Page 140 of If You Claim Me

“Definitely.” He hangs back, waiting for Everly to release Mildred before he moves in for his own hug.

Everything about him softens as he folds his arms around her.

She has this effect on everyone. People fall in love with her kindness and warmth.

More teens come down the stairs, almost all of them seeking hugs. They look at me with wide-eyed curiosity.

One boy’s mouth pulls to the side. “You’re Connor Grace.”

I tuck a hand in my pocket. “I am.”

“You married Dred.”

“I did.”

“You must be really nice,” he says decisively.

“She makes me nicer, if I’m honest.”

A minute later, a lanky teen wearing a sour expression drags himself down the stairs. When his eyes find me they flare. “Holy shit.” He looks to a younger, equally lanky kid. “I thought you were lying.”

He shrugs. “Sometimes I tell the truth.”

The lanky kid stands off to the side, eyes darting to me.

Mildred hugs my arm. “Connor brought some special gifts for all of you.”

I’m suddenly surrounded by chatty, eager teens. I pass out hats and shirts and jerseys. Some of them hug me, others ask me to sign their swag. It’s humbling and gratifying, especially with the way it lights up Mildred’s face.

After we finish handing out loot, we’re invited to stay for coffee and afternoon snacks. The coffee is godawful, but the cookies are good. Mildred talks to Cordelia, the house guardian,about her funding proposal in hopes to create additional opportunities for kids to earn their community service hours at the library since it’s been so successful for Everly.

Unfortunately, we’re expected at my parents’ so we are forced to excuse ourselves. I’d rather stay with the kids and drink shitty coffee and eat cookies, but I can’t disappoint my sisters, who are excited to see Mildred.

The twins stand at the window waving, Everly hugging her brother’s arm, both of them looking sad and happy at the same time as I help Mildred into the passenger seat of my car.

“What’s Christmas like at the group home?” I ask.

“They have a Secret Santa gift exchange,” she replies. “Some of the kids might have supervised visits with family members, and the kids who can’t have a family visit or don’t have family make dinner together.”

“Do Victor and Everly see their parents?”

Mildred shakes her head. “No, their parents aren’t allowed visits.”

“Why not?”

“Mom is a sex worker with addiction issues, and Dad is incarcerated.”

“That’s sad.”

“It is, so the group home is better.” She shifts, angling her body toward me. “What is Christmas like with your family?”

I shrug. “Usually my parents take my sisters and Meems somewhere warm.”

“Can Meems travel this year?”

“No, but the rest of my family is flying out after dinner tonight.”

“Have you ever gone?”