Bill is brutally honest, but he’s only saying what I've been thinking. I’d never do this to one of my kids.
Thankfully, we move on to lighter topics, and after our conversation, Bill seems more accepting of having me in his daughter’s life.
Once we get the tree back to Bill’s place, the girls immediately pull out the boxes to start decorating.
The time with Candy’s family flies by as we decorate the Christmas tree and have lunch before I help Bill decorate outside. It’s a reminder of how my family used to be before Jake and Vikki did the dirty on me. We were close—the kind of close where nothing could break the bond—or so I thought. Turns out that bond wasn’t so strong after all.
Candy has a permanent smile on her face when I drive her home later that night. My emotions are entering dangerous territory with her, but all I can think about is how I can keep that smile on her face.
Chapter 5
Candy
WearriveattheChristmas festival the following day, where I’m meeting North's family. Was North this nervous about meeting my dad? If he was, he sure as hell didn't show it.
We barely get inside the main festival area before we’re waylaid by people he knows. I refuse to leave North’s side. Having him close calms me, especially when he holds my hand in his warm one and rubs his thumbs over my knuckles.
"I promise you’ll be fine," he whispers in my ear as we finish talking to one of his friends.
But the further we walk into the festival, the more nervous he gets.
"Calm down. I'm here to support you," I reassure him.
He wraps his arm around my waist and leans into me. "This is the first time I’ve seen my ex since we broke up. I've avoided family functions when I knew they’d be there.
That's when I notice a blonde in a blue dress walking our way.
She sees North, and her face lights up as she stops in front of us. "North, sweetheart. I'm so happy you're here."
She smiles and places her hand on his arm. North stiffens, and his grip tightens around my waist.
The blonde’s eyes flick over me as she sizes me up. "Who's this?" she asks as a man walks up beside her and places his hand on the small of her back.
"This is my girlfriend, Candy. Candy, this is my brother, Jake, and his fiancée, Vikki." North introduces us.
"Candy. Isn't that a stripper's name?" Vikki asks with a smirk.
"Candy as in candy cane. My mother craved them while she was pregnant with me, so now, I’m paying for it." I offer her a genuine smile and try to keep things civil.
"She's not your type. This has to be a joke," Vikki says, dropping her fake smile.
"She’s not you, which is exactly my type," North snaps.
He pulls me away without another word and leads me to the other side of the room. "I’m so sorry about her," he apologizes, searching my face to gauge my reaction.
"It's okay." I shrug and offer him a smile.
"No, it's not," he says, and before I can reply, he leans down and kisses me.
I'm not sure if he's putting on a show, but I go along with it, wrapping my arms around his neck and pulling him in closer.
A throat clears beside us, and North pulls back. I look over to see an older man and woman standing beside us.
"Mom. Dad," North greets them, tugging me against his side.
"Who's this beautiful girl?" His mom smiles at me.
"Mom, this is my girlfriend, Candy. Candy, this is my mom, Janette, and my dad, Tom."