Page 36 of Four Stepbrothers for Christmas

I sighed theatrically. "Fine, I'll play along. But honestly, Mom, if you've got another George Clooney look-alike in hiding, you need to share."

Mom winked, looking mischievous, while Sal wrapped an arm around her, looking like he'd hit the jackpot.

Seeing them like this, so fresh and so in love, warmed my insides. If Sal made her glow like she was, he was okay in my books. We chatted for another hour or so while waiting for my brother’s flight to land and I caught sight of him wandering over to us.

I took a deep breath, trying to dispel the frustration gnawing at me as I watched Mikey casually make his way out of the terminal. His minimalist style hadn't changed; just a carry-on slung over one shoulder. I remembered how we used to joke about his ability to pack his whole life into one bag.

Mom's reaction to seeing Mikey was like witnessing a child finding a lost toy. Her face lit up in a way that made her seem years younger. She sprinted, her heels clicking against the tile, and enveloped Mikey in a hug. From where I stood, I felt a pang of irritation. When had they last shared a genuine embrace like this? When was the last time he allowed her such joy?

I watched Mom and Mikey speak, part of me wondering how long it was going to take before he broke her heart again.

Lost in the swirl of my emotions, I almost missed Sal's approach. He moved with a natural ease, yet there was a keen sharpness in his eyes. "You okay over there?" His voice had a gravelly undertone but was surprisingly gentle.

I blinked up at him, my inner turmoil momentarily halted. "Oh, yeah. Why do you ask?

Sal’s intense gaze scanned my face, making me squirm internally. "You've got that 'I'm about to kick someone's ass' look," he noted with a smirk.

I chuckled, but it was edged with irony. "Nah, just tired from working and getting ready for the holidays. But, thanks for noticing."

He continued to scrutinize me, those familiar, although brand new, eyes, studying my every feature. I had to fight the urge to hide.

"You sure?” he asked me, concerned. “We planned lunch, but if you're not up for it..."

Shaking my head with more enthusiasm than I felt, I replied, "Lunch sounds perfect. I could use a good meal. And," I added with a grin, "a chance to interrogate Mom's new man."

He let out a deep laugh that rumbled through his chest. "Oh, I'm ready for it."

I liked this guy already. He was friendly but fearless, and the way he looked at Mom made it clear he was crazy about her.

Yet, as we trailed behind Mom and Mikey, I couldn’t help the tension coiling in my stomach. On the outside, Mikey appeared fine, joking and laughing, making plans for the holiday. But I'd been on this roller-coaster with him for too long to be easily deceived by his façade. My trust, once freely given to him, had eroded over time, chipped away by countless betrayals and empty promises. Now I was stuck in this loop of hope and skepticism, always wary, always watching. No matter how desperately I wished things could go back to the way they were, the scars of the past were a constant, looming shadow.

Chapter 23

Archer

The gentle lurch of the plane touching down pulled me from my reverie. Outside, Maine sprawled in its frozen glory, the trees and fields dusted with the signature frost of winter. I'd always been mesmerized by the sight, and every time we returned, it felt like the first time.

I immediately whipped out my phone, quickly dialing Dad’s number. The familiar tone rang in my ear, but there was no answer.He's probably out, busy with something,I thought.Man can’t stop working to save his life.

"We've got the address, right?" I asked.

Luke gave me a quick nod, his fingers flying across his phone screen. "Just sent it to you. Check."

Outside, our car had arrived, the sleek black machine waiting patiently for its passengers. Climbing in, Vinnie could barely contain his enthusiasm. "Looking forward to seeing the old man," he said, his voice echoing my own anticipation. "Though it’s a pity about Gia and Guilia not being able to join us. But Italy during the holidays is quite the experience."

The memories of our childhood visits came flooding back. Cobblestone streets, the echoing laughter of our relatives, and the tantalizing aroma of fresh pasta and sauces.

"We need to head back there soon. I bet Nonna's already sending the evil eye our way for not visiting," I mused.

Vinnie chuckled, his face glowing with mischief. "Remember the last time? She hit you with her wooden spatula.”

I laughed at the recollection. "All for stealing a cannoli. But that thing hurt!" I feigned rubbing my arm in remembrance, making Vinnie guffaw even louder.

Luke’s voice carried a hint of nostalgia when he said, “Can't believe it's been so many years since we’ve been back. But you know, Italy's more than just memories. It’s a part of who we are.”

Vinnie, always ready with a quip, said, "Well, it's a part of three of us at least." He playfully nudged Isaac.

Isaac might not have been blood, but that was only a technicality as far as we were concerned. He’d been around our family long enough to be part of the brood.

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