Page 32 of War

Despite the circumstances I find myself in, I can’t help the laugh that escapes me. Hannah doesn’t put up with bullshit. She doesn’t date, either, so it’d be hard for her to get back together with an ex. But she does have a fund she sets aside for friends who are stupid enough to date and then suffer a break up. She calls them ‘have a day’ vacations. Knowing Hannah, it involves lots of booze and lots of shopping. Sounds like a perfect day. “Fine. Send it over.” With a sigh, I take in the Christmas tree, examining the ornaments. I get caught on the tiny ballerina hung beside a hockey player. Rather than twisting, mystomach is back to flipping. Crap. I’m not sure which is worse. “Merry Christmas,” I say, ready to end the call and the night.

“Wait. You’re clearly not with Xander, so where are you?”

“With Josie,” I say, instantly imbued with some of the strength that disappeared when I discovered Xander had left.

“Aw, say Merry Christmas to our favorite girl for me. Brunch Sunday?”

“You know it.”

And if I’m lucky, maybe War will let me bring Josie along. Maybe I won’t be her aunt. And obviously I’m not her mom. But if I can find a way to be friends with War, there’s a chance I can still be someone she can depend on.

THIRTEEN

TYLER

I shouldn’t be even mildlysurprised that Xander would break up with a woman on Christmas Eve. Throughtext. Yet here I am, stumbling down the hall in shock, carrying a T-shirt and the smallest pair of sweats I could find.

He broke up with Ava.

Ava’s single.

Neither of those facts should cause this kind of tightening in my chest. Her relationship status has no bearing on my life.Shehas no bearing on my life.

Except she’s Josie’s favorite person, and my kids’ happiness is all that matters to me.

The three of them are the center of my universe.

That truth is why I’m in a rush to get back to her.

“Where are you going?” Brayden calls from his bedroom at the top of the stairs.

I stop in my tracks and peer over my shoulder. For a breath or two, I consider concocting some story, playing off why Ava is here. But I quickly think better of it. The first night Brayden’s mom chose a bar over coming home, I promised him the truth. Swore he could trust me to tell him where she was, where I was. Guaranteed that he could trustmy word. That I wouldn’t sugarcoat the difficult stuff. So I turn on my heel, clothes still in my hand, and stop in his doorway.

“Xander left without telling Ava while she was tucking Josie in. I’m not really sure what’s going on with them, but I told her she could stay tonight, so I’m bringing her clothes.”

“Dick,” Bray mutters, his focus split between me and his phone, where he’s been watching game highlights all night.

I glare at him. “Language.”

“You know you’re thinking the same thing.”

It takes more strength than I’d like to admit to fight back a smile and force seriousness into my tone. “You okay with her joining us for Christmas morning?”

Lowering his focus to his phone completely, he shrugs. “It’s your house. Invite whoever you want.”

“It’s your house too.” I step into the room and duck, forcing him to look at me. “This will always be your room. I will always be here for you, and I’ll always take your feelings into consideration. So if you’re uncomfortable with something, tell me.”

Bray runs his tongue over his lips, his eyes fixed on the wall behind me. There are a few Bolts posters on it and a jersey from last season signed by all the players. It was his birthday present. I’ve never seen the kid so excited.

It’s the opposite of how he’s trying to appear right now. Though I know it’s all an act. “Cool,” he says simply.

I raise a brow and tilt my head so I’m in his field of vision. “So? Is it okay if she stays?”

Going for nonchalant but not quite hitting the mark, he replies, “Yeah, she’s nice. And she makes Josie happy.”

I hook him around the neck and pull him into my chest, not letting go until he wraps his arms around me and gives me a real hug. “You’re a good big brother.”

When he pulls back, his lips are lifted in a genuine smile. Like me, Bray fell hard for Josie. It’s impossible not to love that little girl. Just like it’s impossible not to love this kid. “Thanks, Tyler.”

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