Page 69 of Knot your Good Girl

“You’re my girlfriend. Nothing is too much for you.”

She grins. “Only while I’m here.”

I smile back at her, and it feels like it’s a real one again.

As she pops open the box, her eyes widen in awe at the platinum bracelet adorned with a diamond-covered eternity symbol on top. Her finger slides over the design, tracing the smooth curves and intricate patterns.

“Do you like it? It matches the emblem on your pendant.”

Her tear filled gaze lifts to mine, and she nods. “I love it. I’ll wear it every day.”

“Good,” I murmur, my fingers gently clasping the bracelet and securing it around her wrist.

“Come on. Everyone else is seated.” Mom stops beside us. “Look at you getting all romantic. It’ll be a diamond ring next.”

A blush of bright pink spreads across Holly’s face. As I tenderly touch her warm cheek, I can feel the heat radiating from her skin. “Anything for my girl.”

Mom pats my back and walks away.

“You’re really putting on a good show,” Holly says as I take her hand and lead her to the dining room.

I do my best to suppress the rumble in my throat.

As dinner is being served, I notice Holly is staring at the twins again. I also notice her perfume is emitting stronger than ever before. With a gentle motion, she uses her napkin to pat her chest before placing it on her lap.

“Where’s your family for Christmas, Holly?” my father asks as he picks up his glass of wine.

“Vacationing in Mexico. I was invited, but I didn’t want to go.”

When my mother sees me, her face lights up with a smile. She thinks Holly wanted to stay with me.

“Are you an only child?” my father presses, placing his glass on the table.

“She has a twin sister,” I say. Holly glances at me and smiles. “And today is their birthday.”

“Oh, you should have told us, Aiden. I could have had a cake made.” Mom says, before pressing her lips together disapprovingly.

“Aww, today is your birthday. We should celebrate,” my sister Alicia pipes up.

“No. It’s fine. I don’t really celebrate it,” Holly whimpers.

“Of course you do. Where does your sister live? Is she close by?” Mom asks.

She slowly shakes her head. “No.”

“Is she in California?” Dad pushes. “I bet you miss her. Being a twin means having a built-in best friend for life. These two are stuck together like glue.” He ruffles the hair of the twins and then looks at Holly again. “It’s your birthday. Go and call your sister.”

“It’s okay,” Holly murmurs.

“Put her on Facebook and we can all say hello,” Alicia interrupts.

“I can’t,” Holly whispers, gliding her hand over her glistening forehead. “This is your home, and it’s rude.”

“Don’t be silly.” Mom smiles. “You’re going to be part of this family and your parents and your sister will be welcome in the future, too.”

Holly’s eyes are coated with tears as she chokes out, “My sister died a few years ago.”

Chapter 21

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