She glances between us.

“I’m moving to DC to be closer to Cate,” Andy says matter-of-factly.

For a second, her eyes narrow before they open with wide-eyed, fake glee. “Congratulations. I hope to get a wedding invitation soon.”

She’s probing and I’m prepared with an answer, but Andy beats me to it.

“We’ll be sure to mail you one.”

It’s hard to hold back a snicker as her smile flattens out. I know she expected that he’s say something to contradict her. Instead, he’s given her exactly what she doesn’t want to hear.

“Great, I look forward to it.” She spins on her heels and stalks away.

I let the laugh come out that I’ve been holding back.

“That was brilliant. Too bad we have no invitation to send.”

Andy’s magnetic blue eyes gaze into mine. “You never know.”

My hand stills midair with the wine glass I’ve been holding. I’m not sure what to say to that.

“Drew,” another person calls and we are pulled into another introduction and conversation.

Later, I’m finally able to step away as a long winded doctor draws Drew into a conversation with so many nonsensical five syllable words, my head starts to spin. I’ve just picked up one of the yummy calamari appetizers when a woman steps into my personal space.

Her blonde hair is carefully styled in an updo, but I recognize her as the one who couldn’t keep her lips to herself and off of Drew.

“You may have won this round, but if you manage to marry him, you’ll still lose. Half of the doctors here cheat on their spouses with nurses and other staff. I mean, they spend more time with us than they do at home with their spouses.”

Everything about her looks angry.

I can’t stop the quick retort that barrels out of my mouth. “You realize that if you didn’t walk around with a sneer on your face, any one of the single guys here tonight would ask you out. You’re an attractive woman whose beauty is hidden behind hate and envy. A genuine smile and happy thoughts would go a long way toward getting a man that wants you. And a bit of advice—no man wants to be chased. Men like to do the chasing.”

I think of HockeyHo as I shake my head feeling so sorry for the woman before me. I pivot and plow right into Andy. He must have come up while I was talking.

“Cate.” My name is but a whisper from his sly and half parted smile. He leans down and kisses me right in front of the woman and anyone else nearby to see.

I still don’t know her name, but I don’t care either—especially while Andy is touching me. He puts an arm around me and I turn back to face her. Only she’s stalking off before we can share any other words.

“I sure am one lucky woman.” I glance up at the man I call mine.

Andy appears mystified. “Why is that?”

“My boyfriend is like a super star.”

He gives me a cheeky grin. “I’m lucky too. Do you know how many guys have come up to me tonight and begged me to tell them you were just my sister so they could ask you out?”

I shake my head. “No way.”

“Yes, way, my beautiful Cate.”

He makes me feel beautiful, but I don’t say it. Instead, I teasingly say, “So it’s my beauty you want.”

“Pot and kettle and all that. You called me a mega model.” He winks at me.

“Did not.” I playfully slap at his arm. “Super star, Doctor extraordinaire, the man who could have any one he wants.”

“And he wants only one woman. The one before me. So why don’t you let me take you home so I can get even luckier?”

He kisses me again before we leave the party and when we get back to his place, he makes good on his promise.

Days later when I arrive at my parents’ house in Charleston for the holidays, I sit in the kitchen with my mother.

“You can’t stay more than a couple of days?” Mom pouts.

“I promised Jenna I would help get her place ready for the party. It’s just easier if I stay with her.”

I don’t want to feel like a kid sleeping at my parents’ house. They will want to know my every move, especially with my younger sister and brother at home. I plan to spend every night with Andy when he arrives. Which is why I’m staying with Jenna and not them because they would never allow it.

“You’re coming Christmas morning to open presents.”

I sigh. “Mom, I’m not five.”

“I know. But you’ll always be my baby.”

She kisses the top of my head and I feel bad.

“I’ll be by Christmas day at some point.” I take in a deep breath and just say the words I’ve been thinking about all day. “And I’ll be bringing Drew with me.”

I don’t bother calling him Andy because that’s not how they know him and they will think I’m talking about someone else.

Shannon breezes into the kitchen. “So what’s this about Drew coming?”

My sister is apparently still boy crazy. I don’t remember being that bright eyed every time a hot guy’s name was mentioned in a conversation. She was like this a few years ago and nothing’s changed. Mom says nothing while she continues to cut out Christmas shapes in the cookie dough when she pauses. I decide to clarify my words. “Drew and I are back together.”

Mom doesn’t acknowledge my words, only continues what she was doing being uncharacteristically quiet.

Shannon, on the other hand, goes for sarcasm. “Of course you are. I bet he’s giving it to you real good.”

“Shannon Forbes,” Mom warns. “Stop being sassy. Go upstairs and clean your room.”

She heads out and my brother walks in. “What’s going on?” he asks when he spots the fury on Mom’s face.

“Cate is shacking up with her boyfriend and doesn’t want to tell Mom.”

Eric shakes his head and does an about-face as I yell, “I am not shacking up with Drew.”

Shannon waves a dismissive hand and I’m left alone with Mom whose stewing on Shannon’s words or mine. I’m not sure. It could be both.

After agonizing moments, she finally says, “Are you sure that’s a good idea that you and Drew get back together?”

I’ve expected a reaction, just not that one. “Why?”

“Catelyn, you and I both know how hard everything was on you. Are you sure you can handle this?”

“Hard on me? I’m the one that ran. Do you not like him or something?”

She’d never indicted she had a problem with him. I don’t understand why she’s on my side and not his.

“It’s not that. He’s a fine young man. I’m just worried about you.”

“Don’t be. I haven’t been this happy since,” I wave a hand in the air. “Since then.”

I don’t tell her that I had the very fears she’s mentioned. I don’t want her to worry because Andy is great and he’s mine. Somehow, it will all work out.

Dad walks in and glances at us. “What’s with the long faces?”

I dive in headfirst and blurt, “I’m seeing Drew again.”

Dad’s reaction is far different from Mom’s. He walks over and places a comforting hand on mine. “I’m glad. Now I understand that smile when you walked in the door, not that I’m complaining. Any man can make my baby happy, is good enough for me.”

“Thanks Dad.”

Mom doesn’t say any more over the next few days. Shannon does her best to annoy me and Eric and I play video games as he tells me about making the basketball team. Dad and I get a tree the next day and as a family we spend the time decorating it. It feels good to be home and I haven’t felt that way in a while.

When I arrive at Jenna’s the next night, Ben is there.

“Catie Bear,” Ben says wrapping me in a hug.

I don’t correct him because Ben and I became best friends during all of the bad days that summer.

“Ben, I feel like it’s been forever since we’ve talked.”

“It has. And I hear you have news for me.”

Damn, Jenna. But I’m surprised she’s hadn’t spilled the beans so far.

“Drew.” I clear my throat because I’m more afraid of his reaction over my parents. “Drew and I are back together.”

He nods, not as all surprised. “Figures. I guess I’m the last to know.”