Brigit darted on her tiptoes and pecked Colton’s cheek. “I’ll go to her.”
* * *
Colton helpedhis momremove her coat. Then, with a rueful smile, Kimberly wrapped her long fingers around Dez’s arm and ambled down the hallway toward his office. Though Colton’s eyes stung, he cleared his throat and turned away.Stay strong.
The doorbell rang and Crockett squeezed into the foyer, thick with people. “Merry Christmas!”
Colton slapped him on the back. “Glad you could make it.” With a smile, he added, “You look good, bro. Showering helps.”
Chuckling, Crockett extended the bottle of Dom Perignon. “For toasting or to share with the fiancée. Congratulations on the big news.”
“Thanks. Great vintage.” Colton grasped the champagne. “I never thought about marriage until I met Brigit. It’s all about finding therightwoman. You next?”
“Hell no.”
Colton pointed to the bouquet. “For me?”
“You’re a smart ass, you know that? Where’s Brigit?”
“Consoling my sister.”
The knot between Crockett’s brows deepened. “Did something happen with your mom?”
“All things considered, she’s doing well.” Colton paused, then cleared his throat. “She’s reviewing her will. That upset Alexandra.”
“Totally understandable. I’m sorry.”
“Thanks.” Colton threw an arm around Crockett and the two men headed toward the kitchen. “So, how often do you talk to my mom?”
“Every week.”
“No wonder she calls you her favorite.”
“Not me.” Crockett glanced around. “That baby sister of yours has always been her golden child.”
After setting the champagne on the kitchen island, Colton asked, “Elliott, did Brigit come through here?”
“Porch,” Elliott called as he opened the oven door.
Just then, Brigit and Alexandra rose from the sofa and hugged.
“How long has it been since you’ve seen Alexandra?” Colton asked.
“Eleven years. Goth girl had just graduated high school.”
The two women scooted inside bringing a blast of chilly air with them. “Too cold.” Brigit’s teeth chattered as Colton pulled her close.
Alexandra stopped short and her eyes grew wide. “Crockett.”
After several seconds, Crockett murmured, “Hello, Goth Girl.”
The corners of Alexandra’s lips lifted. “Thanks for talking, Brigit,” she said though her gaze remained locked on Crockett. “Excuse me, I’m going to check on mom.” As she exited the room, she glanced over her shoulder before vanishing around the corner.
Like a locomotive, Chad barreled into the kitchen, escorting a blushing Kat whose white-knuckled grip choked the neck of a wine bottle.
“Kat!” Brigit exclaimed.
Kat bear-hugged her. “Hey bestie!”
