Page 156 of Steps

Varen ends the call and places his phone on theisland.

“What’s up?” I ask.

He combs a hand through his hair. “They’reinviting us to Thanksgiving dinner.”

“Really?” I dip my head and peer up at him. “Mymom’s okay with that?”

“Yeah.” He touches my arm. “Dad says she missesyou.”

I gnaw at my bottom lip while considering this.

“Figured you’d want to go. Should I call him backand cancel?”

“No no, I want to. It’s just... I haven’t spokento my mom in nearly two months.”

He hauls me into his chest. “It’ll be fine. Atleast she’s trying. The holidays do that to people.”

“Hm. After reading my diary, you should know mymom and I hardly celebrated holidays. She always signed up to work on thosedays.” I chuckle short at the unhappy memories.

Varen turns his gaze from mine.

I touch his face. “Hey. What is it?”

He shakes his head and achieves a smile.“Nothing.” Then he cloaks me in a hug. “I love you, Toya.”

A smile stretches my lips as I breathe him in.“Love you too, Varen Kirby.”

“Happy Thanksgiving!” Alison greets us cheerfullyafter opening the door.

“Hey, Ali.” I hug her first. “How are you?”

“Good.” Then she embraces Varen. “Hey, littlebro.”

“No kisses with that bright lipstick, please,” hejokes. She tips to peck him on the cheek, anyway.

We take off our jackets. Alison gushes over mypurple ribbed dress and high poof. “Love the look.”

“Thank you, you look amazing, too.”

Daniel comes out of his office while I’m admiringAlison’s blue dress and loose waves in her hair.

He regards us with a pleasant look on his face.“Hey, you two.”

“Hey, Dad,” Varen replies.

Daniel gives him a light jerk of the shoulder,followed by a half-hug.

He kisses me on the cheek after.

We’re having a brief chit-chat until Mom comesdownstairs. Her lips slightly form a reserved smile when our eyes meet, and shetouches her flat stomach.

God. Is that a reminder?

I feel nervous, instantly riddled with guilt asthe memory of promising I wouldn’t move in with Varen creeps up on me. Breakingpromises aren’t my thing. But I can’t deny the love I have for Varen either.

“Hi, Mom,” I say, making the first move.

She swallows. “Toya.”

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