Cohen, who at fifteen is already as tall as his father, wraps an arm around my shoulder and squeezes. “You getting this tree, Aunt Lindy?”
“I don’t know . . .” I drag out as I look at my brother and his wife. “Easton says it’s too big.”
India shakes her head and kisses my cheek. “They always think it’s too big, but they always make it fit.”
Jace coughs, Easton chokes, and Cohen groans and walks away, declaring he’s getting hot cocoa.
“Hey, why don’t you guys go with your brother? We’ll meet you at the car in a few minutes,” India tells the kids, then watches them walk away before she smacks Jace. “You’re terrible. That is not what I meant. And now my son thinks it’s too big.”
Jace grabs India’s ass. “Come on, pretty girl. You know it is.”
He doubles over when she throws an elbow at his kidneys.
“I’ll stop,” he groans out.
I enjoy the way Easton’s hand lands protectively on my hip as he pulls me into him. “Enjoying the day off, man?” E asks Jace.
“Yeah. Catching up on some family time. How about you guys?” He looks between us, and I’m pretty sure he’s not plotting Easton’s death, so that’s something.
Easton squeezes my hip, and I lean against him. Well, we’ve been to three different stores, getting holiday stuff, and now your sister wants a tree that won’t fit in the condo. So I’m not really sure how the rest of the day is gonna go.”
There’s no heat behind his words, and it might make me sound silly, but I love that he’s teasing me like this. Like this is just a normal day for us.
“Ha. Good luck with that,” India snorts. “Kingstons always want the biggest tree they can get their hands on. It never fits, then half the brothers come over to be manly men and stand around the thing, drink a few beers, and bust out their chainsaws to make it fit in the house. It’s tradition.”
My heart aches because I haven’t seen any of my brothers, except Jace, in weeks.
Easton must sense my sudden sadness because the hand resting discreetly on my hip curls around my waist, and he kisses the top of my head. “Sounds like we better add a chainsaw to our list, princess. If you want this tree, I’ll call Pace, and we’ll make it fit for you.”
“Thanks,” I whisper and turn to my brother. “See you guys later.”
“Lindy,” Jace calls out. “Stop.”
When I raise my eyes to his, anger mixes with sadness and threatens to spill over. “You didn’t do anything wrong, Jace. It’s okay.”
“It’s not okay. Somebody has to make the first move, and I know you’re not going to want to hear this, but you’re younger, Linds. It’s got to be you. Come to the game tomorrow night. At least then, you’ll have to see some of them. It could be a start.”
“Maybe,” I offer without making any promises.
“I’ll be there with the kids,” India tells me as she reaches out and squeezes my hand. “Ask my somewhat misguided husband. I’ve been so excited for you and Easton since I found out you two got married. I always thought you would end up together.”
You’d think by now I’d be done tearing up, but apparently, I’m not. “You’re the first person in the family to say that.”
“Thanks, India,” Easton tells her. “We have a meeting with Sam tomorrow to discuss getting Lindy security on her terms. I think we need to make sure we’ve got something in place before she goes to one of my games. These fucking paparazzi are like roaches. They’re fucking everywhere.”
“Really?” Jace’s shocked voice almost makes me laugh—almost. “You’re going to give in and get Charles back?”
“Maybe. We’re going to see what Sam says. I’m telling you, Jace. I’m not doing this again if anyone other than me is in charge of it. If I give in and get security, they have to answer to me.”
“Give in to who?” Jace asks, confusion lacing his tone.
“To me,” Easton pulls me closer. “They followed us to the grocery store last week. She canceled her baby skaters classes because she didn’t want to leave the damn house. I need her safe.” He turns me to face him, and I hate the guilt I see on his face. “You’ll have all the control, baby. But you need someone there when I can’t be.”
“Can we please just get the tree? I was having a good day, and I don’t want to ruin it. We’ll deal with it tomorrow.”