Page 79 of Perfect Boy

“Hey, did you look inside of it, Phoebe?” I nod my head toward the bag in her hand. “Might be something inside. You never know.”

Squealing, she quickly unzips it, pulling out the two new leotards I got her. I had to ask my sister what the hell size she’d be and what color, but since she seems to be loving her ballet class, I thought it would be a fitting gift.

“I love them!” she yells, holding up the sparkly pink and baby blue leotards. “Mommy, can I put one on right now?”

“Why not?” Nora laughs. “Live your life, girlfriend.”

Giving me one last squeeze, Phoebe disappears into the bathroom, followed by Nora.

“What a big softy you are,” Ryann coos, scooching closer to me. “Who knew Brooks goalie did things like order leotards and custom dance bags?”

Throwing my arm around her, I kiss the side of her head. “Full of surprises, babe. Full of surprises.”

“That’s how I know I raised my boys right.” My mom smiles at Ryann before pointing to Jameson and me. “They might have all given me some gray hairs over the years, but they are good boys. Even Carson—even though I could kick his ass for not being here.”

Ryann looks at me, her smile reaching her eyes. “This one is a good one for sure,” she says softly.

Though my brother is missing and Christmas morning has never quite felt right since my dad died, this Christmas is one of my favorites. Because Ryann is here. And she fits with my family so easily. Last night, we all played charades and card games. This morning, Jameson and I cooked breakfast while she hung out, sipping coffee with Mom and Nora. My sister, of course, made sure to share some embarrassing stories of me when I had been a kid.

It all seemed so perfect.

If the immigration officer could see us now, he’d leave her alone. He’d understand that this is real. And it’s genuine.

But I have a feeling in my gut that it’s not going to be that easy.

Ryann

Phoebe hugs both of us good-bye, still wearing the adorable leotard Watson gave her. Something about a man who isn’t afraid to show his sweet side…is hot.

Really hot.

Jeanine throws her arms around Watson before moving to me. “I’m sorry for being so cold to you when y’all told me the news that you were married. I was just in shock. My boy, well, he’s never been one to jump into something so serious. Usually, he’s my patient one. My boy, who overthinks and waits until every duck is perfectly in its spot in the row before he makes a move.” She looks from me to her son. “I know that he must have felt strongly about you though. Because for once, he thought with his heart.” Her eyes find mine again. “And I can tell not only that you really love my Watson, but adore him too. And that right there is enough for me to love and welcome you into our family with open arms.”

An odd expression passes over Watson’s face, and I feel my heart sink.

Way to blow my cover, Jeanine. Here I thought, I was playing it cool.

I do love her son. Of course I do. But I can’t tell him that. Especially now that Officer Hewett has told me basically my only choice is to sign an annulment and leave Watson. Forever.

Releasing me, she raises her eyebrows. “That being said, y’all don’t be strangers, you hear? Come visit an old lady from time to time.”

A lump lodges itself in my throat, making it damn near impossible for me to talk. My heart breaks because I know I’ll likely never make it back here. And that this Christmas was the closest thing to a real one I’ll ever get. A house that felt more like any home I’ve ever known, but one I’ll never return to.

But slowly, I force myself to nod. “We sure will. Thank you for having me.” I attempt to smile, but it’s next to impossible. “I really, really loved being here for the holiday.”

“Thank you for the candles and wax warmer.” She winks. “You already found the way to my heart.”

I wish I really were this woman’s daughter-in-law. I wish that Nora was my sister-in-law too. And the tiny humans hugging Watson and my legs? I’d give anything to watch them grow up. And to introduce them to Riley even though she always says she hates little kids.

No one could hate these two kids. There’s no way.

Giving his sister one last hug, Watson grabs our bags and looks at me. “Ready to head back?”

No, is what I want to say. I want to stay here, in this bubble where nothing can hurt us. Where no one is waiting to tear us apart.

But that’s not how life works. Life doesn’t care if it hurts you. Life just moves on to the next person like nothing ever even happened. And I…well, I’m no stranger to pain. But something tells me that losing Watson Gentry might just bring a whole new agony I haven’t felt.

And to be honest, I’m scared.

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