Page 220 of Redeemed

“Love you,” we both say at the same time.

We slowly move our bags to the door and put on our boots and coats. Colton and Haven look as reluctant to leave as I do. Over the past four days, I’ve watched Colton’s guard slowly lower further and further until it disappeared entirely. I even saw him laughing with Haven—with,not at.

I wish he could stay like this. He can be an asshole, but half the blame for that lands on his father. Colton’s childhood shaped him into who he is, just as mine did.

“Will I see you before graduation?” Rachel asks with those big puppy dog eyes that keep me wrapped around her finger.

“I hope so, kiddo, but we’ll see. Work and school keep me pretty busy.”

“Pleeeeeease?”

“I’ll try.” Stooping down, I kiss her on the head. “Behave for Dad, all right? And keep up on your chores.”

She rolls her eyes. “Whatever.”

Typical response. I can’t even be mad. I was way worse when I was her age.

“I love you.” I pull her into one last hug.

“Love you, too, Xan.” She squeezes me tight. “Will you call me tonight before bed?”

“Of course,” I say, voice thick.

I can physically feel my heart cracking in two as we step out into the cold winter air. Hearing Rachel sniffle right before I close the door almost has me rushing back inside and saying I’ll stay for another day. The only thing that stops me is the ache that comes along with being away from Lucas for any longer than I have to.

“Do you need me to drive?” Colt asks quietly as we walk toward my car.

I hand him the keys as my vision blurs. “I just hate leaving.”

“I’ve got you, Xan. Always will.”

A gloved hand slides into mine, and I blink back tears to find Haven gazing up at me, her eyebrows furrowed with worry.

“I’m all right, doll. It’s hard, that’s all.”

“I know,” she whispers, sounding more broken than I do.

Oh, fuck.This is what? Her fourth Christmas without her family? I didn’t even think about that.

I wrap my arm around her shoulders until we get to the car, squeezing her tight. While Colton gets into the driver’s seat, I open the front door for Haven. I don’t think I’ll be great company, so I might as well sit in the back.

Before climbing in, I turn to face the house one last time. Rachel and Dad are watching from the window, just like always, and I wave. They both wave back, and that’s when the first tear falls.

When I get into the car, Colton and Haven are quiet. I don’t say a word as we pass through town, letting the tears stream down in silence as I watch my childhood pass me by. Once we’re on the highway, drowsiness settles over me. I close my eyes as rock music plays quietly from my earbuds and welcome oblivion as it greets me with open arms.

Lucas

“Thankyouforbeinghere.”

I glance over at my little sister. We’re both in Greg’s living room. I’m sitting on the large, white sectional, and Aurora is curled up in an armchair with a blanket draped over her lap.

“You don’t have to thank me. It’s Christmas, for fuck’s sake. Of course I’ll be here.”

With a knowing smile, Aurora shakes her head. “You’re allowed to want to be with Xander, Luc. You two could work out an every-other-year arrangement. A lot of couples do something like that.”

“No. I’d never ask that of Xander. Family is too important to him.”

“Then maybe we could celebrate Christmas at a later date,” she says. “That way, you could spend Christmas with the Eldridges, and then you could both come back here and be with us for our Christmas.”

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