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Unlike them, Mom and I were amazingly close and shared everything between us. She shared her happiness and worries with me, so I always knew where she stood with Brian.
“Do you think they’ll like us?” I asked in a low, anxious voice.
“They’re a bunch of idiots,” Brian answered in a grim tone. “Don’t worry, Milla. I’ll tell them and we’ll soon have a family dinner together. Everyone will get a chance to meet each other.”
I gave a nod, busying myself with the rest of the macaroons. Now that some of the excitement was wearing off, I realized I was going to have three stepbrothers.
Mom being my only family, I never grew up with cousins or siblings. As a kid, I always wanted a brother or sister.
Things were different now. I didn’t feel comfortable trying to get close to three young men who were my age and call them “brothers”.
I was an awkward, shy girl on a normal day. I was sure Caleb and Corey were already laughing behind my back. At least, there was no reason to be close to them anymore. Corey would be discharged from the hospital tomorrow and as soon as he went back to school, he’d go back to ignoring me.
Personally, I didn’t mind them ignoring me. There was no way I could compete with the beautiful girls always hanging around them.
Brace yourself, I told myself, thinking of the three strangers I was about to meet and welcome into my family.You have to do it for Mom.
7
Camilla
My steps took me down the familiar path leading to the departmental building where we were scheduled to have our first class of the day. I kept my head bowed against the chilly breeze, not paying attention to the people around me.
A hand fell on my shoulder, making me whirl around wildly.
“Hey, it’s just me,” said Wyatt, holding up his arms. Curls of brown locks escaped from the blue beany hat he was wearing. A broad grin curved his lips while his pale blue eyes twinkled mischievously.
I punched him in the chest. “Don’t jump on me like that. I could’ve hurt you!”
He laughed and fell in step with me. “I don’t mind a punch or two. They’re worth that look on your face.”
I scowled at him, stomping the rest of the way to class.
“Hey, come on,” he called out, jogging behind me. “Here. You can have the rest of my caramel latte.”
I halted, considering my best friend's offer.
He extended his arm toward me, offering the Starbucks cup.
Taking it, I sloshed the contents a little, making sure he wasn’t messing around with me. When I realized more than half the tumbler was full, I took a grateful sip and smiled.
“What were you up to this weekend?” Wyatt asked when we took our usual seats in the front row. “You barely replied to any of the texts I sent you. There was a free pizza promotion going on at the place I work. You missedsucha good deal.”
I chuckled and took off my jacket. “Not really. I spent the weekend with Mom and her fiancé. The food I enjoyed this weekend was...was...” I gave a chef’s kiss, all out of words for the incredible meals my mom and Brian made.
“Wait, what?” Wyatt stared at me with widened eyes. “Brian proposed to your mom.”
It was my turn to grin. “Yup!”
“Oh, wow!” he gushed, throwing his arms around me.
Just as I was about to be engulfed in his arms, someone forced us both to be pushed apart. Looking to the side, I stared up at Noah. His whole attention was focused on Wyatt.
Wyatt glanced at me worriedly before looking up at the glare Noah was sending his way.
“Don’t touch her,” Noah bit out.
“Huh?” My best friend stared up at him confusedly.
