“I didn’t,” he spins around looking at all the guys. “One of these assholes did, the problem is we were all too drunk to remember who chose what for who, so none of us know who to be mad at for the ridiculous permanent stamp on our hips and feet.”

  “Ass,” Mike interjects, “mine is on my ass.”

  “And why is yours on your ass?” It’s Maddison’s turn to throw her hands up in the air.

  “I. Don’t. Know!” He states looking as confused as his wife.

  “We don’t do things halfway, do we boys?” Colton holds out his fists but no one reciprocates.

  “Shut up, Colt,” Mike reaches out and shoves him backwards and he falls off the arm of the chair. “This is all your fault.”

  “How is it my fault?” Colt laughs from his new position on the floor.

  “We gotta have a bachelor party,” Rhett does his best impression of Colton, “come on guys, we’ll have a few drinks.”

  “A few drinks my ass,” Terrance grumbles.

  “I’m pretty sure each of you have the ability to just say no,” Grace adds.

  “Nope,” Colton tells her, “it's a rule.”

  “What is?” I ask.

  “For every shot we did Garrett had to do two.” I’m confused. “We had to get him hammered.”

  “That is the dumbest rule I’ve ever heard.” Maddison says, rolling her eyes. “I think you got that wrong little brother. It should have been for every one shot Garret did, you all did two.”

  Colton stares at her confused, and then you can see the moment the light goes on.

  If only I could have been a fly on the wall last night. Something tells me there is a whole lot more that’s going untold.

  seventeen

  Garrett

  “Over there,” I point toward the front of the building. “She wants lots of lights, so string them everywhere you can.”

  “You’re still trying to make up for the ‘boys' night, aren’t you?” I glance over my shoulder to find Lily Mae smirking at me.

  “She’s not mad,” I tell her, then immediately I question my words. “Did Kyra tell you she wasn’t mad?”

  She holds my stare, and the longer she doesn’t say anything in return the worse my nerves get.

  “She never acted mad,” I add I think more for myself than Kyra’s Gran. “She never said anything more about it after the initial shock and unfold.”

  Again Gran watches me, with her brow arched and my stomach drops.

  “I’m just jerking ya boy,” she laughs it off and walks away.

  “I’m not sure that’s the wording you meant to use,” I tell her and she looks back offering me a wink.

  “It’s exactly the right wording.” She scans over my body and all I can do is laugh. The woman has no shame. She is a ball of energy, ornery as the worst of them and there isn’t a shy bone in her body. She keeps us all young, reminding us all to enjoy every moment we can. She also makes it impossible to stay in a bad mood, because she always a jokester.

  Kyra and I are getting married on New Year's Eve. The ceremony will be at the church and then the reception is being held at one of the many properties Reed’s Construction has built for the town of Brooklet. It’s a venue that is rentable and holds many of the towns big events. Weddings, anniversaries, school graduations, both middle school and high school. It’s large enough to fit most of the town, but quaint and intimate with its design and setup.

  It’s true, I do want it to be perfect, but not because Kyra is upset. She deserves the perfect day and I’ll do all I can to give her that. We will end the year as two and begin the new as one. I couldn’t think of a more perfect way to celebrate our next chapter, surrounded by all our family and friends.

  Kyra leans across the cab of the truck, kissing me before grabbing her bag. “Can you be back to get me at noon?”

  “I’ll be here,” I assure her, stealing one more kiss.

  “I want to go home and shower and change before we have to be over at Gemma and Buds for Christmas dinner.” There will be enough food to feed an army, enough laughter to last a lifetime and just the right amount of chaos to keep things interesting. “Are you sure I shouldn't bring a couple pies?”

  “Considering that they’ve already preordered the pies for this event several weeks in advance you bringing more would only be overkill.” She only stares at me and I know what she is thinking. It's the same thing that runs through her mind at every gathering. She feels like showing up without something is rude.

  Her little bakers mind, playing tricks on her again.

  “Rolls,” she says, worrying her lips.

  “I think fresh baked rolls would be a great touch, or even some of those mini cookies, then people could snack on those throughout the day. Plus they store well too.” She smiles and I know my job is done. My girl wouldn’t have been happy to show up empty handed, it's not in her nature.

  “Okay,” she is definitely more cheery than she was only moments ago. “Noon?”

  “I’ll be here at noon,” I assure her and she opens the door and climbs out. Offering me a little wave she practically skips into Sugarland and I quickly text my mother telling her to let Gemma know that the rolls and cookies will be coming.

  Me: Kyra insisted on bringing something, we decided on fresh rolls and mini cookies.

  Mom: Sweet Kyra, she is such a doll.

  Every single time we go to my parents my fiancée insists on bringing something sweet. My father loves it, my mother too, but as she puts it her waistline is paying for the fact that she has a soon to be daughter-in-law that can bake like a dream.

  Me: Even if they aren’t needed, please make sure that they get put out for dinner and on the desert table.

  Mom: Will do, I will pass the word along to Aunt Kori.

  I toss my phone into the passenger seat and put my truck in drive. Making my way across town, I swing into Porter's jewelry and find the first available parking space.

  As I walk up the sidewalk toward the front entrance I offer a few waves to people I know and get stopped in front of the Deli by Rufus Jenkins.

  “Do you think I have an electrical problem?” He asks, pushing his glasses up on his nose. “I ran all those lights, used the specialty cords with those surge protectors and everything. I have the reindeer and Santa, even frosty and grinch near the front door, and I flipped the switch and nothing happened.” He tosses his hands upward in a huff. “Not a twinkle, not a flash, nothing, I figure there’s got to be a faulty cord.”

  “Or you overloaded the breaker.”

  “The breaker?” He asks.

  “Yeah, if you have too much on one breaker and it can’t handle it.”

  “I’m not sure I know what you mean,” he stares at me like I’ve lost my mind.

  “Okay, I’ve got to run over to Porter’s then maybe I can swing by.” I already knew that I’d regret it later. But telling Rufus the do’s and don’ts of running Christmas lights and outdoor ornaments all connected by extension cords to the same outlets seems like a waste. He doesn’t get it, but as I walk away ensuring him I’d be over within the hour I wonder if I’d just been played.

  The bell rings above the door of the jewelry store announcing my entry and everyone inside looks up. Clara behind the counter offers me a wave and then walks over t0 the safe to gather the item I’ve come to get.

  Kyra stopped one morning after breakfast outside the front window a little over a month ago to admire a dainty diamond necklace. The way her face lit up I knew I had to get it for her. I also know that my girl snoops, so there is no way I considered hiding it at our place. Instead I asked Mr. Porter’s daughter Clara to hold it in the safe for me.

  “Here you go,” she lifts the necklace out of the box and holds it out for me to inspect.

  “She’s gonna love it,” she fell in love with it through the windows, upon first glance.

  “It's the only one we had of its kind, so she'll be the only one in Brooklet with it for sure.”

  “Thank you for holding it for me.”

  “Of course,” she smiles, lowering it back into the box, before closing the lid. “The big day is almost here,” she adds. “Are you nervous?”

  “Not even a little.” I state without hesitation. “I’m marrying my best friend, what do I possibly have to be nervous about.”

  Offering a smile, I pick up the box and tuck it in my pocket before saying my goodbyes. Now it's time to get Rufus set up.

  Lord help me!

  eighteen

  Kyra

  “What’s this?” I ask as I hold the envelope in my hand and look between my mother and my grandmother. Both of them are sitting opposite me, at a small table in the dining area of Sugarland. It’s still too early to open, the sun has barely risen. We still have a couple hours of prep prior to unlocking the doors and the idea of everything that still needs to be done is running through my mind.

  “Open it,” my mom directs, regaining my attention.

  My pulse quickens, I’m not really great with surprises. From past experiences surprises have always gone awry.

  “Girl it’s not gonna bite you,” Gran says with a laugh. “I figured I’d leave the biting and nibbling to your fiancé.” With a wink I can’t help but roll my eyes. Gran’s never shy with her appreciation of Garrett and all the other men for that matter. I still think she has a really special spot for Terrance, he can walk into a room and she drops everything to rush over to him. Granted I do think it's because his grandmother and her were great friends but also because of all the hell he’d gone through with his dad.

  She shivers, as if lost in thought and to regain her full focus I tear open the envelope.

  I try not to make it obvious that my heart beats rapidly and my nerves are through the roof. Reaching inside I pull out the pamphlet or paperwork and notice the attorney’s name at the top.

  “Are you suing me?”

  Both my mom and Gran laugh, but I’m afraid to look down.

  “No child,” Gran laughs, “it's all yours.”

  “What’s mine?”

  She waves her hand around the space, the smile never leaving her face. “Of course I will stay on, because I don’t think I could live without coming into Sugarland every day. But I’ve signed everything over to you. The building, we just need to go by the bank and finalize the accounts. They need copies of your license and your signature.

  “But,” the realization of what I hold in my hand is so overwhelming. “I just,” again I am at a loss of words.

  “It’s all yours,” Gran repeats, reaching out to place her hand over mine. “There isn’t anyone I trust more with everything I’ve built than you.” I glance at my mother and she doesn’t seem saddened by Gran’s words.

  “I know you love this place as much as me. I know that with you it's safe, it will carry on and the heart of its existence will always remain.”

  “I don’t know what to say.” I take in a shuddering breath.

  “You tell me that I’ve been right all along and that Sugarland will carry on for years and years after I’m gone.”

  “Forever,” I say through the emotional impact this has inflicted. My chest burns and tears roll over my cheeks. “I promise,” I add.

  “And I was right,” she encourages me with a wave of her hand and I laugh.

  “And you are right.” I say. “Gran is always right.” I give her this, knowing she’ll love the extra boost to her ego.

  As if she needs anything more.

  “So now that we’ve got that all handled, are you ladies ready to get the goodies in the ovens.” Gran stands and happily rubs her hands together. “We’ve got orders to fill and people to satisfy.”

  All three of us make our way to the kitchen. Three generations of bakers, happily ready to put our talents to work.

  And it's all mine…

  “The dress is beautiful,” Grace says in a low tone as she sits at my side. Chloe and I are huddled over in the corner of the living room talking about wedding details. I can’t believe in a little over a week I’ll be marrying Garrett.

  I may not have the greatest history with men, but Garrett, he’s amazing. He’s a good man, raised by great people and for the first time in my life I feel one hundred percent safe. He gives me that.

  “I love that you went with silver and red as accents. The gold option would have been overpowering,” Chloe says. “The silver bridesmaid dresses are gorgeous and I must tell you thanks once again for not putting us all in something weird and ridiculous. I so would have worn it, but I think I literally sighed in relief.”

  I smile, “There is no way I would have put you all in something ugly. Plus the silver matches the ties and vests of all the groomsmen.”

  I went with the red color for the flowers and the bow that wraps my waist on my dress. It's also the same color red that Garrett has as his tie and vest.

  I’ll admit I am a little nervous since he’s taken over decorating of the reception, but from what Gran has told me he’s been meticulous with every detail.

  I glance up to the sound of men laughing and see Garett and Colton laughing at something Mike said.

  I’m so thankful every single day that I’m a part of this incredible group. It’s like an army, proud and strong, always on your side, ready to protect and defend at all costs. The love... the incredible devotion, its inspiring and the idea that my future children will grow up with the same love and protection makes me overjoyed. My kids will never go a second without feeling safe and happy.

  I’ve learned to forgive my mother for my childhood. I held so much hate for far too long and I had to let it go. Gran, she gave me all she could and I’ll always be grateful to her. Truthfully, I hated Brooklet when I first came, but I was an angry kid. Now, there is no place I’d rather be, it’s home and it always will be.

  “Dinner is ready,” Gemma says from the doorway of the dining area, waving for us all to join her.

  The space is large, an add-on to their house that normally holds couches and a huge television, a play area for the kids, and a games room for everyone’s enjoyment. Now everything has been removed or placed off to the side to make room for the many tables.

  One of the largest buffet areas I have ever seen lines the entire back wall. Every type of food you could imagine is on display and the aroma, mmm, it makes my mouth water.

  “What do you think?” Garrett steps up behind me, wrapping his arms around my center and kisses my neck.

  “It’s amazing,” I whisper in awe. “Like something you’d see in a magazine.”

  “Every year it gets bigger, every year we add to our extended family in some sense and I swear to it, each year Gemma and Bud seem happier.”

  “They are truly amazing,” I see Gran and my mother sitting at a table with Garrett’s grandmother. I scan the room watching everyone laugh and smile and tears again fill my eyes. “This is incredible.”

  He places a kiss on my neck, just below my ear and I close my eyes to keep the tears from spilling over. “What do you say we find a seat?” He takes my hand in his and I allow Garrett to lead me to a table.

  julian

  EVERYONE’S BEST FRIEND

  nineteen

  Julian

  I’ve never seen anything like it.

  No, this isn’t my first Gemma Jackson event. I’ve been in Brooklet for several years now, but every single year it hits me all over again. The sense of family, something I never truly felt before settling here.

  They accepted me into their fold, they didn't turn their noses up because of my life choice, but embraced them. They embraced me and all my crazy, never making me feel like an outsider.

  Each year I look forward to the Christmas gathering. So much chaos that you never know where to focus, and so much happiness that there is no way possible to feel anything other than joy.

  It helps that there is so much yummy hotness too.

  I still swear to it, that all the hot men reside right here in Brooklet, and one day I’ll find my own cowboy. All rugged, broody and kind, because though these men have that unapproachable look they are loving and honest. I want myself to find one just like them, I deserve it.

  With dinner over and all the ladies moving around the room to clean everything up, I offer a hand and get the room all put back together. Normally it serves as the greatest place to gather, one central location where there is something for everyone. Big comfy couches, games for the kids and the bigger kids too. Gemma and Bud wanted it to be a place everyone would want to gather.

  With the tall vaulted ceilings, trimmed with wooden beams, contrasted with white walls. A Christmas tree so big that it takes up an entire corner, surrounded by so many gifts they are stacked three and four high.

  I’d already picked up on Gracie’s nervousness, she barely ate a thing at dinner. But truth be told, she’s been a little up and down with food anyway.

  I watch as Terrance consoles her, whispering in her ear and making her smile.

  For years I spent listening to Grace talk about the guy she’d left behind when she’d gone off to school. She tried dating, but I knew what she was doing. She was comparing every single guy she met to Terrance. The girl had given her heart away long before I’d met her and I get to see why now. He loves her, I saw it the very first time he’d looked at me and thought I was her boyfriend she’d brought back home to meet everyone. He wanted to kill me; I was the guy he thought took his girl.

  She is his world, hell he bought a house, one that was rundown and aged and he spent years building it up to be everything she could ever dream.

  Grace has the world at her fingertips and it's all because of Terrance.

  “I think Grace has something she wants to give her parents,” Gemma announces from across the room and suddenly Gracie’s face turns red.