Page 51 of Three Stepbrothers Save Christmas

Ryan's lips lift on one side as he reaches over and threads his fingers into the hair at the back of my head. He applies pressure, and our lips meet in the middle. It’s a slow, loving kiss, just like that first one the other day.

He pulls away just as I start to want more before remembering why we are here. These men are going to break my heart if I’m not careful. They are making it very hard to keep them at arm’s length, as I know I should.

“Do you want me to come in with you? Or stay here.”

“You can come in if you want, but I understand if you can’t stay. She can be a bit much,” I offer with a smile. I like the idea of having some support in there. It can be hard sometimes, and the thought of Ryan holding my hand through it gives me a little more strength.

“Come on then, let’s go and see the birthday girl,” Ryan chirps as he climbs out of the car. I take a deep breath before exiting the vehicle and heading where he awaits me. He takes my hand, and we walk to the entrance, as I hope she will at least remember me today.

We walk into the communal lounge a few minutes later after briefly chatting with a carer I recognised and signing in. As usual, I use a false name. They all think I’m her friend's daughter, so her Doctor doesn’t realise I have been here. He told my dad the first few times I came, which caused a huge argument. Since then, I have lied to the staff about who I am. I know a few suspects, but they never say anything.

When asked who he was, Ryan introduced himself as my boyfriend, which was a bit of a shock, but I liked how it sounded. He’s never really felt like a stepbrother anyway. The carer tells us that my auntie is in a lovely mood and has even come down to the lounge, which is uncommon for her. He offers to take us all to her room for privacy, but I can’t move her if she’s so happy.

We enter the lounge and see Auntie Trish surrounded by balloons and banners I had forgotten I’d dropped off the last time I visited. One look at her, and tears fill my eyes. She looks so happy as she laughs with the carer sitting beside her. She looks up and sees us entering, and her smile gets even more prominent.

“Jellybean, you came!” She jumps to her feet and rushes to me with her arms open. Ryan lets go of my hand and steps to the side as she engulfs me in one of her special hugs. I can’t remember the last time she recognised me immediately, let alone called me by the nickname she and my mother gave me before I was born.

“Happy birthday, Auntie Trish,” I whisper as I close my eyes to fight back the tears. This is just what I needed. A hug from my auntie is like having a hug from my mum.

“Hey! What’s with the tears?” she asks, holding me at arm's length.

“They are happy tears, I promise,” I smile at her. “I’ve missed you.”

“Well, I’ve missed you too.” She threads her arm through mine and turns her attention to Ryan. “Do I know you?”

Ryan smiles, shaking his head.

“No, Ma’am, I’m Ryan,” he says, holding out his hand.

“Oh, don’t come that formal rubbish with me. I might be crazy, but I’m not old,” she announces as she lets go of my arm and pulls Ryan in for a hug. He laughs before hugging her back.

“It’s good to see someone has snatched up my favourite niece,” she winks as she turns around and walks back to her chair. The carer has vacated the one next to her for us, and Ryan signals for me to take it. Auntie Trish turns her full attention to me and smirks. “Why does he look so familiar?” Trish asks as she turns and frowns at Ryan. Suddenly, she clicks her fingers and jumps a little in her chair. “You are Ryan Donavan, no? Verity’s stepbrother! You have two brothers!”

Ryan bursts out laughing.

“How do you know that?” he asks, looking between me and Auntie Trish.

“Well, Jellybean told me all about you and showed me some pictures on her phone, of course. She talks about the three of you all the time. I knew she liked you all,” Auntie smirks as she looks at me. “So, you finally snatched one of them up? Or are you copying your little friend and doing all three?”

“Auntie Trish!” I exclaim, looking around, checking who would have heard her as Ryan bursts out laughing.

“Something like that,” he laughs.

“Ryan!”

I bury my face in my hands, so embarrassed. I haven’t come to terms with the fact that I have two boyfriends and a daddy. I certainly had no intention of my auntie ever knowing!

“Oh, my sweet Jellybean, there is nothing wrong if you are. Who cares what society thinks?” my auntie laughs beside me as she takes my hands and lowers them. She takes my face in her hands and looks at me lovingly, she looks just like my mum but a little older.

“You, sweet girl, have the biggest heart and so much love to give. It makes sense you would love all three.”

From her soft, warm face, I look at Ryan, who is smiling at us from where he stands. He gives me a small wink, and I realise I feel a little less embarrassed by it all.

Auntie Trish chuckles as she kisses my cheek and sits back, looking happy and content.

“Now, as it’s my birthday, I insist we have some tea and cake. I know the girls said there was some waiting for us, so let’s see if we can get it now.”

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