Page 83 of Theirs

I shake my head. “No, I’ll go see who it is.”

My heart races as I head over to the front door, trying not to get my hopes up about Kristen and Kane being on the porch. I take a deep breath, and open the door.

Kane is standing there, holding a bottle of my favorite wine and a bottle of scotch. Kristen smiles at me, holding a plate of cookies.

“Sorry we’re late,” she says, handing me the dish. “I wanted to make your favorite, and our oven was being temperamental.”

“I’m glad you came,” I say softly. “We just sat down to eat. Come on in.”

Kristen walks around me, but Kane hasn’t moved from his spot on the doorstep. One of the guys comes over, and quietly takes the dessert from my hands, giving me a chaste peck on the side of my head.

“Kane,” I whisper, waiting for him to come in. “You didn’t have to come if you’re uncomfortable.”

His eyes dart up to mine. “I missed my sister. I wanted to come.”

I give him a sad smile. “I’ve missed you too, K.”

He opens his arms, and I step into them for a hug. The bottles clink behind me, but I don’t let go of my brother.

“I’m sorry I was a shit head,” he whispers. “As long as you’re happy, I’m happy.”

I pull back from him. “Kane, I don’t think I’ve ever been truly happy until I let those four men into my heart. I’m sorry...”

“No,” he says. “Do not apologize for your feelings, Teagan. I was a shit big brother for judging your relationship.”

I wipe the tears from my eyes, and give him my best smile. “Well, come on in. Everyone’s ready to eat, we made a feast.”

He hands me my bottle of wine, and follows me into the dining room where everyone greets him with a warm smile. I take my seat between Alex and Colin, and Kane sits down next to Kristen who looks like she’s giving Mac hell about something, but he just smiles over at me.

“Let’s dig in!” Ben says. “I’m starving!”

This. This is what a real family is, I think to myself as I watch everyone pass around dishes, laughing over their drinks, and sharing stories. I sit at the table, quietly taking everything in. Kane eventually loosens up, and begins talking to the guys about their college days, but makes sure not to bring up any of the stories about the women before me. I smile at Kristen as our eyes meet across the table, and lift my glass of wine to her water in a cheers, giving her a silent thank you for getting my brother to come spend Thanksgiving with me, with us.

***

After dinner, Mr. Gatsby excuses himself for the night, saying that the carbs are putting him to sleep. Mrs. Gatsby and Ben’s parents decide to go do a little late-night shopping. They invite Kristen and I but we both politely decline. I’m loving this holiday bubble I’m in right now, and I don’t want it to get popped by some crazy shoppers.

Kristen and Kane help us clean up the dining room and kitchen, and I pack them up some leftovers. The seven of us are currently sacked out in the living room from the carbs and dessert. I’ve got my head resting on Ben’s lap, while he plays with my hair, and my feet are propped up in Mac’s lap as he massages them.

“You guys really love her?” Kane asks softly. I’m wondering if I actually heard that or if I was just imagining him speaking.

“We do,” Colin says.

“Don’t break her heart,” Kane says, staring at his empty rocks glass. “Would suck if I had to kick any of my best friends’ asses.”

“Nobody is kicking anyone’s ass,” I say, sitting up on the couch.

Kane shrugs his shoulders. “As long as they don’t hurt you.”

We’re all quiet for a moment, staring at the glowing fireplace. It felt nice today, having all these family members here supporting our relationship. I don’t think I would be able to do this if none of them supported us. Support systems are key in all relationships.

“Have you talked to Mom or Dad?” I ask Kane, my throat dry.

He shakes his head. “Not really. I went to their house a week after we had brunch and confronted them, but haven’t heard from them since.”

“What did you say to them?” I ask, pulling my legs up to criss cross. Mac grabs a blanket from the basket next to him, and places it over my lap.

Kane lets out a chuckle, but it’s anything but pleasant. Kristen reaches for his hand and squeezes it. “I asked them why they chose a rapist over their own daughter,” he says bluntly. “They acted like they didn’t know what I was talking about at first. Then they said you were making it up because you always had a ‘strong imagination.’”

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