Page 63 of The Surprise

“It totally is,” I say. “I read a study, so ithasto be true. The study said that when you’re sad or angry, even if you just force a smile or a laugh, it boosts your. . .smiling chemistry in your body and you get happier.”

“That sounds made up.” Beth pins me with a look. “It is, right?”

My lip is twitching. “You tell me?” I point at her. “Smile, and then tell me it didn’t make you happier.”

She swears under her breath. “Ethan Brooks.”

“The word you’re looking for is Elijah,” I say.

“What?”

“EthanElijahBrooks,” I say. “That’s what my mom says when she’s irritated.”

Beth’s grin widens. “You don’t say.”

“I mean, you’re the one who’s supposed to say it.” I can’t help smirking.

But when I get home that night, when I’m all alone, or you know, as alone as I ever am anymore with Gabe snoring next to me, it hits me. I should be saying my nightly prayers, but I just can’t do it.

“What’s going on, God?” I mutter. “First you give me this ranch, and I’m like elated. Then you introduce me to a girl I really like. It’s not an easy path, with her stupid dad, but we’re working it out. And then.” I sigh. “And whatever. I stopped being mad at you, because I made a plan. Like Mom says. Get off your knees and go to work. But now.” I’m just, I could scream at him. Only, that would for sure wake up Gabe.

“But now, this? What the heck is wrong with you?” I clench my fist at my side. “Who the heck has that much money and why would they want my ranch?” Then I ask the real question that’s been bothering me. “Do you hate me that much?”

I’m still angry.

I go to the clearing in front of Steve’s almost every day for the whole week before Christmas. I never see Beth there, but Steve definitely notices. He waves the first time.

The second time he sees me, two days before Christmas, he pulls his coat on and comes jogging out.

I suppress my groan.

I like Steve. I mean, I actually really like him. It’s just kind of hard to like him, because I can tell he wants to replace my dad, and that makes me want to punch him.

But he makes my mom happy.

I feel like that would make my dad want me to punch him. And thank him. It’s confusing. When he reaches the clearing, I try to shove back all my confusing thoughts and force a smile.

“What are you doing here every day?” Steve asks.

“I guess it’s become my thinking spot,” I say.

Steve nods. “It’s not a bad spot. I used to do homework here when I was a kid.”

“Really?”

He nods. “But listen, there’s something I want to talk to you about. I’ve been a little bummed lately, and I think maybe for the same reason as you.”

I can’t help my smirk. “I doubt it.”

“I don’t want you to move to Houston.”

I touch my chest. “I had no idea you liked me that much. I’m flattered, but I likegirls.”

“A little humor to distract from the sore topics is always appreciated,” Steve says. “But I’m being serious when I say that I mean to propose to your mother.”

Wait, he means topropose? “Didn’t you meet, like, five minutes ago?”

Steve smiles. “Maybe a few more than five minutes, but I know it’s fast. Do you think it’s too fast?”

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