My eyes popped open, but she’d already hung up. Seconds later, a new text popped up. A smile tugged on my lips as I read her text: Go to sleep. Merry Christmas, Maddox.
And I did just that.
Several hours later, I awoke to loud voices and the smell of bacon. It took a few moments, but I finally made my way down the stairs. The sight of my father dancing with Olivia to Nat King Cole’s version of “The Christmas Song” in the kitchen made me smile. They greeted me with hugs.
Taylar was standing at the stove stirring grits. I swiped a piece of bacon from the platter on the kitchen island and gave my sister a hug. Then, I joined Ryker at the table. “Merry Christmas, bruh,” I said.
Ryker wished me the same. “You good?”
I nodded. “I’m good.”
Olivia brought the waffles over to the table. The years had been good to her. She still looked as young as she did when I met her. Probably because she worked out five days a week and taught a Pilates class for seniors. Smiling at me, she cupped my cheek. “So handsome.” She kissed my cheek. “I made plenty of salmon croquettes for you.”
I rubbed my hands together. “That’s what I’ve been waiting for.”
Dad set a fruit tray down and took a strawberry from it, popping it in his mouth. “Ryker, go grab your brother. It’s time to eat.”
I’d been there since around nine o’clock last night, and I’d yet to see Broderick. I’d heard him, though—andthe argument between him and Dad.
Broderick entered the kitchen, fully dressed, coat on. “No need. I won’t be staying for breakfast.”
Olivia whirled around. “What?”
“Broderick, no,” Taylar said. “It’s Christmas.”
“It’s best that I leave.” Broderick glared at me. “This house is too crowded anyway.”
“What is your problem?” Dad roared. “You walk around like you don’t have to answer to anybody or anything, and I’m sick of it. You will show some respect to me, your mother, andallof your siblings. If you can’t do that, then it probablyisbest you get the hell out of my house.”
Olivia grabbed Dad’s arm. “Ryan, please. Stop.”
I met Ryker’s murderous gaze but didn’t say anything. He did, though. “Man, sit your ass down. Mom only asked one thing of you, and you can’t even do that.”
Broderick glanced at me again with cold, hard eyes. “You got something to say too?”
It took everything in me not to wear his ass out. But I wouldn’t do that to Olivia. “No,” I told him. Then, I thought better of it. “Actually, I do. Your mother is still here, breathing, wanting to spend time with you. Trust me, you don’t want the alternative. Instead of being grateful for the gift of more time, you’re acting like the selfish asshole you’ve always been. I don’t care if you don’t like me, and I don’t care if you don’t like yourself. But show her the love and grace that she’s always shown you and everyone else here.
I glanced around at the stunned faces of my family. No one said anything, they simply took their seats at the table—Broderick included. Dad blessed the food and we started eating. For several moments, the only sound in the room was the clinking of silverware against Olivia’s holiday china.
Taylar finally broke the ice when she said, “The good news is I didn’t burn the grits this year.” She laughed. “That’s something, right?”
Ryker cracked up first, then like dominoes, we all fell over with laughter.
After the blow-up at breakfast, we spent the rest of the day in neutral corners—Broderick on one side and everybody else on the other. Olivia had dinner catered and we all ate in the family room while we watched the football game. We’d just finished opening gifts when, for some stupid-ass reason, Taylar wanted to relive her childhood and play Operation.
An hour later, Taylar swept the board off the table. “Dammit, you always win.”
“That’s ‘cause I’m the best,” I teased.
Rolling her eyes, Tay said, “Whatever. Rematch.”
“Nah, sis.” I finished my sweet potato pie and stood, dropping my napkin on my plate. “I have plans.”
Olivia intercepted me on my way to the kitchen to toss my plate. “Maddox? Can I see you for a moment in my office?”
I stopped off in the kitchen, then went to Olivia’s home office. It was clear they’d done a substantial renovation to the house since the last time I’d been there, and the office space was no exception. Simple artwork hung on the walls and the furniture was simple, sleek. Not the heavy wood and big pieces that were there before. She’d also added a few feminine accents. The modern décor reminded me of Sloane, and I wondered what she would think of it. She’d shown me a few of her designs, and she had the same taste.
Instead of taking a seat, I walked over to the window. Olivia had a view of their garden and the new gazebo in the backyard. The Christmas lights gave it an ethereal glow and I couldn’t look away.Mom would’ve loved it.
