Page 51 of Merry Kissmas

“From what I’ve seen, he’s mature and owns his past.He’s comfortable with the man he’s become.He’s confident and respectful and knows the mistakes he made with you.”She puts her cocoa on the table.“The way he looks at you, Brynn…”

I shake my head, wanting her to tell me but not at the same time.

“It’s what I’ve always wanted for you.Just like when Tre brought Tessa home.Carter.”She rocks her head back and forth.“We’ll see what the future brings him.”

We both laugh.I like Faith, but she gives in to him a lot.

“Thanks, Mom.”

She scoots closer and hugs me.“Always.Don’t waste time fighting it.Just see where it takes you.That’s the entire point of life.”

I nod as the door opens.Looking over my mom’s shoulder, I see Pierce in the doorway, staring at us.

“It’s him, isn’t it?”my mom whispers.

“Yeah.”

“You got this, and if it goes south, the whole family will support you until you can stand on your own again.”She draws back.“And your brothers will kick his ass.”Her eyes meet mine for a few seconds before I nod.

She stands.“Hello, Pierce.”Then she glances at the television.“Brynn’s favorite movie,Surviving Christmas.It’s a good one.See you all in the morning.”She puts her hand on Pierce’s upper arm as she passes him.

His gaze is fixed on mine.My mom is right—why not just take the chance and hope it pays off in the end?

ChapterTwenty

Brynn

My mom nudges Pierce into the villa and shuts the door.

“Hi,” I say.“Where did you go?”

He takes off his jacket and boots, leaving both by the door.“I went for a walk, but it’s really cold, so I didn’t last that long.”

“Hmm… that’s kind of weak,” I joke, and he raises his eyebrows.“Yeah, okay, bad timing.”I pat the spot next to me.“Can we talk?”

He walks over and sits on the couch.

“I’m sorry,” I say, unsure how to broach this subject.It seems very adult, and I’m not always good at serious matters.

“You don’t have to apologize.It’s my own issue, and I shouldn’t lay it all on you.”His eyes remain on the television.

“Can you look at me?”

He turns toward me.“It’s fine, Brynn.I’m sorry for storming out or making you feel bad for trying to comfort me.Yours was a natural response.”

“God, Pierce, want to think for me a little more?”

He rears his head back.“I’m telling you it’s my fault.”

“I was wrong.”

You’d think I’d just told him I was pregnant with his baby with how confused he looks.“No.”

“Yes, Pierce.When I saw you in that hotel, a huge part of me wanted to walk into your room, accept your invitation for a drink, but all the anger of being ignored those months rushed back and came out.I’ve been giving you the cold shoulder, but it was a protective seal, which I now realize because of my mom.”

His face softens, and he twists his body to face me fully.“What are you saying?”

I swallow, glance at my lap, and back up.“I want to see what’s between us.”

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