Page 112 of Single Mom's Guide to Love

Simon walks over to me and extends his hand. When I reciprocate, he pulls me up and brings me into a hug. “Welcome to the family, Logan.”

Family. That one word from Simon hits me in the heart.

I sit back down and watch as the rest of the group open gifts. I look over to Jayce, who’s playing with one of his many toys on the floor by the fireplace. I glance at Maeve, who’s laughing and smiling and looking as free as maybe I’ve ever seen her. Demetria is sitting next to her husband, who I’ll only call Mr. Banks despite him wanting me to use his first name, and they’re looking on at their children, enjoying them all in one space.

This room right now is filled with love and warmth.

This is family.

This is what I always wanted.

And all because of one night, and then one decision, I have it.

And like hell am I going to let Josh, or anyone else, take this away.

“Hello? Logan?”

“Hey Callum. Happy Christmas”

I don’t know why I was nervous to call Callum today. It’s not like we haven’t spoken in years. We have, but not frequently. We both have our lives going on—me here in the states withGameTech and him back in England playing professional rugby. Between time zones, careers, and personal lives, we don’t talk nearly as much as we should—or maybe better said —as much as we promised to when we struck out on our own.

Spending today with Maeve’s family reminded me how important family is. And what better day than Christmas to let your loved ones know that you’re thinking of them.

“Happy Christmas to you,” he says. “And, might I say, congratulations.”

I laugh and have a seat on the stairs, away from the commotion of Maeve’s family. “Thanks. I’m sorry I didn’t call and tell you about it. It’s been a crazy few months.”

“I understand,” he says. “From what I read, it seemed like it was quite sudden.”

“You can say that again.”

For the next few minutes I fill Callum in on Maeve and brush over the important parts of our relationship. I know Maeve wanted to tell her family the truth about us, and I support that, but I’m not sure if telling my brother I married a woman for convenient reasons is the wise choice after not talking for the better part of the last six months.

“Enough about me,” I say. “What’s going on with you? How’s the season treating you?”

Callum pauses for a second before answering. Which isn’t unusual. He’s done it since we were lads. It started then because he was careful about what to say, not wanting to feel the wrath from our father. It continued into adulthood to make sure he didn’t give away more than he wanted.

“We’re in season now. Off a few days for the holiday.”

“Did you spend today anywhere?”

“Didn’t leave my flat,” he says. “I was invited to one of my teammate’s family dinners, but I politely declined.”

He doesn’t need to say anything else. If I wasn’t with Maeve, I’d have done the same thing. Holidays were always a sore spot with our family. They started off full of hope, but usually by the end of the day mum and dad were at each other’s throats again.

“Is the season going well? I apologize that I don’t check the scores as much as I should.”

“Big brother…are you telling me you don’t live stream every one of my matches?”

I hesitate for a second before Callum starts laughing. “I know you don’t. And it’s fine. I wouldn’t be streaming a video game league if you were playing in it.”

“Good to know,” I say with a smile. “But please, fill me in. How are things with you?”

“Nothing much to report,” he says. “Season is going well. I haven’t got injured yet, which is always a good thing.”

“Is there anything besides rugby going on?” I ask.

“Is my suddenly-married big brother asking me if I have a personal life?”

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