Page 13 of Bragg's Christmas

But I’m not going to hide in this bedroom like a scared mouse. Been there. Done that. Didn’t help the situation one iota.

I stand and march to the suitcase in the corner of the bedroom. I put together a bag of essentials for Skye before squaring my shoulders and trudging out of the room to the parking lot. Damon already has his daughter strapped in the back seat when I arrive.

“There’s no reason to be stressed about meeting my family,” he says as he accepts the bag from me and places it in the trunk. “My brothers will be too busy freaking out about me having a child. They probably won’t even notice you.”

Wow. Way to make a woman feel wanted. I nod before settling in the passenger seat for the thirty-minute drive to Winter Falls.

Neither of us speak during the drive. It’s not awkward, though, as Skye prattles away from the backseat. She doesn’t appear to notice our lack of response.

“Where does my brother Brody live?” Damon asks when we arrive in Winter Falls.

“Turn left here,” I say as I direct him to the house where his brother and his girlfriend, Soleil, are having a baby shower. My chest tightens as we get closer.

It’s not a big deal, Love.People have babies all the time. Just not me. Never me.

We park across the street from the house. My hands tremble as I release my seatbelt. Fortunately, Damon doesn’t notice as he’s already up and out of the car to help Skye.

He opens my door and holds out his hand. “Come on. We’ll do this together.”

I grasp his hand like it’s a lifeline. We don’t make it two steps before his mom, Daisy, rushes toward us. I haven’t officially met her but Winter Falls is a small town. I recognize everyone.

“Damon! I didn’t expect you.” Her brow furrows as she realizes he’s not alone. “With a small child and woman. What’s going on?”

“Mom,” he greets and kisses her cheek. He nods to his mom’s fiancé. “Lennon.”

“What’s going on?” she repeats her question.

“I’ll explain everything inside.”

She narrows her eyes on him. “You’ll explain everything this minute.”

“I don’t want to tell the story multiple times.”

Lennon nudges her. “He’s right, Petal. Let’s go inside where he can explain to everyone at one time.”

Daisy growls at him. “You’re siding with him?” She huffs and rushes inside the house with him chasing after her.

“This is going to be fun,” Damon mumbles.

Skye rolls her eyes. “It’s a party, Daddy. Parties are fun.”

He tweaks her nose. “Yes, they are, squirt.”

I clutch Damon’s hand as we make our way to the house. His presence next to me feels strong and protective as if he can defend me from whatever storm awaits me inside. Too bad it’s all an illusion.

“Go on. No one’s going to bite you,” he encourages at the doorway and I step inside the house with him.

“About damn time,” his brother Brody declares.

“I have some explaining to do,” Damon begins.

Chapter 6

I knew Damon’s secret. I knew Damon’s secret. ~ Message from Brody to the Bragg brothers

Damon

Istare at my brothers and mom who are all staring back at me with their mouths gaping open. Thankfully, everyone else at the party has been herded into the backyard by Love Hill.

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