Page 19 of Married to the Frenemy

“How are things at the vineyard?” Jude asks as I lean against the counter in my mom’s kitchen, the scent of freshly baked cookies and pine from the Christmas tree surrounding me.

Its twinkling lights cast a warm glow over the open living area, but my mind keeps drifting to the tiny fake tree in Haley’s cramped apartment.

Seeing where she’s been living hit me harder than I thought it would.

I’m more than aware she hasn’t had it easy these past few years, but I didn’t realize just how bad things have gotten. How much she’s been struggling. It’s why I offered her a place to live, even if she doesn’t agree to marry me.

It was rash, considering our complicated history, but I can’t just let her live out of her car.

“Things are good,” I tell Jude, although I know he’s not asking to find out about the vines or the different formulas I’ve been testing.

He’s asking to see if I’ve given any thought to his suggestion.

My eyes scan the crowded living room, ensuring no one can overhear us. With my four siblings here to celebrate Christmas Eve, the noise level is practically deafening. I haven’t seen my mother this happy in a while. It’s been years since all five of her kids have been in the same place at the same time. Probably since before Dad passed away.

Before I was sent to prison.

Still, it’s nice to have everyone together again, especially my older brother, Hayden, and his two kids.

Even if the reason he left his hospital job in Chicago and moved back home is due to his wife’s unexpected death.

“I took your advice,” I tell Jude in a soft voice, sipping on my wine. “About the vineyard. And Haley.”

“You did?” His eyebrows shoot up in surprise. “You actually asked Haley McBride to marry you?”

Hushing him, I glance toward my mother, convinced she heard him. When we were kids, she always had an uncanny ability to hear things she wasn’t supposed to, especially when we were doing things we shouldn’t.

Thankfully, she’s preoccupied with little nine-month-old Jeremiah and six-year-old Presley, both of them playing with all their new toys. We may have gone overboard with presents for them, but considering this is their first Christmas without their mom, it’s warranted.

“I did,” I confirm.

“And?” He takes a swig of his beer, leaning against the kitchen counter beside me.

“She asked to think about it. She has a kid to consider. I’m not really holding my breath, though, which sucks since Grady’s met with a few people interested in buying the vineyard.” My phone buzzes in my pocket and I pull it out. “But unless a miracle happens and?—”

I stop short as my eyes fall on the screen, Haley’s name prominent.

There was once a time it was a normal occurrence for my cell to buzz with an incoming text from her.

I don’t think I’ve received a text from her in years.

Not since I went away.

“Maybe you’ll get your miracle after all.” Jude chuckles, glancing at my phone.

“Maybe,” I murmur as I click on her message.

Haley:

Are you at your mom’s?

Me:

I am. Why?

Haley:

Can you come outside? I need to talk to you.

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