voice was laced with concern. Or maybe it was fear.
