Page 97 of The Refiner

But I think Astor knows that. And I think he doesn’t care. It’s his daughter’s first Christmas, he won’t let it be anything less than perfect.

“You ready for Auntie Keys to read you a story?” He scoops Tatum up in his bulky arms and grabs the phone, heading for the rocker Piper bought when she was pregnant, and sits.

Grabbing the new book I picked up at the bookstore yesterday, I turn to the first page, and do what I look forward to all day. I read to my loves.

Astor

Halle opens the door, dressed in an apron. “You made it!”

“Of course. We wouldn’t miss Christmas Eve lunch.” I considered it, though. Tatum decided it would be fun to stay awake most of the night.

Ever since Keagan went back home, I’ve only seen her through video chats when she reads to Tatum.

We haven’t talked about her decision or how much time she still might need to come to an answer. All I know is neither Tatum nor I have been able to sleep since she’s been gone. I find myself making excuses just to talk to her.

Me: Which bow is she supposed to wear with this outfit?

Keagan: Where are you going?

Me: The park.

Keagan: Are you meeting anyone?

I almost lied, just to see if she would get jealous. But I don’t want to play games with Keagan. If she wants to be with me, then I want her to come to me without any influence. She has enough doubt to deal with; she needs to be sure when she decides.

But I’m growing impatient.

“Come on in before your brothers burn down the kitchen,” Halle says, seeming like she’s actually worried.

“You let them cook?” I don’t think I’ve ever seen either of my brothers make a meal.

“Ha! That would be better than what’s actually going on.”

I look at Tatum finally asleep in her carrier. Traitor. Could she have not done this at two a.m.?

“Should I leave Tatum in the living room?” If there’s a shitshow in the kitchen, then I’d like to keep my daughter from being collateral damage.

Halle turns, thinking about it. “How ‘bout I take Tatum and you go handle your brothers?”

The way she offers makes it sound like I’m getting the shittier deal, but after doing nothing but waiting and worrying over Keys, dealing with someone else’s drama might be a refreshing change.

“Okay, but don’t blame me if the fine China gets broken in the process.” Vance is not known for his calm demeanor.

Halle takes the baby and waves me off. “It wouldn’t be the first time.”

With that comment, I walk into the kitchen and see boiler pots on the stove and Remington on the island with a lit cigarette between his lips. “I got fifty bucks on Duke,” he says, pointing to the table where Duke is standing on one side and Vance the other.

“Why Duke?” I ask absently, trying to figure out what’s going on.

Remington blows out a ring of smoke and laughs. “Check out his hand.”

I expect to see scratch marks or swelling like Duke had already landed a few blows, but that’s not what I find.

“Holy shit,” I mutter.

“Yep. Looks like baby brother beat both y’all bitches to the altar.”

At the mention of altar, Vance’s gaze snaps to me. “He fucking married her!”

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