Page 27 of Mistletoe and Mischief

Landon runs a hand through his hair. “I did. She was dressed all business-lady-ish. I followed her to an SSSS Christmas Eve brunch. She wasn’t running from us.”

Blake and I share another surprised look.

“That’s surprisingly mature of you,” I admit.

Landon shrugs, looking away. “Let’s not belabor it. She’s coming back. We’ll talk to her then. But I looked up the event on the SSSS website and this is where they announce the winner.”

I park behind Landon then he joins us in my car. Thrumming my fingers on the steering wheel, I can’t handle the silence of staring at her empty house. I can’t wait to see her, knowing that my baby could be growing in her belly. “Let’s focus on the roles we can play now that there’s no contract.”

Blake says, “But if she presents a new one, we sign.”

Why this doesn’t feel like a complete disaster to me is a little elusive. “Yeah, but I like this feeling that we could have a real relationship with her, not a legal agreement.”

Landon grumbles, “What do you think a marriage certificate is?”

The thought of marrying her someday feels me with hope. “That’s a piece of paper I’d sign in a heartbeat.”

“Except only one of us can,” Blake says. “The other two will have to sign legal agreements. It’s the way other groups in town are doing it.”

Landon scoffs. “If we get to that point.”

A blue Audi drives past then parks. Trent gets out and heads our way. Shit! The last thing we need is further complication. Convincing Jasmine to keep three of us in her life is going to be hard enough.

“Suppose he’s going to lecture us?” Landon says.

Blake answers, “He looks nervous, not mad.”

Trent gets in the backseat with Landon.

I take the lead. “This isn’t a good time, Trent.”

Trent leans forward, his eyes intense. “I think I know a way to help Jasmine understand.”

Help? That’s unexpected.

Landon snorts, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “Because things worked out so well when you dated her?”

Trent’s jaw clenches. “If you’re so sure you’ve got this, tell me to hit the road.”

I’m about to hit the child-lock button when Blake says, “How do you think you can help?”

For a moment, I think Trent might bolt or vomit. I take my finger off the child lock. It takes several deep breaths, but then he straightens, a determined look crossing his face. “I want to be part of this.”

Landon remains grumpy. “Great, we can split the rejection four ways.”

I try to find peace. “What’s your plan?”

Trent shakes his head. “I won’t say it until Jasmine’s here.”

I study Trent’s face, searching for any sign of deception. Finding none, I nod slowly. “Alright. I’m willing give you a chance.”

Landon groans. Blake agrees.

Landon shakes his head at us. “Whatever. None of it’s going to matter if she’s winning that SSSS award right now. She’ll double down on being single.”

Eighteen

Trent

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