Page 18 of You're To Blame 2

The twins and I sat on the sofa watching a classic holiday movie. Cinnamon and pine filled the air. Melissa’s home was professionally decorated. Me and mom decorated the interior of our house. Dad hired a company to display the lights in our yard. There wasn’t a nativity scene on our lawn like the Forrester’s. They spared no expense around the Christmas holidays.

Rapid footsteps pounded the stairs.

“Carson and Emma, Happy Thanksgiving.” He grinned.

“Happy Thanksgiving, Tate,” they shouted.

He scooped up Carson and sat him on the other side of me.

“Hey?” His little brows wrinkled.

“Sorry, little man, this is my spot.” He sat on the sofa next to me. He looked handsome in the heather gray cashmere sweater. The navy dress shirt peeked out the top. I almost forgot he was the devil and not Tate. My heart sank. Tate had been gone for weeks. This holidaysucked. I didn’t feel like being amongst our families. Lying in bed would have sufficed. Emma and Carson served as a nice distraction. I could use them as an excuse not to be alone with him. He slipped his arm around my shoulder and nuzzled my hair.

“You smell good, Chelsea.”

My body shook against him. I wished I could run and never look back.

“Dinner is served,” the chef announced.

My heart beat again.Thank god.

Mason intertwined our fingers and escorted me into the dining room. Emma and Carson rushed to their seats.

Our parents sat amongst us clutching their wine glasses.

“May I have everyone’s attention?” Mason’s deep voice bounced off the walls.

“You have the floor son,” Brian smiled.

Mason held my hand and dropped to one knee.

“Chelsea, I am so happy to have you back in my life. I never thought I’d get this chance.”

Sure, you didn’t, snake.

“You are the love of my life. Will you marry me?”

The fake plastic smile filled my lips. “Yes, Tate.”

He slid the oval diamond onto my finger. Cheering erupted around the room.

Mason swung me around and kissed my lips. I was so tired of faking it.

Our mothers asked Mason and I several questions halfway through dinner.

“Chelsea, do you have any idea when you’ll tie the knot?”

“Melissa, yes. Christmas.” I smiled from ear to ear.

“In London.”

Dad choked on the turkey breast.

“Are you ok, Dad? Why, should we wait?” I peeked at Mason, rubbing his hand. “Right, Tate?”

He could barely muster a smile he was so upset. Yup, I threw a monkey wrench in his plan. I needed to save the real Tate. This farce had gone on long enough.

“Where do you two plan to live?” Mom asked.

---