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“Yes, you were,” Rory argues.

Knox looks at her. “You saying you want to babysit with me, Aurora?”

“I’d rather leave the baby unattended.”

“There’s that Christmas spirit.”

Logan pushes Knox aside and pulls Dean into a hug, clapping him hard on the back.

“Mate. You’re actually doing this again.”

Dean looks toward Aspen. “Apparently, I didn’t learn the first time.”

“HEY!” Aspen yells.

Everyone laughs before Dean’s dad steps forward and embraces him.

“Congratulations, son.”

“Thanks, Dad,” Dean replies, clapping him on the back.

His mom is already crying when she reaches me.

“Oh, sweetheart.” She pulls me into her arms. “I’m so happy for you.”

Something about being held by a mother who means it nearly undoes me.

“Thank you,” I whisper.

She kisses my cheek before stepping aside.

Then Jerry is standing in front of me. He hasn’t said a word, and his eyes are glassy.

“Kid,” he says, his voice rough.

My chest caves in. “Hi.”

“You’re having a baby?”

I nod. “Yeah.”

Jerry releases a shaky breath and pulls me against him, holding me tightly.

“I wish they could see you now.”

I go still.

He doesn’t have to say who he means.

My parents.

For one second, the old ache cracks open. Then Jerry pulls back and cups the side of my face.

“Actually, no,” he says.

I blink at him. “No?”

“They had their chance.” His voice is quiet but firm. “You’ve got people here who see you.”