Page 114 of Seeds of Christmas
“For seeing me. The real me. Not the perfect version I try to be.”
“Rhi.” He tilts my chin up so I’m looking at him. “The real you is my favorite version. Always.”
I believe him.
And that might be the biggest change of all.
23
CARTER
In the evening, Rhi goes back to her place to change and get ready. I take a shower, stare at my closet for way too long trying to figure out what to wear to a party at a house I haven’t been to in over a year.
I settle on dark jeans and a flannel—casual, easy, not trying too hard.
Jake’s in the living room when I come out, already dressed and clearly excited. “You nervous?”
“Little bit.”
“Don’t be. It’s just a party. Same stupid house, same stupid people, same stupid traditions.” He grins. “But with better music, because I made the playlist this year.”
“That’s not reassuring.”
“It should be. My taste is impeccable.”
My phone buzzes. Rhi.
Ready when you are. Come get me?
Of course, darling.
I grab my jacket and keys. Jake looks at me, and there’s something serious in his expression.
“Hey,” he says. “I’m really happy you’re coming.”
“It’s just a party.”
“It’s not just a party. You’re coming home. That’s big.” He claps me on the shoulder.
I have to swallow hard. “Thanks, Jake.”
“Anytime, brother.”
When I pick up Rhi, she looks beautiful—dark jeans, boots, a sweater that makes her eyes even darker. Her hair is down for once, not in her usual practical ponytail, and it makes her look softer. More relaxed.
“You look amazing,” I say when she gets in the truck.
“You clean up pretty well yourself.” She leans over to kiss me. “Ready for this?”
“As ready as I’ll ever be.”
“If you need to leave early, we leave. No judgment.”
“I know.” I take her hand. “But I don’t think I will. I think I’m actually ready for this.”
“Good.” She squeezes my fingers. “Then let’s go bring in the new year with your brothers.”
The Alpha Phihouse looks exactly the same as it did when I was last here for New Year’s two years ago.
