Page 7 of New Year's Day

I glance to my right to find my wife standing there, her delicate brows drawn together, her lips forming into the slightest frown. She looks upset. It’s not every day you discover that your ten-year-old is trying to sample champagne.

At least it wasn’t tequila.

“I didn’t punish him.” I shrug, wondering if I should’ve. “I just told him it was completely out of line and he’s too young. He’s only ten for the love of God. Oh, and I blame August for convincing him to try it.”

“August is very…pushy sometimes,” Wren murmurs. “And all Row wants is to earn August’s approval. He’ll do anything to gain it.”

That was me with my brothers. I idolized them and they were complete and utter dicks toward me most of the time. Being the baby of the family sucks. “I’ve been in his position before.”

“And you turned out just fine.” She’s smiling as she steps closer, her arms going around me so she can clutch me close. “Look at you.”

“My brothers were dicks,” I admit, studying her beautiful face. All these years later and she’s still just as gorgeous as when I first saw her. Maybe even more so.

“Sometimes they still are.” Her smile grows and then she’s laughing. “Oh, they’re the worst. But I miss them this year.”

“I miss them as well.” They’re celebrating with their own families, not wanting to make the trek out here, which worked out for them considering the snowstorm. “Don’t forget that Whit can be pretty bad too.”

“He’s terrible,” she agrees with a grin. “But I love him. And he loves his family more than anything else, which counters any of his bad qualities.”

“I love my family too.” I kiss her because I can’t resist my Birdy. “We’re going to have to keep Willow under lock and key when she becomes a teenager.”

My gaze goes to our only daughter, who is currently laughing over something Iris said to her. Those two adore each other and I’m glad Willow has a cousin to always hang out with when we have these family get togethers. So does our youngest son, Beau. But poor Rowan?

He’s the odd man out.

“Willow,” I suddenly call. My daughter turns her head in our direction. “Come here for a second.”

“What are you up to?” Wren asks but I just flash her a quick smile.

Willow whispers something to Iris before she makes her way over to us, nibbling on a bacon wrapped shrimp. “Is everything okay?”

“I wanted to ask you a question,” I start but Willow cuts me off.

“No, I didn’t try any of the champagne.” She stands a little taller, her nose tilted in the air. “I wouldn’t dare.”

I send a quick look to Wren, wondering if she’s seeing what I’m seeing.

She is truly her mother’s daughter.

“I didn’t think you did,” I reassure her, noting how her shoulders relax a little at my words. “I was hoping you could include your brother tonight.”

“Include him how?”

“Well, you’re always with Iris. Why don’t you let Rowan hang out with the two of you. He’d love it.”

“No.” She shakes her head.

“Willow,” Wren chastises. “Don’t be like that.”

“He’ll ruin everything,” Willow whines. “Iris and I like it better when it’s just the two of us.”

“But you exclude everyone else,” Wren explains. “And your brother is a little down in the dumps tonight.”

“Why, because he got caught drinking champagne and he’s only ten?” Willow rolls her eyes.

“Yes, that’s part of it. But he’s always trying to keep up with August and he’s too young.” Wren reaches out and rests her hand on Willow’s shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze. “Spend a little time with your brother tonight. Make him feel like he’s a part of something.”

“Why doesn’t he hang out with Beau and Vaughn and the rest of the them?”

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