Page 93 of Three Stepbrothers Save Christmas

We walk into the cabin's lounge, and my mood lifts significantly when a familiar face stands before me.

“Calvin!” I rush to him and wrap my arms around his neck.

“Good to see you too, Verity,” he chuckles as he hugs me back.

“I see you know him then,” Travis laughs. I turn around and nod.

“He watched over Jasmine a few times whenever Layton wasn’t available,” I answer as I turn back to Calvin.

“How is Luna and Chelsea? Are they okay?” I’ve only met his girlfriend and her daughter once, just over a month ago, when Calvin and his two business partners, Logan and Drew, brought them to watch our performance. Jasmine, Danielle, and I went out front in our costumes to meet Luna, as she loves ballet.

“They are good thanks. The five of us have all moved into a new house, and Luna can’t wait to be a big sister.”

“Chelsea’s pregnant?” I squeal as I throw my arms around him again.

“Has he managed to get it into the conversation already?"

I turn to see Logan walking in with Ryan, each carrying bags.

“Hey, Logan! I’m so happy for you all,” I laugh as I throw my arms around his neck, taking him by surprise, but he soon hugs me back.

“Thanks, Verity. We are very happy, too.”

I step back to see Travis, Ryan and Ethan, all watching me with smiles on their faces.

“What?” I ask, looking around.

“Absolutely nothing, Baby,” Ethan chuckles as he places an arm around my shoulders.

“Come on, let me give you the grand tour of the place and all its new features before we leave you in peace,” Calvin says as he holds out his hand, signalling for us to follow him further into the cabin.

“You know what, I can think of much worse places to be hiding out,” Ethan says as he falls onto the sofa next to where I’m curled up with a blanket and book.

“Wait until you’ve gone a full twenty-four hours without your phone and see if you feel as positive,” Ryan chuckles from his seat.

“I’ll just do as our girl and pick up a book. What you reading, Baby?”

“Just some book I found in my room.” I place the book on the side and stand from the sofa.

“You, okay?”

I turn to look at Ryan to find him watching me. They have all been watching my every move, and it’s getting annoying fast. I nod as I head out of the room.

“Where are you going?” Ethan yells after me.

“I’m obviously not going far, am I!” I call back, not meaning for there to be so much venom in my voice. For a moment, I consider going back into the lounge to apologise, but I keep walking, needing to clear my head.

As I head towards my room, I see the bathroom door’s open and notice the large bath. A deep bubble bath sounds perfect. I spot my wash bag on the side and look in it to find all my favourite toiletries. For a moment, I look inside and feel my chest tighten when I notice my blade is missing. I hadn’t planned on using it, but I can’t explain the feeling I get when I realise it's gone. It’s like a child missing their comfort blanket. They may not use it, but they like knowing where it is.

“I picked up extra bottles for you. They are all under the sink.”

I turn around to see Travis leaning against the doorframe with his arms crossed.

“Thank you,” I whisper, placing the bag on the side.

“I took the blade.”

“That wasn’t,” I start protesting, but he cuts me off.

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