Page 98 of An Unexpected Turn
“I will gladly take that.” I stood and held out my hand. “We’re okay?”
“Not yet,” he said, taking it anyway. “But as long as Peyton is happy, maybe we will be.”
Things probably wouldn’t be the same between us, but I was fine with that. I didn’t mind earning Keith’s trust when it came to Peyton, because there was no one else for me, and there never would be.
Everyone would see sooner or later, but all that mattered was us.
FORTY
PEYTON
“Is Keith going to cook outside again?” Mike asked as we headed down my uncle’s walkway. The railings on the front steps were lined with lights, as was the tree next to their house. Everything was cozy and festive, except my turbulent stomach.
“He may smoke something, I’m not sure,” I told Mike, the knot in my stomach coiling tighter as we approached.
I hadn’t seen or spoken to Uncle Keith since he’d found me in nothing but his best friend’s shirt and left my condo. Aunt Maya said he still wanted me here, and while I sort of believed that, it wouldn’t be like the Christmases of old tonight. It would be uncomfortable and forced, which never described anything having to do with my uncle before.
“Merry Christmas!” Aunt Maya said before she brought me in for a hug. “Let me see.” She pushed me away and studied my face. “Just a little bandage. Beautiful as ever.”
“Right,” I scoffed and stepped into the house.
“Let me look,” my mother said as she rushed up to me. I’d almost forgotten she was staying with Uncle Keith until the new year. I called her about the accident at school but didn’t mention my falling-out with her brother, but I was sure she knew all about it anyway. “What made you get in the middle of a fight?” She sighed, shaking her head.
“It’s my job. This”—I pointed to my head—“is an anomaly.”
A groan rose from her throat before her gaze drifted over my shoulder.
“Merry Christmas, Jake. You must be Mike.” Mike’s brows drew together when she cupped his cheek. “Aren’t you a cutie? Wow, Jake, he looks exactly like you did when I first met you and you camped at my house all the time. I’m Donna, honey. Nice to meet you.”
“My sister is a rite of passage, Mike.” Uncle Keith came up to Mike and slapped his back. “She’s harmless. Mostly.” His warm smile surprised me in the best way when he turned to me. “Bruises are all gone, I see. Just the scrappy bandage is left.” He grinned and tapped my chin. “Merry Christmas, P.”
A sob rolled out of me as my head fell into his chest, soul-deep relief flooding through me.
“Hey,” he laughed and rubbed my back. “It’s okay. Don’t cry. And listen, I would neverevercut you off. I’ll love you until the day I die, so keep that in mind the next time you’re afraid to tell me something,” he whispered, grabbing my arms to push me back. “Okay?”
I nodded, wiping my cheeks with the back of my hand. “Okay. I’m sorry, Uncle Keith.”
He shook his head and looped his arm around my shoulder.
“It’s a holiday, no need to be weepy. Russo,” he said, nodding at Jake. “Glad you guys could come.”
“Wow,” Mom said, chuckling at her brother. “You’re really okay with your beloved niece with your best friend? I knew before you did, by the way.”
“Because you never mind your business. But if you want to hold this one thing you found out about Peyton before I did over my head, happy holidays, D.”
“You’re really fine with this?” She peered at him, shaking her head. “No cleaning your gun for the hell of it tonight?”
“Honestly,” he started, rolling his eyes. “You’re probably going to be his mother-in-law. I would think a bullet would be less painful.”
Mom glared, despite the twitching of her lips. When we sat at the table, it was so normal I almost cried again. Uncle Keith and Jake were talking, maybe not as relaxed as they used to be, but there wasn’t a current of tension evident between them. Between the twins and my mother, poor Mike didn’t have a moment to himself. Jake stretched his arm across the back of my chair, and the simple gesture was so surreal. We were here and together, and while my uncle didn’t seem to be over the moon about it, he appeared to be rolling with it for our sakes.
This was the resolution I’d prayed so hard for, even when I’d thought it would be impossible.
“Oh, I have some news,” Mom said, setting down her fork. “After the holidays, I’ll be back in Kelly Lakes permanently. I found an apartment a few minutes from here. All I have to do is settle things back in Brooklyn, but it’s not as if I’m working or anything. I can help out with the twins or any other kids that come along in the family.” She lifted a brow at me and raised her wineglass. “So, Merry Christmas.”
My gaze flicked to Uncle Keith, his brows shooting up to his hairline.
“Weshouldall be here and together,” he said, raising his beer bottle. “I’m happy to have you with us, sis. For the boys, for Peyton, and whoever else.”
