You Will Be Mine (Forever and Ever #7)(32)

I felt terrible that she had such a horrible past. I wished I could wash it all away. Never in my life had I felt pain on someone’s behalf. “Yeah, they’re alright.”

She turned to me, her green eyes mesmerizing. “What now?”

“When we go downstairs, my mom will hand out our ugly sweaters. She makes them herself.”

“What a cute tradition,” she said warmly.

“And then tomorrow, we’ll head to my uncle’s house and spend the day there. Theo will be there, so you’ll recognize one face.”

“I’m sure it’ll be great,” she said quietly. “Thanks for letting me tag along.”

“Sure. Who says friends can’t be your family?”

“Yeah,” she said with a smile.

“Ready to go down?” I asked.

“Sure.”

We headed downstairs and saw my family gathered on the couches. My dad had his arm over the back of my mother’s seat, and Trinity sat on the other couch, her phone in her hands.

Beatrice sat next to my sister and I sat on the other side of her.

“Do you go to school with Conrad?” Trinity asked.

“Yeah. It’s my last year too,” Beatrice answered.

“What are you going to school for?”

“To be a lawyer,” she said plainly.

“So cool,” Trinity said with wide eyes.

“Thanks.” Beatrice’s cheeks tinted slightly.

“Okay, now for the sweaters,” Mom announced. She handed the boxes around to each of us, including Beatrice.

Beatrice took it hesitantly. “I get one?”

“Of course you do.” Mom gave her an encouraging smile before she opened her box.

Mine was brown and had a reindeer carrying a litter of kittens. Trinity’s was pink with a bunch of Christmas squirrels. My dad had a bear that was trying to climb a chimney.

“Yikes, these are hideous,” I said.

Beatrice examined hers then chuckled loudly. It was a giraffe looking down a chimney while Santa was on the snow-covered lawn. “This is adorable.”

“It’s okay if you think it’s ugly,” I said. “That’s the point.”

“It’s not ugly at all.” She stared at it fondly then felt the fabric in her fingertips. “I love it. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” Mom gave her a bright smile then pulled the sweater over her own blouse. “Everyone get ready.”

We pulled the sweaters on then headed to the front yard. Patches of snow covered the ground, and our roof was caked with powder. My dad set up the camera on a tripod then held the clicker in his hand.

“Kids in the middle,” Mom said.

“Mom, I’m taller than you,” I argued.

“Who isn’t?” she challenged.

I stood beside Trinity then waved Beatrice over. She was standing off to the side. “Come on.”

“No, it’s okay.” She kept her distance. “You guys take the picture together.”

“Nonsense,” Dad said. “Get in here.”

She smiled then stood beside me.

Mom stood on the end then wrapped her arm around my waist.

I put my hand on Beatrice’s hip, touching her in that place for the first time. Despite how innocent it was, my heart sped up. I wished I could touch her more, even hold her. But I knew that wasn’t possible.

Dad stood at the very end with the clicker in his hand. “Alright, on the count of three say reindeer poop.”

“Reindeer poop!” we yelled.

Dad took a few pictures then stepped away. “Alright, I want a few with just your mother.”

I rolled my eyes. “We may as well go inside because they’re going to start making out.”

Beatrice chuckled. “Still in love?”

“Unfortunately.” I nodded toward the house and we both walked inside.

Trinity came behind us, sighing.

“What’s your problem?” I asked.

“I miss Slade,” she said sadly.

“Then go to his place,” I barked.

“He’s spending the evening with his family.”

“Tell someone who cares.” I sat on the couch in front of the fire with Beatrice next to me. “I told you my family was annoying.”

“They aren’t annoying,” she said. “They’re really nice.”

“If you say so.”

My parents came back inside with the camera.

“Dinner will be ready in five minutes,” Mom announced. “I hope you’re hungry.”

“I am,” Beatrice said.

“Me too.” Trinity lay back on the couch and touched her stomach.

Dad approached Beatrice. “Can I get you something to drink?”

“Water, please,” she said.

“I’ll take a beer,” I said.

“Get it yourself, asshole.” Dad walked into the kitchen.

Beatrice laughed. “You guys are funny.”

“My dad treats my mom and sister like queens but he treats me like garbage,” I said.

“It’s probably a guy thing.”

I shrugged. “Maybe.”

***

After dinner and hot cocoa, everyone trailed to bed. I stayed downstairs in front of the fire because Beatrice hadn’t moved. She sat next to me on the couch, her eyes watching the flames dance. The Christmas tree was in the corner, shining bright and illuminating the house.