Page 54 of Wilde Flame

“They do. They’re thick as thieves, just like we were at that age.”

I smiled as I watched Emeline bend down and whisper something to Katie, who seemed upset by something the two boys had said or done. She was going to make a wonderful mother someday.

“Speaking of Katie and Jimmy, Emeline and I were going to talk to everyone, since both of our families are here tonight.”

“About?” I asked, my curiosity piqued.

He suddenly seemed nervous.

I playfully punched his arm. “Levi, I’m your best friend. If you can’t tell me what’s going on, who can you tell?”

He swallowed hard before saying in a lowered voice, “Emeline and I are thinking of adopting Katie and Jimmy.”

I was pretty sure my eyes were as big as the dinner plates. “Wow. Okay, that’s a big news bomb.”

He nodded and rubbed the back of his neck. “I know, but it’s something we both feel pretty passionate about. Rhett already loves them both as if they were his brother and sister. My biggest worry was that he might be using them to replace Brooke.”

Brooke was Levi’s daughter, who was killed in a car accident nearly a year ago.

“I don’t think he’s trying to replace her. I think he’s found two kindred spirits who can remind him that it’s okay to be a kid again.”

Levi smiled, his eyes filled with relief. “Thank you, Caden. I needed to hear that.”

I placed my hand on his shoulder and squeezed. “No matter what you and Emeline decide to do, Levi, you know we’re all here to support you.”

He nodded. “I appreciate it. I hope someday, you find someone as amazing as your sister and you’ll be as happy as I am.”

I forced a smile. “Who knows. I’m not holding my breath.”

I heard voices from the front of the house as my mother raced past us. “The Mitchels are here. It’s time to start the games!” The Mitchel family owned the ranch next to ours.

Levi gave me a questioning look. “Games?”

Slapping his back, I said, “Tell me you didn’t forget about my mother’s love of games.”

A pained look crossed his face. “It’s slowly coming back.”

Laughing, I added, “Welcome to the family.”

Lilibeth

I stood in the middle of my living room, surveying my surroundings. I had another month to finish packing so I could leave my cute little rental house. I really didn’t need to be working on it this morning. The bigger problem was where I’d go next. If I couldn’t find a place to rent soon, I’d either have to turn the upstairs of my store into an apartment or move in with my mom and dad. Neither was an option I was looking forward to. Of course, there was always their tiny little garage apartment, worst case.

With a glance at my watch, I let out a gasp. “Crap!”

The Wilde family had invited my parents and me to spend Christmas Day at their place. It was nearly ten in the morning, and I was due to pick up my parents in thirty minutes. That meant I had just twenty to shower and dress. I stepped into my bathroom, took one look at myself…and frowned. Leaning closer to the mirror, I studied the dark circles under my eyes. I hadn’t been sleeping well. I knew it was partly from the stress of having to move. And partly from lying in bed each night, thinking of a certain Wilde family member…

My new phone buzzed on the counter, and I picked it up to see that my mother had texted.

Mom: Merry Christmas! Your father and I are ready to go and decided we’d like to drive ourselves. That way, if we want to leave earlier, you don’t have to go if you’re not ready.

I rolled my eyes at the phone. I adored my parents, but from the moment they found out I’d spent a couple days alone with Caden, they’d been trying to play matchmaker. I appreciated their wanting me to be happy, and I couldn’t be upset about their motives, but if they were hoping for more between Caden and me, they were going to be disappointed.

Me: Sounds good. I lost track of time and I’m getting dressed now.

Mom: I hope you’re not packing on Christmas Day.

Me: Sadly, I was. See you soon. And Merry Christmas to you and Dad! Love you both.