Page 18 of The Mistletoe Promise

“Tell me everything,”Arabella says as we take our seats. We’re at our favorite brunch spot, but instead of brunch, we’re doing an early dinner. It’s not just Arabella, but Juniper, and Cherry, too.

“What?” I ask, glancing around at the girls, I feel my cheeks heat as I push my hair behind her ear.

“You and Frankie,” Cherry grins.

“What about Frankie?” I ask, trying to act innocent. God, I didn’t realize that they knew.

“I saw you,” Arabella laughs. “You were so cozy together. You looked cute. We’re not pushing you about anything, Mandy, we just want you to be happy.”

Cherry nods in agreement. “That’s all any of us want for you.”

Damn it, I should have known we wouldn’t have been able to keep what happened between us a secret. I wonder where she saw us. I sigh, knowing that I’m going to have to talk about it. “He’s amazing,” I whisper, truthfully. I’ve never met someone as amazing as Frankie is. If I were a better woman, I’d be all over him in a heartbeat. But I feel broken and I’m trying to piece my life back together and Frankie deserves someone who has their shit together.

Cherry squeals with delight, clapping her hands together. "I knew it! Oh, Mandy, I'm so happy for you. Tell us everything!"

I can’t help but smile at her enthusiasm, but I feel my cheeks heat a lot more. "There's not much to tell, really. We've just been spending more time together lately, and I don't know. It feels different." Being around him while working is hard, but I like it. I like him.

Arabella leans forward, clearly intrigued. "Different how?"

I fidget, uncomfortable at saying this, but I glance around the restaurant and back to my girls. "Like I can be myself around him. He makes me laugh, and he listens when I talk about my dreams. It's just easy, you know?" I shrug.

Cherry's expression softens, and she reaches out to squeeze my hand. "Oh, Mandy, that's wonderful. You deserve someone who sees you for who you are."

I pull in a deep breath. "But I'm scared," I confess what’s been holding me back. "What if it doesn't work out? What if I mess everything up?"

"Hey," Arabella says gently. "That's a risk with any relationship. But from what I've seen, Frankie adores you. And if it doesn't work out, you'll still have us. We're not going anywhere."

Cherry nods emphatically. "Absolutely. We're your friends, we’re here for you no matter what.”

“He’s your stepdad, Cherry,” I remind her, which is also another factor that’s holding me back.

Cherry grins. “Honey,” she laughs. “I’m married to your dad. I just want you happy and if that’s with Frankie so be it. However, I can’t say the same about your dad. Derek was mighty pissed when he saw the look you two shared on our honeymoon.”

Shit, I hadn’t realized dad noticed the way we were looking at one another. My dad’s protective of me, even more so now after what happened with mom and Aaron.

“If you’re happy, honey,” Juni whispers. “Then go for it.”

"Have you kissed yet?" Cherry asks, wiggling her eyebrows suggestively.

My eyes widen at her words. "Cherry!"

Cherry feigns innocence. “What, I’m merely curious.”

I bury my face in my hands, unable to hide the smile. I should be used to Cherry’s lack of filter but I’m not. "Maybe," I mumble, beneath my hands.

Cherry lets out another squeal, and I can't help but laugh at her enthusiasm. "Oh my God. We need details!"

"It was nice," I say softly. "Really nice, actually. We were walking in the park last weekend, and it just sort of happened." I don’t tell them about all the times that happened before that or the sext times we’ve had while we were on vacation.

"And?" Cherry prompts, leaning forward eagerly.

I roll my eyes, but I smile brightly. "And it was perfect, okay? He was so gentle, and it felt like... like everything just clicked into place."

"So, what happens now?" Arabella asks gently.

My smile falters and I bite my lip. "I don't know," I admit. "We haven't really talked about it. I mean, with everything that's happened with Dad and Cherry, and the baby coming, it's complicated, isn't it?"

Cherry reaches out and takes my hand. "Life is complicated, sweetie. But that doesn't mean you don't deserve happiness. If Frankie makes you happy, then go for it. I promise, it’ll all be worth it in the end.”

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