Free Hell on Heels Christmas by A.P. Jensen Page A

hated as a kid was now yellowed and peeling on the sides. The house wasn’t as big as she remembered and she could see the wear and tear on the house she’d had no mercy on in her youth. She looked at her mom who’d aged. She had the same energy but her temper had mellowed a bit and she was way more cautious with what she said and how she said it. Regan wasn’t angry with her mother as she had been for so many years. She could have stayed in White Mist after refusing Brooks proposal but she would have had to deal with a mom who was convinced that she knew what was best for her. Now that Regan was older she had to admit that her mom’s pushiness stemmed from caring too much rather than not enough.
    “You loved dad?” Regan asked.
    Valerie stiffened and shot her a reproving glance but nodded. “Yes. I did.”
    “Why?”
    “Because we were so different I guess.”
    Regan examined her as if she’d never seen her before. “Are you happy?”
    Valerie snorted. “I was before you started asking me these questions.”
    Regan shrugged. “When I was younger I didn’t care. Now, I’m curious. You grew up here and dad left you with three kids. Aren’t you mad at him?”
    “Yes and no. If he hadn’t left I never would’ve started the shop and I love it.”
    “I’m glad,” Regan said simply.
    “I’m… content, I guess.”
    Regan sighed. “I wish I knew what that meant.”
    “Contentment isn’t something that just happens to you, Regan Lee, it’s a choice. You have to want exactly what you have.”
    Regan stabbed her broccoli with her fork. “I don’t know what I want anymore.”
    “I believe that. Ever since you were old enough you were wandering further and further away from home. Of course I was hoping Brooks would be able to put the brakes on you but when he tried to cage you, you bolted.”
    “I knew I couldn’t be what he wanted and you guys would’ve made my life hell if I stayed.”
    “I’m not gonna deny it.”
    “Do you believe in soul mates?” Regan blurted.
    Valerie chewed her steak and considered. “I don’t know. Why?”
    Regan tapped her fingers on the table restlessly as she tried to find words to explain what was happening to her.
    “I loved Brooks,” she began and bit her lip. “I came back, knowing he married Allison. I felt that because he found someone else we didn’t have to talk and maybe we could coexist without seeing each other but…” She slapped her hand on the table, startling her mother. “He’s not married and he feels,” she used her fingers to make air quotes, “ something for me so now what?”
    “That’s up to you.”
    “But I can’t give him what he wants!” Regan said, aggravated.
    “How do you know what he wants?”
    “Because it’s written all over him! He wants a wife. He always has.”
    “Did you think you could be a success in the corporate world or do all the things you’ve done since you left?”
    Regan blinked. “No.”
    “Do you have a plan for what you want to do tomorrow?”
    “No.”
    “Then just shut up and let Brooks take care of everything.”
    “If I let him take care of everything I could end up pregnant.”
    Valerie was half amused, half concerned. “Well, wear condoms for God’s sake. I think I have some upstairs.”
    Regan gaped at her mother in horror. “Please tell me you’re joking because that would mean… Eww! Gag.”
    Valerie laughed. “Don’t think too hard on it and I won’t think too hard on you and Brooks.”
    Regan sobered. “I don’t think I can go through this with him again. Hell, I don’t even know if I’m staying!”
    “How do you feel about him?”
    She couldn’t suppress a shiver. “I don’t know. It’s all a jumble. I never expected any of this.”
    “You know I love Brooks as if he was my own son. I love you too. I want you guys to get together but I swear I’ll keep my nose out of your business.”
    “I can stop this if I leave,” she said thoughtfully.
    “Why? You want to go