Page 13 of A Cowboy Home for Christmas
Savi rolls her eyes. “Whatever.”
“If Lauren decides to leave, there will be no stopping her. You do realize that, right? And I’m not talking about this holiday. She can sell Gunnar’s ranch, take the money, and leave. Push her further Savi and watch how often you see the girls.”
“Is she threatening to leave?” Savi’s phone rattles on the counter when she finally sets it down.
“What’s keeping her here? A sister-in-law who fights her around every corner?”
“You’re keeping her here,” Savi snaps. “You’ve always been the one keeping her here.” The stool skids as she slides off and tramps to the cupboard.
“It’s shit like this you throw at her that has her hurt and confused,” I growl.
“I don’t know why.” Savi sets two Christmas-themed mugs to a collection on the counter.
I give her a look. I know I don’t have to spell it out.
“What?” Savi lifts her arms. “She didn’t love you-know-who,” she mocks in a low whisper.
“She loved your brother.” My mother’s eyes sweep to mine. “She just wasn’t in love with him.” It’s almost as if she’s reassuring me. Like she knows all the insults Lauren hurled at me not five minutes ago.
“What’s the difference?” Savi leans her elbows on the counter. Her cell phone is perched in her hands again.
“If you have to ask my dear, you’ve never been in love.” My ma pats my sister’s shoulder as she passes to grab a bag of mini marshmallows.
Savi makes a harrumph sound, but she’s more interested in posing for a selfie with the pot of cocoa.
“There was a better way to handle this. You should’ve let Lauren and the girls have a peaceful Christmas. It’s their first one without you-know-who.”
“Be that as it may, we can’t change it now.” My mother reaches across and covers my hand. “So, shall we move forward in the best way we can.”
The doorbell rings like a sign she’s right. A Christmas tune plays through the cabin.
“The decorations are here!” Lark speeds to the front door.
“I’ll get mommy!” Clara bolts toward the stairs.
I point my finger at my sister. “You behave.”
“I’ll try to behave, but there are so many other options.” She pouts her lips as she walks to meet Lark at the front door.
My relaxed holiday vacation is starting to give me a headache.
My mother comes around the counter and hands me a tray of mugs with steaming cocoa. “As a mother, I understand why Lauren stayed with your brother. But you can’t help who you fall in love with. I support you, sweetheart. I support, and love you both.”
“What if she decides to leave?”
“She’s overwhelmed. I don’t blame her. Savi played a shitty card. Give Lauren a minute to catch up.”
The issue is, Lauren’s already threatened to leave. But I keep it to myself. I don’t want to put further strain on my folks.
I set the tray of cocoa on the coffee table.
“I’ll take one, son.” My father raises his hand, and I carry him a mug.
“Be careful, they’re hot.” My ma helps the girls with their mugs.
“I wanted whipped cream,” Clara says.
“I’ll get it.” I head to the kitchen when I spot Lauren descending down the stairs.
