Page 116 of Three Stepbrothers Save Christmas

“I’m home, Sweetheart, and I’m never leaving you again.”

60

Travis

In all the years I have lived in this house, it has never felt more like home than it does now.

When I got off the phone with Verity yesterday, Nicholson called me to his office. He informed me that I had done all that he needed and asked if there was any way he could help give Verity the Christmas she deserved.

I have heard a lot about the bastard over the years and know people who have disappeared after wronging him. But there is one thing that he respects above all else, and that’s his kids. So, seeing the truth behind Henry’s intentions for his daughter was all he needed to develop a soft spot for Verity; his son wasn’t too worried about the wedding being called off. It turns out he didn’t want to marry her anyway; it was just something that needed to be done.

I explained to Nicholson about the lack of decorations and that the guys hadn’t even been able to get together food for a Christmas dinner, and he went out of his way to make sure I had everything we could need for a full Christmas feast. It may have gone in my favour that I just saved him a few million in taxes and hidden even more from the authorities. Saving people that amount of money can put you high up on their good list. He let me leave just after five yesterday evening, and I headed straight to Verity’s childhood home with a boot full of food and drink.

The place was dark and felt strange when I arrived. I could see damage in the lounge where Henry had obviously lost his temper and smashed a few things, mainly things that belonged to Verity. I’m unsure if the guys told her, especially when I saw the damage he had done to some of the Christmas decorations she had spent hours hanging around the place. I had packed up anything salvageable and piled them into the car, as well as things we could put to use, mainly alcohol and snacks, before getting my head down for a few hours. I set an alarm for three and set off just after, planning on surprising Verity in the best possible way, and I managed it with the help of my brother.

Spending the day with our girl and seeing her smiling was the best Christmas present any of us could have asked for. But as much as she has smiled and laughed, there are still signs that the cracks are slowly developing in her well-built armour, and the fall isn’t far away.

I spoke to my brothers as we decorated the room this morning and they told me that she has been okay, considering everything she learned. We know that she hasn’t had time to process everything, and me being away would have kept her mind occupied, but I plan on speaking to her tomorrow about a few things. I want her to have one happy memory from this Christmas.

Looking around, I see Ryan and Ethan playing a round of poker, but Verity isn’t in the chair she sat in a moment ago. I had been so lost in my thoughts I hadn’t noticed her leave.

“Where’s she gone?”

“She said something about getting a drink,” Ethan answers, not looking from his cards. I pick up my glass and head into the kitchen, where Verity stands over the sink, washing up. Her hands are moving in the water, but she isn’t looking at what she is doing. It’s almost like she’s on autopilot while staring out of the window.

I watch her for a moment, waiting to see if she notices me, but she doesn’t. She stares out the window, no longer even washing up. It’s not until I see her lift her arm and wipe what is probably a tear from her face that I let her know I’m there.

“There is a dishwasher, you know,” I point out as I walk up behind her and wrap my arms around her waist from behind.

“I know. I just wanted to get them done quickly,” she answers. I lean my chin on her shoulder, and she instantly leans her head against mine.

“Do you want to try that one again, Sweetheart?” I ask, knowing she’s lying to me. She shakes her head and goes back to washing up by hand.

“Not today. Can we just focus on spending Christmas together and enjoying that you are home?” she turns and looks at me. “Please?” one look into her beautiful eyes, and I nod smiling.

“If that’s what you want, then that’s what will happen.” I kiss her lips before removing my arms from around her waist and retrieving a tea towel from the drawer.

“You wash, and I’ll dry. Then we will go into the lounge and open the very expensive bottle of champagne I received yesterday,” I wink as a more genuine smile spreads across her face, and she nods. “Good, now how about a little music?” I connect my phone to the Bluetooth speaker and play a random party mix.

Verity giggles when the Spice Girls come on, and we start laughing and singing along together. Before long, I take hold of her hand and spin her around, causing her to laugh and squeal loudly.

“You are ridiculous!” she laughs as I pull her into my arms and dance.

“Ridiculously in love with you, Sweetheart, and don’t you forget it,” I wink before kissing her and forcing away all the worry, even if for just one day.

61

Verity

Yesterday was by far the best Christmas I’ve had since my auntie had her accident, maybe since my mum was alive.

The guys spoilt me rotten, not just with gifts but by spending time with me and making the whole day fun. Sometimes, my mind would wander to my father, wondering where he was or if he was still alive. But each time, I forced myself to think of other things and concentrate on what matters. My new family, my three guys and me.

“Baby Girl, what do you want for lunch? We’re having turkey and stuffing sandwiches. Do you want one?”

I look to Ethan and nod from where I’m sitting in the lounge, with a new Kindle Travis had got me for Christmas. I’m currently reading ‘Broken Butterfly Dreams’ by Euryia Larson. Not that I’m taking much in, thanks to the hangover from a full day of drinking yesterday.

“You okay, Baby?” Ethan asks, tipping his head to the side slightly.

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