Midnight Mistletoe Book 2: A Year Later

This year has been a whirlwind. The first quarter was pure bliss with Derek, and I couldn’t fathom a life without him. But then, something shifted, and our relationship took a hit.

I found out I was pregnant, but sadly, a month later, I miscarried. That day, something inside me shattered. I had invested everything into our relationship, but the loss clung to me like an unwanted shadow, impossible to shake.

Until then, I had been unsure about having kids. The loss made me realize how much I wanted them. When my mom found out I had left Derek, she warned me I would regret it.

And of course, she was right. Derek had his own battles, but I was so wrapped up in my own emotions that I overlooked his. Now, I see how unfair I was, oblivious to the emotional burden he bore.

Even after we split, his name remains tattooed on my right butt cheek. I just can’t bring myself to erase it. About a month ago, I found myself at his apartment.

That day is etched in my memory, and I can’t seem to shake it…

That’s when I realized I didn’t want to lose him. The damage was done, and I knew it was too late to ask for forgiveness and win him back.

My phone rings, and I roll my eyes as my mom’s name flashes on the screen. I answer, “Hi, Mom.”

“Are you okay, Katherine? You sound a bit off.”

Seriously, that woman can read me like an open book. I press my fingers against the bridge of my nose. “No, Mom. I’m okay,” I assure her, even though it’s a lie.

But it’s not the first time I’ve lied to her, and what she doesn’t know won’t hurt her.

“Are you certain?” she questions, her voice laced with doubt.

“Yes, I’m certain.”

“All right. I just called to ask if you’ll be joining us for Christmas this year?”

“No, Mom, not this year. I know the Sawyers are hosting, and I’m not ready to face Derek.”

She’s unaware that Derek and I crossed paths last month. If she knew, she’d be over the moon.

“Oh, I forgot to mention, the plans have changed. We think it will be better to celebrate Christmas closer to the nursing home, considering Grandma’s age.”

Clever Mom. She’s trying to guilt me into seeing Nana for Christmas.

“He won’t be there anyway.”

“Who?” I feign ignorance, even though I know exactly who she’s talking about.

“Derek, of course. Jenna told me herself. He’s spending Christmas with Nick, and nothing will change his mind.”

That changes the game. I’d love to see Nana and confide in her. She’s the only one who understands. Mom can be a bit much at times.

“Okay, Mom, you win. If you promise Derek won’t be there, then I’m in.”

“You know, you should have never let him slip away. You and Derek were good together.”

I run my fingers through my hair, frustration bubbling up. “Mom, enough!”

“All right! All right! I’m hanging up. See you in two weeks.” And she does.

In two weeks, it’ll be Christmas. If Derek and I were still together, we’d be celebrating our one-year anniversary. And now I’m returning to where it all began.

Fantastic!

I push myself off the bathroom floor and reach for the pregnancy test on the counter. I need a moment to brace myself before I look.

What the hell am I going to do now?