Page 41 of Four Stepbrothers for Christmas

And then there was Luke. Sweet, protective Luke. Concern was etched across his face, like he was trying to solve a puzzle with missing pieces. I could almost see the gears turning in his head, processing not just the surprise engagement but also its implications for our tangled relationship.

I turned my attention back to the festivities, trying to keep my mind from wandering to the inevitable complications this union would bring. For now, my mom was happy, and that was what mattered.

Mikey had remained aloof, watching as if he wasn’t a part of the scene. When he did speak, he sounded as if this were just one more thing messing up his life. “Four brothers...not exactly what I pictured.”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean, I always thought Mom would find a guy, but not one with so many kids.” He shook his head as if disgusted.

“Just be nice,” I warned him. “It doesn’t matter if you don’t like it. This is about Mom and her happiness.”

“Whatever.” He lapsed into silence.

Sal, unflappable as he’d been since I’d arrived, though I didn’t think he’d overheard my conversation with Mikey, began sharing stories of his courtship with Mom, each anecdote funnier than the last. Mom blushed but laughed along, her hand firmly in his.

I leaned into the laughter, the joy, and the temporary escape from reality. But in quieter moments, when the laughter faded and conversations dwindled to murmurs, my thoughts circled back to my own happiness. Could I celebrate my mom’s newfound love while potentially sacrificing my own? The weight of that question, of what lay ahead, threatened to overwhelm me.

Pushing those feelings aside, I refocused on the present. One crisis at a time, I reminded myself. Right now, it was about toasts, smiles, and the joining of two families.

* * *

The morning after the big announcement, I was burrowed under the covers, wishing the world away. My alarm had long gone off, its blaring insistence piercing the peaceful morning. With a grunt of frustration, I silenced it and gave into the comforting allure of the blankets.

If Mom and Sal tied the knot, where did that leave me and Isaac and the Gallo boys? The thought looped in my mind. We were already navigating the complicated waters of potential polyamory, but adding the layer of three of them becoming my stepbrothers? That was a twist I hadn't seen coming. And while society had its judgments that I couldn’t care less about, this was a line even I hesitated to cross.

Lying there, I could feel the steady thrum of my heartbeat, a rhythmic reminder of the emotions swirling within. It's a bizarre feeling, knowing your heart and mind were at odds. My heart, the hopeless romantic, whispered of love, connection, and the promise of a unique bond. My head, always pragmatic, scoffed at the impossibility of it all.

Deciding that lying around wasn't going to solve anything, I pushed myself up and padded to the bathroom. The cool tiles felt good against my feet, and the familiar surroundings of Mom’s home offered a brief moment of comfort. I turned on the shower, letting the water heat up as I undressed. The steam began to cloud the mirror, and I stepped in, letting the warm droplets cascade over me.

The sensation of the water always had a way of making me lose myself, and in no time, I was back to those all-consuming thoughts of the guys. The laughter, the warmth, the chemistry – it was intoxicating. As the water sluiced down my body, my mind began to drift to scenarios best left for private moments. The stolen glances with Vinnie, the intense conversations with Isaac, the playful teasing from Luke, and the undeniable connection with Archer. The scenes played out vividly, pulling me deeper into fantasy.

But with a shake of my head, I forced myself back to reality. Fantasies were one thing, but the reality was far more convoluted. The water was beginning to run cold, a not-so-subtle hint from the universe that it was time to step out and face the day.

A soft knock interrupted my thoughts as I threw on my clothes, and I turned to see my mother's head peeking through the slightly ajar door. Her blue eyes, so much like mine, scanned my face with a mix of concern and amusement. "Goodness, Beck, it's almost noon! You never sleep this late. Everything okay?"

Rubbing my temples, I attempted a reassuring smile. "Just been really busy lately, Mom. Caught up to me, I guess."

She stepped into the room, her delicate floral perfume wafting toward me. Closing the door gently behind her, she took a seat on the edge of my bed. "Honey, I noticed you were a little out of sorts last night. Are you... okay with everything? With Sal and me?"

I hesitated, choosing my words carefully. "It was a surprise, to say the least. But if you're happy, Mom, that's all that matters."

Her face softened, a grateful smile curving her lips. "Thank you. It means a lot. And the boys? I know you still have to work with them. It had to have been very unexpected."

I chuckled, pushing a strand of hair behind my ear. "Tell me about it. I mean, I knew Sal looked familiar. But the fact that your new beau is the father of three of my bosses? That's next level."

Mary tilted her head, her expression curious. "Are they good to you?"

I nodded, recalling the many moments of laughter, camaraderie, and genuine connection I'd shared with the Gallo brothers. I couldn’t tell Mom about any of that, of course. "Yes, they're great bosses. Really great."

She smiled, patting my hand. "There's a sparkle in your eyes when you talk about them. I can tell you really love this job, love working for those guys.” She pursed her lips and looked away, and I could sense there was something more on her mind. “And I wish this could just be all about celebrating. But there's something else. Mikey? He's been a little distant. I'm worried about him."

I couldn’t tell Mom about Mikey’s recent troubles. For all she knew, Mikey’s issues were in the past.

My chest tightened. "Yeah, I've noticed. I'm not sure what's going on. But we'll talk, okay? Promise."

Her gaze lingered on me for a moment, as if searching for more answers. But then she brightened, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "So, after Christmas, will you help me search for a wedding dress?"

I blinked, caught off guard. "Oh, yeah, ok that sounds good."

---