Page 61 of Unraveling Rain
“Yeah, I couldn’t believe that the hottest teacher on campus had a thing for me, but he did.”
Gio chokes on his beer. Ruin pats his back, laughing.
“Sadly, I was involved in a car accident while Gio was in Chile visiting his family. When I woke up, I’d lost four years of memories.” She pauses to sip her water. Gio rubs the back of her neck gently. “Luckily, this man never gave up on us. He moved to Azalea Creek and had dinner at the diner every single night for a month. Then he asked me out and…”
She shrugs, smiling.
“Everything turned out the way it was supposed to,” I add, and they both nod.
“Have you ever felt a love like that before?” Rain asks.
There’s something in her tone—curiosity, maybe a hint of jealousy.
“Yeah,” I say quietly. “I used to be engaged.”
Chapter 16
Xander
The table quiets. Even the music fades into the background.
“It was a long time ago. Before I came to Raleigh. I got drafted into the league right after college. Playing for Boston was my dream growing up,” I say, remembering my childhood bedroom covered in posters. “We met during the second year of my career. She wanted to be a model, had a couple of big campaigns. Two years in, I proposed during vacation. She said yes. Everythingseemed fine.”
I pause and take a sip of my water.
“A couple of days later, my trade to the Carolina Red Wolves was announced. I had to fly immediately to Raleigh. Tiffany came back to our place to pack and left the ring on the table by the door. Said her career would always come first, so she left.”
“Damn, what a—” Miles starts.
“Miles,” Joss warns.
“Sorry, Mama. But come on.” He smiles at me.
“How long ago was that?” River asks.
“Eight years.”
Rain squeezes my thigh, and I cover her hand with mine.
“Her loss is definitely our gain. We’re happy you’re here now, Xander,” Joss says warmly.
“Thank you.” I turn to Rain. “There’s no other place on earth I’d rather be right now.”
She grins. I wrap my arm around her shoulders and kiss her hair. Applause and catcalls fill the air.
The babies fuss, and Gio and Ruin head over to soothe them.
“If everyone is done eating, perhaps we can take the annual MacAllister women’s picture now,” Granny says. ”That way, Ruin can go feed the babes.”
Everyone stands, clearing the dishes and leftovers in no time. I smile at the natural rhythm of this big, warm family.
“I’ll start the bonfire while you take the pictures,” River declares, heading toward the barn.
Rain helps Granny with her flower crown. When she looks at me, I motion toward River. She nods.
I jog to catch up.
“Mind if I help?”
