After twisting the top on the mascara, I tilted my face to check my makeup from every angle in the mirror. I couldn't find a problem, but Mother was likely to point one out.

Clothes rustled in the bathroom, and I knew Nate would be ready soon. I rushed to pull off my pajamas and slip my emerald green, velvet, thigh length dress on. The lantern sleeves and square neckline were flattering, and my hair fell over my shoulders in loose waves.

Overall, not bad. Even if Laurel would scoff at my shoe choice. Yes, I had heels, but I was wearing my comfy black ballet flats.

A knock sounded from the bathroom door. "Are you decent?"

"Yep. Come on in."

Nate stepped through the doorway, and I could've swooned from hotness overload. When I told him Christmas lunch was formal, I'd hoped for a button up or a nice sweater. Nate did way better than that. In black slacks, with a black shirt, and a deep burgundy blazer, he looked ready to play the sexy devil in a movie—people would line up for hell.

Grinning, he did a little spin. "I clean up okay, huh?"

"Stunning." If I hadn't already wedged him firmly into the friend section of my mind, I'd be a nervous mess.

"Thanks. Your turn." He twirled his finger in a circle, telling me to spin. I did, and he let out a low whistle. "Laurel wasn't lying. That shows off all your curves."

Pinching his mouth to the side, he squinted at me. "Not sure if it's the green, or the booty, or the combo, but it's giving Tinker Bell, and I'm here for it."

Cracking up, I shook my head. "You're crazy."

"Come on." He pulled his phone from his pocket. "Let's get some pics."

After taking several pictures of each other and a few together, we sent them to Laurel with a reminder that we wanted pictures from her too, then went downstairs.

Granny stood at the bottom of the steps in a red, loose-fitting sweater dress, and she clapped when she saw us. "Oh, you two are beautiful! Go out to the porch. I want the natural light first, then in front of the tree here, and then we'll eat."

Outside, the rest of the men leaned against the railing. Dad and Kiaan wore khakis with holiday themed sweater vests over button up shirts, Sawyer had olive slacks and a black sweater, but Joby was extra handsome in a dark gray suit with a red button up open at the collar.

Dad brightened. "Merry Christmas! You're beautiful, sweetheart." Everyone around him made sounds of agreement, including Sawyer, but as usual I pretended he wasn't there.

"Merry Christmas! Thanks, guys."

After the obligatory greetings and compliments, Nate steered me gently in Joby's direction at the other end of the wide porch. They nodded hello as the others picked up their football conversation.

"Where's everybody else?" I asked Joby.

He slid his cell into his pocket. "Mom and Ruth Grace are keeping warm in the sun." He pointed his chin, and I snickered when I spotted them. Joby smirked. "Not sure how you missed it."

Mother was in a conservative but feminine, flowy, cream-colored gown, but standing beside her, Ruth Grace wore a knee-length, silver sequin dress that reflected so much light it was hard to focus on. "Wow," I whispered.

Nate leaned closer. "She's a disco ball and I love it."

Joby chuckled. "We're only waiting on Briar. I'm sure she wanted to make an entrance."

I sighed and told Nate, "In true holiday spirit, she treats today like a competition. I usually try to discourage it and just wear cute work clothes, but this was a present from Laurel."

Joby nudged me with his elbow and scanned my outfit. "I haven't seen her yet, but I'm afraid Briar's feelings will be hurt this year."

I blew a raspberry. "If she'd just leave me alone, that'd be great." Running my palms down the soft material, I said, "Is it alright really? Or is it too much?"

"You're hot, but tastefully." Nate kissed my hair.

Joby nodded in agreement. "It's more showy than usual for you, but definitely not over the top. I'd tell you if it was."

"Okay, thanks." I tried to relax.

The door opened, and Granny stepped out carrying her camera with Briar following behind. Briar's dress was black, off the shoulder, and barely long enough to cover her bottom, with a pattern of sparkly white snowflakes. More material was used to make her black thigh high boots.

Dad's jaw dropped and his nose wrinkled, but being a firm believer in if you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything at all, he only said, "Alright, let's get some pictures," before helping Granny down the stairs.

Briar paused at the top of the steps to adjust her dress and allow more cleavage to peek out. Her eyes cut to Nate as her hands traveled suggestively down her torso. She winked at him and he tensed beside me.

Her gaze found mine, and her lips curved in a gloating smile as though she assumed Nate found her attractive. Fake boyfriend or not, my neck heated and I had to force my face to remain impassive. Hips swinging, Briar followed everyone else into the yard.

"She's barking up the wrong tree for like six different reasons," Nate mumbled, and my anger dissipated with a giggle as my brother snorted, and the three of us left the porch.

Joby whispered, "That's a prime example of way too much."

"Ho, ho, ho!" Nate rubbed his belly, apparently doing an impersonation of six-pack-Santa.

A laugh burst from Joby as we crossed the dry grass, trailing behind Granny. Everyone glanced at us, and when they turned away, I smacked Nate's jacket.

"What?" He shrugged. "I was being Santa Claus."

***

After posing for pictures with the house far in the background, Granny arranged us on the porch, and then by the Christmas tree inside. She got all the pictures she wanted, and I didn't have to interact with Briar or Sawyer at all. It was ideal.

Mother's only comment to me was to say, "This is much better than this morning." Although it wasn't really a compliment, I thanked her, anyway.

At least she didn't compare me to Briar this year, pointing out where I could've tried harder. Apparently, even being married and pregnant wasn't enough to make Mother overlook that outfit.

In the dining room, I sat at a corner of the table with Nate on one side of me and Joby on the other. Granny and Ruth Grace were directly across from us, and it was the best seating arrangement we'd had so far. Ruth Grace loved to tell stories and while some were bizarre, they always entertained.

Our glasses were filled and refilled with our traditional apple cider mimosas or wine, and Dad and Granny had outdone themselves with the food. Nate and Joby had seconds or thirds of everything, while I stayed cocooned in a happy bubble throughout the meal.

Granny leaned away from the table and announced, "I'm stuffed. Why not save dessert for later and open the presents now?"

Joby, Nate, and I insisted on clearing the table first, because if we didn't, Granny would sneak in and do it all herself. So while the rest of them left, Joby removed his jacket, rolled up his sleeves, and started rinsing the plates to load the dishwasher.

I was covering dishes and putting the leftovers into smaller containers while Nate made trips to and from the table bringing me the food. He froze mid-step, and when I peered up, I caught him staring at Joby. My brother's back was to us, so he didn't see the way Nate was checking him out, but I wished he had.

Nate caught me looking and gave me a sad smile before continuing with cleaning. In ten minutes, everything was done, and the three of us went to the living room to join in opening presents.

I'd gotten gift cards to each person's favorite stores, and Nate carried them in his jacket pocket for me. I passed those out to everyone except my least favorite couple—I drew the line at buying them things.

Mother gave me a set of the facial products she's used for years. She buys them from the spa where she gets her twice monthly facials, and while it was her way of saying my complexion needed some help and it's time to use wrinkle cream, it wasn't a terrible present.

Dad came over with envelopes for me and Nate. "Merry Christmas, kids."

"Thanks, Dad!" I opened the flap and pulled out a receipt for some very expensive tires. "You didn't have to do this. It's too much."

"You put so many miles on your car for work. If I can't be close by when you need help, it makes me feel better knowing they're in decent shape."

"That's very sweet. Thank you." I kissed his cheek. "I'll make an appointment to have them put on as soon as I need them."

"Whoa! Check this out." Nate showed me the gift certificate Dad had given him. "Prime Steakhouse is fantastic, we'll enjoy this. Thank you, Jonah."

"You're very welcome. I hope it's an enjoyable night out." He beamed at Nate before returning to his place next to Mother on the couch.

"Presents for both my grand girls," Granny said as she gave Briar a little box and crossed the room to give me one of a similar size.

It fit in my palm and seemed like it could be jewelry. Briar had hers open before I even had the paper off of mine. "These are gorgeous, Granny. They must be so expensive!"

Granny nodded. "I knew you'd love that. They're your birthstone too."

Briar held up the amethyst earrings, two purple stones the size of dimes hung from a single row of diamonds each. They were pretty, but too big for my taste—exactly what Briar would want.

Closing the box, she watched as I opened my gift. I expected something similar, only opals for my birthstone and a lot smaller because Granny knew what we preferred. But inside, were delicate blue topaz studs with a halo of diamonds set in rose gold.

"Granny, I love them! Thank you." I gave her a hug before holding them up for everybody to see.

Nate agreed they were beautiful while Briar preened, clearly pleased that Granny had spent more on her, but I didn't care. I thought they were lovely. "The vintage design is so pretty. I can't wait to wear them."

"They're more than vintage, they're antiques." Granny lowered to the couch beside me.

"Did you find them in Savannah?" Ruth Grace asked.

"No." Granny studied them resting in my hand. "Someone gave these to my mother before I was born. They were very dear to her. When I got married, I wore them and it felt as though she was with me."

Tears blurred my vision. "Oh, Granny. I love them even more, I'll be so careful with them."

"Of course you will, lamb." She gave my wrist a pat.

"What?" Briar screeched. Everyone turned to her as she stood, kicking paper and other people's presents out of her way. "Why is everything always about Jolivette?"

Sawyer whispered something we couldn't hear, but he appeared to be begging her to stop. She slapped him away. "No. Someone tell me. What has she done that was so damn special?"

She pointed at me and the hate filling her glare hit as hard as a physical blow. We disliked each other, but what did I do to deserve that?

As Briar stepped closer, Nate straightened, blocking me from her. I wasn't sure if he was hiding me from sight or preparing to protect me physically, and the answer should've mattered, but I just sat there, stunned.

Joby stood next to Granny and spoke to Briar. "Maybe you should step outside and get some air."

"Maybe you should mind your own business. Granny can answer my question."

"Briar!" Ruth Grace shouted. "You stop being disrespectful, right now."

"Oh, shove it, Mom. I'm sick of your bullshit too."

Kiaan made a choking sound, and wrapped his arm around his wife. Before he could say anything, Briar was yelling again. "Your crazy psychic crap, and circus performer costumes. The line of idiot husbands you parade through my life. Daddy was the only one that gave a shit about me, and you got rid of him."

Her emotional outburst shocked me and I couldn't think straight. The tension filling the house was so thick it was hard to breathe. How did we get from opening gifts to this?

Sawyer tried again. "Briar, please. Joby's right, let's go outside for a bit." He touched her arm and this time she didn't slap him away, she swung her fist.

He dodged it, but we all gasped as he watched her, mouth agape. Shocked glances shot around the room, nobody knew how to handle this. And then her attention landed on me and if looks could kill, I'd have been a goner.

"I got nothing, but sweet Jolivette got everything. She's teacher's pet, her Daddy's favorite, Granny's favorite, the whole senior class thought she was wonderful," Briar's tone dripped with hate.

"Well, until Sawyer chose me, and then I made you seem like a crazy bitch. So you don't get everything." Her self-satisfied grin and those words soured in my stomach. My body shook, and Nate laced our fingers together, supporting me.

But it wasn't me who spoke. "What the hell are you talking about?" The bewildered expression drained from Sawyer's face. "You started those rumors about her?"

She shrugged, completely unrepentant. I wanted to scream at her, but anger clogged my throat and stung my eyes.

Sawyer stood and his jaw flexed. "How could you do that? She changed her entire life because of you!" Resentment radiated from him. "She wouldn't even speak to me."

"Oh, poor Sawyer!" Briar yelled. "I didn't make you cheat. You lost your perfect princess all on your own." She stomped across the room, snatched champagne from the table, and tipped it up.

"Stop." Sawyer reached for it, and she turned away, continuing to chug. "You're pregnant, Briar. What are you thinking?"

After draining it, she took a deep breath and burped. "No, I'm not, you jackass."

Ruth Grace deflated, her tiny body sagging against Kiaan, and Granny leaned forward, holding her forehead. Breath whooshed from Sawyer as though Briar had punched him in the stomach. "What are you saying? Of course you are. Eleven weeks."

Briar's bottle dropped to the floor with a hollow thump. "You wanted a divorce. What was I supposed to do?" She marched through the kitchen, grabbing wine on her way to the backdoor. "Merry Christmas," she called before the door slammed.

Sawyer was only a few steps behind her. When the door shut again, Granny sighed. "What will I do with this family?

Ruth Grace's inhale was shaky and loud. "I'm sorry, Mom. I'm not sure what's gotten into her."

"Sounds like a lot of things, but if anyone here deserves an apology, it's Liv." Granny shifted toward me and took the hand Nate wasn't holding. "I overlooked so many things with that girl because she's my grandbaby too, and I love her. But it breaks my heart to know she hurt you deliberately."

"It's okay, Granny," I said almost out of reflex, to make her feel better. "It's not your fault."

"So none of it was true?" Mother asked, and for a second, all I could do was stare.

Joby huffed. "Of course it wasn't true."

Nate lifted his chin. He'd stand up for me too, but I could do it myself. Briar might've shocked me into silence, but this attitude from Mother was nothing new, and I was sick of it.

"Are you asking if I stalked Sawyer after he dumped me, or if I was pregnant, or if I'm hiding a ten-year-old somewhere, Mother? Exactly which rumor were you thinking might be true?"

"What? No. I..." For the first time I could remember, something had flustered Mother. She fiddled with her necklace and struggled to form words. Dad didn't even attempt helping her.

Finally, she said, "I knew that wasn't true. I suppose I was just surprised by all of this yelling."

Dad stood and guided her to her feet by her elbow. "Let's go for a drive. The house could use a little quiet." He pointed her toward the door, but stopped to peck the top of my head. "That boy never deserved you. I love you, and I'm so proud of the woman you've become."

"Thanks, Dad."

He kissed Granny's temple. "See you in a while. Call if you need anything."

"Alright, son." She patted his arm.

A weighted blanket of awkwardness covered us. Ruth Grace started cleaning the wrapping paper from the floor with Kiaan helping. Nate relaxed against the couch, hugging me to his side. I couldn't remember ever feeling so drained while only sitting on a sofa.

Granny stayed completely still, frowning. Joby scooted in beside her. "Do you need anything? Some water maybe?"

"I'm alright, dear. Let's just calm down a bit."

After a few minutes where Nate continuously stroked my hair, and the only sound was Ruth Grace balling up wrapping paper and tossing it in the bag Kiaan held, the backdoor squeaked open.

Sawyer shuffled in with red-rimmed eyes. "She lied. There was never a baby." A tear rolled down his cheek and despite myself, my heart ached for him. "I'll get a few things from the house now and the rest later."

He turned to Ruth Grace. "She's almost finished that bottle of wine, and she was walking toward the road. Someone should get her, but it won't be me."

Ruth Grace nodded and waved to her coat and purse. Kiaan went to collect their things, and she said, "I'm sorry for all the hurt she's caused. We'll take her home with us for now. She won't like it, but a change of scenery might help."

I felt sorry for the people of South Carolina and wondered what Kiaan thought about taking Briar home with them. He only nodded and murmured his goodbyes as he helped Ruth Grace with her coat, and they were gone.

Sawyer rubbed his hands over his face, drying it, and then he peered up at me. "You won't believe me, and maybe I'll never deserve your forgiveness, but I am sorry. You were my best friend. I had everything, and I ruined it." His gaze shot to Nate and back. "I'm glad to see you're happy."

Focusing on the floor, Sawyer left.

"I hate that guy, but now I feel sorry for him." Joby's eyebrows pulled together as though it annoyed him.

Granny exhaled loudly. "I don't know about you kids, but that was enough drama for me. What do you say we get in our jammies and meet down here for a silly Christmas movie and dessert?"

I smiled. "That'd be nice, Granny."

"How about Home Alone?" Joby asked.

"Sounds great to me," Nate said as he stood pulling me up with him, and then helped Granny up before we went our separate ways.

Well, it was almost a drama free gathering. 😬

Did anyone expect that Briar's pregnancy was fake? 👀 (except you Donna, I know you caught me, lol)

I feel bad for Sawyer. It's probably better that they're not expecting one of those magical marriage-saving babies though, yikes!