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She unwraps the gift and opens the jewelry box. Laying on the velvet inside is a necklace with a gold butterfly pendant. Mom covers her mouth as tears fill her eyes.

“Cam,” she says softly. “How?”

He smiles and lifts the necklace out of the box, undoing the clasp. “It’s just like the one you wore in high school. Apparently, they’re coming back into style, so when I saw it, I thought of you.”

Mom holds up her hair, and Cam puts the necklace on for her. Her hand goes over the pendant.

I lean against Eli, and he wraps his arm around my shoulders. Mom could do a lot worse in this town than Cameron Jacobs. We don’t know what role the original horsemen all played in my father’s disappearance, and we might never know. We know Robert and Cameron don’t seem to have had a hand in it. For now, I’m okay with where things are.

William Foster is off Luke’s back. Everything has settled at school. The Cheermonsters are practically nice to me compared to how we started. It’s been almost three months since Homecoming and while Nora is putting off her trial with motions, everyone else has been taken care of. Tanner is serving time as an adult. The main henchmen all got various plea deals, but all of them included time. That was the one thing Cameron wouldn’t bend on.

Those boys who terrorized our school didn’t get to walk just because they gave up someone else. No, they needed sentences that matched the crime.

For lunch, we have some sandwiches, but Luke, Mom, and I don’t bother changing out of our pajamas. We even play a game of cards at the table while we wait for the others to show up.

Nico, Caden, and Jack all arrive together with more presents for under the tree and kisses for me. The presents were various gifts that were appropriate to open in front of my mother, thankfully.

I’m beyond happy today. We should hear from our colleges soon and be able to actually prepare for the future.

The college trip was everything I hoped it would be. I can’t wait to go to college next year, whether it’s in Boston, New York, or even closer to home. Now that I’m not running away from the horsemen, I can go to a college that’s close to my mom if that’s what we choose.

At CMU, the apartment wasn’t as spectacular as the ones in Boston or New York, but Caden still found us an impressive townhouse to stay in while we toured the campus and talked to professors. The guys even talked to the football coach. Nico and Luke already had offers to play. It’s division one and a good option for school, plus in-state tuition.

“You doing good, kid?” Mom comes over to where I’m watching the guys work on putting together the bookcase Mom got me for Christmas.

“I figured I was not needed for that.” I gesture to the guys. Jack is reading instructions while Caden unpacks all the shelves, organizing them. Nico and Eli are already putting things together. Luke is trying to direct everyone.

“Probably not,” she laughs softly.

I touch the bracelet on my wrist. It’s delicate and simple. I’m sure it cost more than I would ever want to know, but it could cost five dollars and I’d still love it because my guys got it for me.

Cameron occasionally offers the boys some advice before he glances over at my mom. His smile softens, and there’s genuine affection there. So far this year things have gone from bad to worse, but right now, we’re doing better. I’m in love and loved by some amazing guys. Things finally feel like they are settling into something like normal.

Are there things I’m still worried about? Not today. Today I’m just breathing and looking at my future.

“What’s on your mind?” Mom asks softly.

“Just thinking about college next year.” I smile and nudge her with my arm. “Looks like you won’t be lonely.”

She opens her mouth to respond, but the doorbell chimes.

Everyone turns to look at the front door. No one comes to it except trick-or-treaters, and it’s definitely not that time of year.

I shrug and head to the door since I’m already up. When I open it, a gust of cold billows in.

On the porch, a man stands with his back to me.

“Can I help you?” I ask, grateful I put on Luke’s hoodie earlier.

He turns and I freeze. The face is only familiar from videos and pictures. Older though. But it can’t be. My heart thumps so loud I almost don’t hear him.

“I’m sorry, but I’m looking for Cameron Jacobs. His office call center said he’d be here today?” the man says. “I really need to speak to him.”

I can’t say anything. My heart is pounding, and my knees feel weak. I don’t know what I’m seeing, but I feel Mom move up behind me.

“Sean?” Her voice cracks.

He looks at her, confused. “Do you know me?”