AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Bound by sheer determination and resilience to do what’s best for Abby, we forged something most broken families never have the guts and grit to achieve.
It’s not always easy. Resentments and bitterness and grief are obstacles that will never truly be gone. They fester, waiting for the perfect moment to remind us they’re there.
But we power through. For Abby…and out of respect for what we’ve built here. Respect for each other…even when it feels begrudging at best.
And hell, even now, I still like to think my hard work these last few years paid off.
I don’t think I’ll ever not care about this man’s opinion of me.
After I lost my Pops to a massive heart attack when I was only seventeen, he became a second dad to me of sorts. Vicky, a mom I never had, seeing as mine left when I was ten.
And despite his flaws—despite his cold, rigid exterior, and impossible expectations—through and through this man has been there for me. Paying for my treatment when I couldn’t. Giving me a roof to live under.
Hell, both of them have never given up, and now that I’m older, and maybe a little wiser, I can’t help but see that maybe…maybe it’s not just because Mel pushed for it. Or because of our mutual love for Abby.
The only time these two somewhat faltered when it came to me…was when it came to Abby. And the question of my continued involvement in her life.
Inhaling deeply, I smile down as I watch him go join his wife and my daughter by the tree, only half-listening as Abby babbles away to her grandparents about all the presents she hopes Santa brings her.
Feeling eyes on me, I look over my shoulder, not surprised to find Mel watching on with that familiar glimmer in her blue eyes.
Fuck, I don’t want to lose this.
But as the evening wears on, and we share in our usual Christmas Eve traditions, and we talk and laugh and play along with Abby’s antics…
I can’t help but feel like there’s a giant hole where there wasn’t before.
Sure, I’ve always missed Skyler.
But it’s different now.
Now he’s here, he’s real—we’rereal—no longer just some momentary reprieve on a faraway island, exiled from a world we were convinced wanted no part of us.
He never had this,is all I can think, looking around this room—this family.
Myfamily.
The only one I got.
But he’s my family too.
“You okay?” Mel asks, from her seat next to me.
I force a smile and nod. “Yeah. Think I’m gonna head out in a few.”
Her brows arch, because she knows I usually sleep over on Christmas. It’s the one night of the year, I break my rule.For Abby.
“I’ll be back before she wakes up,” I tell her, hoping she’s not mad.
But if the curious smile on her face is anything to go by, she’s more intrigued than anything. “She’s getting older, Nol. We’ll be lucky if she waits for the sun this year.”
I sigh, nodding. “Here’s to lots of coffee tomorrow.”
She lifts her glass of iced tea in a cheers.
Expecting this to be the moment she returns to our earlier conversation, I can’t deny I’m grateful she seems to have forgotten—or at least, dropped it for the time being. Now, with her parents here, and with my earlier revelations…
I need some time to think. Prepare.
