Page 12 of A Cowboy Home for Christmas
Angry at his family.
Angry at my best friend.
But angriest at myself for never standing up for me.
“You don’t have to explain today, but at some point, you’re going to have to explain to the girls that they have a half-brother.”
“Or I could move far away, because your family has made it very clear whose side they’re on.”
“It’s not about sides.”
“I have spent the last six years doing everything right and it’s still never enough. Y’all welcoming Alison here on my first Christmas as a widow, proves that in spades.”
“Whether you like it or not, my brother did this. Not my family. And they’re trying to navigate through it the best they can. Meanwhile, you’re throwing a tantrum like a child. You weren’t in love with Gunnar. We both know that. If he’d told you about Alison, what would’ve you done?”
“This ain’t about me. It’s about my girls. A divorce would’ve crushed them.”
“So would’ve growing up with parents who resent one other.”
I feel my world spinning all over again. “I’m staying the week. For my girls. But enjoy it, Barker. Enjoy them, because when we get home, I’m selling the house and moving as far away from this drama as I can.”
***
BARKER
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“What the hell wereyou two thinking?” I hit my palms flat on the surface of the kitchen counter. I’m as quiet as I can be, considering beyond the stone wall and log archway behind me, the twins play catch with their pawpaw. He sits in the living room as they toss a large rubber ball printed with a reindeer pattern.
But my head is a damn mess. Would Lauren really pack up the girls and take off? And what drama is she trying to escape? Savi and Alison and all the talk around town? Or me? Has our time apart opened her eyes in a new direction? One that doesn’t involve me? My insides clench at the thought.
My ma and sister glance up. Guilt washes over my mother’s face, but Savi wears a rather proud look for her part in inviting Alison. She scrolls her phone without looking at me.
My ma measures sugar, cocoa powder, and salt into a saucepan. “Savi invited her. I was as surprised as you.” She whisks the mixture together, before adding water to help it dissolve. She’s been making her famous homemade hot cocoa since I was young. The cinnamon she adds during the holidays reminds me of Christmas.
My mother lowers her voice. “But I couldn’t very well send her away. She is carrying you-know-whose baby.”
I would ask how certain she is the baby is Gunnar’s, but I knew before any of my family. I knew before my brother’s death.
I tap the counter in front of Savi. “You should’ve given us a heads up.”
My sister scoffs at me. “Us. He says it like they’re a couple.Us. He defends her like they’re a couple.Us.” Her bitter stare meets mine. “You can’t even wait six months after burying your brother to score his widowed wife.”
“Savi, mind your manners,” our mother hisses.
“Things are not black and white.” I’m running low on patience.
“I know. I invited Alison, remember? That situation ain’t black or white.” Her smirk only further knocks down my patience.
“You’re both lucky she didn’t rip the twins from their magical Christmas and take them home. A magical Christmas I arranged, by the way.”
Savi’s gaze pops up to mine, without moving her head. “With a shared bathroom to Lauren’s suite. Don’t think we didn’t notice.”
“And yet, you seem to be the only one who cares.”
Savi’s gaze whips to our mother and then our father, as if she’s only now realizing they aren’t against me and Lauren.
“I will kick Alison out before I let Lauren and the girls walk out.”
