Total pages in book: 110
Estimated words: 107803 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 539(@200wpm)___ 431(@250wpm)___ 359(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 107803 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 539(@200wpm)___ 431(@250wpm)___ 359(@300wpm)
Levi gave me a questioning look. “Games?”
Slapping his back, I said, “Tell me you didn’t forget about my mother’s love of games.”
A pained look crossed his face. “It’s slowly coming back.”
Laughing, I added, “Welcome to the family.”
Lilibeth
I stood in the middle of my living room, surveying my surroundings. I had another month to finish packing so I could leave my cute little rental house. I really didn’t need to be working on it this morning. The bigger problem was where I’d go next. If I couldn’t find a place to rent soon, I’d either have to turn the upstairs of my store into an apartment or move in with my mom and dad. Neither was an option I was looking forward to. Of course, there was always their tiny little garage apartment, worst case.
With a glance at my watch, I let out a gasp. “Crap!”
The Wilde family had invited my parents and me to spend Christmas Day at their place. It was nearly ten in the morning, and I was due to pick up my parents in thirty minutes. That meant I had just twenty to shower and dress. I stepped into my bathroom, took one look at myself…and frowned. Leaning closer to the mirror, I studied the dark circles under my eyes. I hadn’t been sleeping well. I knew it was partly from the stress of having to move. And partly from lying in bed each night, thinking of a certain Wilde family member…
My new phone buzzed on the counter, and I picked it up to see that my mother had texted.
Mom: Merry Christmas! Your father and I are ready to go and decided we’d like to drive ourselves. That way, if we want to leave earlier, you don’t have to go if you’re not ready.
I rolled my eyes at the phone. I adored my parents, but from the moment they found out I’d spent a couple days alone with Caden, they’d been trying to play matchmaker. I appreciated their wanting me to be happy, and I couldn’t be upset about their motives, but if they were hoping for more between Caden and me, they were going to be disappointed.
Me: Sounds good. I lost track of time and I’m getting dressed now.
Mom: I hope you’re not packing on Christmas Day.
Me: Sadly, I was. See you soon. And Merry Christmas to you and Dad! Love you both.
Relieved that I didn’t have to rush now, I stripped out of my clothes and jumped into the shower. I spent way too long picking out an outfit and ended up settling on black leggings and a Christmas sweater dress. I paired it with my brown ankle boots and wore my hair back in a pony. Just a bit of mascara, blush, and lip color, and I was ready to go.
As I took a last glance in my full-length mirror, I attempted to convince myself that I wasn’t trying to impress anyone. Rolling my eyes, I let out a soft laugh and grabbed my jacket and purse because of course I was trying to impress someone.
When I finally arrived at the ranch not long before noon, I typed in the gate code they’d given us and drove down the long driveway to Ladd and Vivianne’s house. There was a plethora of cars and trucks already parked. I spotted my parents’ vehicle and parked next to it.
I grabbed my things and made a quick dash to the porch and up the steps. The door opened before I could even knock. Emeline stood before me, a smile on her face.
“I was worried you weren’t coming when your parents showed up without you.” She pulled me into the house and hugged me.
“Why wouldn’t I come?”
Shrugging, she took my coat and purse and hung them up. “The whole thing with Caden.”
“Emeline, I told you already. Caden and I are adults, and everything’s fine between us.”
“I know, I know! I was still worried. You’re just in time, though.”
“In time for what?”
She wrapped her arm around mine and led me in the direction of all the voices. When we stepped into the living room, I glanced around.
The entire Wilde family was here, except for one of Emeline’s uncles. My parents were seated on the sofa, chatting with Nellie and Gus Wilde, Emeline’s grandparents. Levi’s parents, Sam and Oliver Tucker, had also been invited. Behind the sofa stood a small circle of men—all Wildes, and all too handsome for their own good. Caden and Gatlin were speaking to their father, Ladd. They seemed to be having a deep discussion. It was the first time I’d seen Caden since the days we’d spent together.
I forced myself to look away so I wasn’t caught staring.
“Vivianne,” I said, as I made my way over to her. “Thank you so much for inviting me.”
Emeline’s mother stood, pulled me into a tight hug, then pushed me out to arm’s length. She gave me a once-over—and her brows drew down ever so slightly.