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When it came to Kyle, I was stuck in neutral—engine idling, but not exactly able to move forward just yet, even though I wanted to. Fear was a tricky thing. I couldn’t let the same happen when it came to Charlie. It was time to set things right between us, because I didn’t like where we stood. That meant a faux liquor run was in order, and as the holidays approached, I decided to embrace the theme entirely.

“Hey,” Charlie said as I came through the door, but he raised his eyebrows, which meant he was likely surprised to see me. Because he stood behind the counter near the entrance, I was left with the choice to pause and talk to him, or keep things breezy and go about my shopping. I planted my feet.

“Hi.” I nodded a minute, nervous but refusing to acknowledge it. “I’m pretending I’m here for loaded eggnog.”

“But you’re not?” he asked, giving me very little back.

“No. I don’t even like eggnog, which feels like a holiday sin, but alas.” I shifted my weight. “I do plan to buy something, so no reason to throw me out.”

He scratched the back of his neck, looking less than comfortable. “That’s not really my management style.”

“If you still hate me, that’s okay. But I want you to know that I’ve always thought you were a great guy. You and Jill are an adorably sweet couple, and if I was ever going to have a brother, you’d be a pretty awesome choice.” I held up a hand before he had a chance to respond. “And for what it’s worth, your dad and I did submit for a DNA test. I don’t want you to think that I’m just grasping at straws. I’m not out for any kind of personal gain from your family.”

He nodded, regarding me. “That’s good, because we don’t come from much. We’re not rich people.”

“Me neither. And I promise, I’m harmless.” I smiled, but he didn’t say anything, making this whole exchange feel one-sided and slightly awkward. I looked behind me, trying to fill the space. “Yeah, so…I’m just going to shop now. Just grab a few things for the, uh, season.” I backed away, which left me nearly knocking over an entire display of Fireball. His eyes went wide and an arm went out until the swaying stack settled. I turned back to him. “My bad. All’s well. I think.”

I’d said mostly what I wanted to say, which counted for something. This relationship, if there ever was going to be one, would have to take shape slowly and without me jackhammering it into what I wanted.

“Why don’t we all have dinner some night?”

I whirled around to find Charlie standing at the end of the seasonal aisle, hands in the back pockets of his jeans. Facial expression dialed to tolerance.

“Me and Jill. You and Kyle. That’s her name, right?”

“Yeah.” I swallowed my overt surprise. “No, that’d be great. Dinner.” I exhaled, enjoying the relief that washed over me.

“She came in here once.”

“I’m sorry.” I frowned, trying to follow the thread. “Who did?”

“Um, Dr. Kyle. She had a couple thoughts, so I listened.”

“She did?” I blinked, thrown off guard. “Wait, youdid?”

He shrugged. “I try to be polite when I can.”

“Right. I just hadn’t realized she’d stopped by.” I took a beat, trying to decide whether I’d moved past it. Nope. Couldn’t do it. “What did she say?”

“Mainly, she wanted me to know that your heart was in the right place and that you didn’t ask for any of this either. That maybe you just wanted a chance to get to know me.”

It was all true. “I would like that chance. So, yeah. Dinner. And maybe swing by the BeLeaf booth at the Jamboree.”

“We’ll make the tail end of it. I’m out at the other location this weekend.”

“Jake mentioned something about that.”

Charlie met my gaze. “He’s been lighter since the two of you have been talking. I’ve never seen the guy smile with teeth before. But there they are.” He paused a moment. “That’s cool to see.”

“I can definitely identify with that.” It was inexplicable, but in the short time I’d spent with Jake, he’d done the same for me. He couldnever fill the space that Lindy had left, or my parents, but he’d begun to create his own. I truly hadn’t anticipated any of this. I didn’t know whether to hug Charlie or hold on to the lump in my throat until I could get to the car and cry properly. As confusing as this new family discovery had been, it was also a gift. A second chance at a family. And I was so damn grateful.

“I’ll have Jill check her schedule for that dinner. Anything I can help you find?” He gestured to the four shelves in front of me.

“I’ll just take these,” I said, blindly grabbing for two giant bottles that were complete mysteries to me. It was only alone in my car that I looked down and laughed. “I guess we’re doing peppermint bark shots tonight.”

Apparently, it was meant to be. A lot of things were.

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