Page 33 of When It Snows

Dad growls. “Watch your language, young woman.”

“I’ll watch my language if you’ll finally apologize to Scarlett.”

Everyone stares at me and my cheeks darken. “Um, he doesn’t need to apologize.”

Hazel squeezes my hand. “Yes, he does. His behavior has pushed you away. This is literally the first Christmas you’ve been home in a decade because of him. I don’t want to lose you.”

“I don’t want to lose you either,” Sadie chimes in.

“Hell,” Thomas mutters before raising his voice. “The girls are right.”

Ian nods in agreement.

I smile at my siblings. Except for Hazel, they’re usually too afraid to side with me when Dad and I fight.

“Fine,” Dad grumbles. “I never meant to make you feel as if you can’t come home.”

I wait but apparently, he’s done.

“I got this.” Hazel jumps to her feet and stands behind Dad. “I’m sorry I judged you,” she says in a very poor impression of him. “I never should have said you were putting on airs or acting as if you were better than the rest of us. I was trying to protect you, and I was scared of what would happen to you at college.”

Dad doesn’t stop my sister. In fact, when she finishes, he nods.

Tears well in my eyes. For the first time since I can remember, I can feel my dad’s love for me.

“Thank you,” I whisper since I’m afraid speaking will make me cry.

Mom wipes her tears away. Unlike me, she’s not afraid to cry. But, judging by the smile on her face, they’re happy tears. “Who’s ready for some pie?”

I gather the dishes but a knock on the door has me pausing. No one stops by the farmhouse without giving us prior notice.

“I wonder who that could be.” Hazel skips to the door. “I knew it!” she shouts after she opens the door. “Come in. Come in.”

Who has her this excited?

“Merry Christmas.”

I gasp. Weston’s here. What is he doing here? More specifically, what’s he doing here decked out in a bootlegger costume?

Hazel drags him to the table. “Your boyfriend is here!”

I groan. Dad is going to have a field day with this one. He doesn’t approve of me dating. Considering Mom’s history, I understand his fears, but he needs to realize I’m an adult.

“Hi, precious,” Weston greets.

“Swoon!” Sadie shouts. “He calls her precious.”

“This is the best Christmas ever!” Hazel yells.

“Girls, calm down,” Dad orders. “Please introduce us to your guest, Scarlett.”

My mouth drops open and my heart stops. I’ve never heard Dad act this polite before. If this is a new side of him, I’m all in.

“Mom, Dad, this is Weston Milton.”

Weston smiles at my parents who are now standing together at the head of the table. “Mr. and Mrs. Harris. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.” He shakes my dad’s hand before kissing Mom’s cheek. She blushes in response. Blushes!

Thomas growls. I roll my eyes.

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