Ever since I stopped being forced to practice hand lettering under Matthew’s watch, I never


    bothered to do it on my own.


    I mean, I wasn’t exactly a kid anymore, but I was still just aszy as one, dodging anything that felt


    like work whenever I could.


    “Rx, just write. However it turns out, it turns out,” Matthew said, holding the quill pen out to me


    again. How was I supposed to say no?


    I’d held this pen before when I bought it, but now, taking it from him, it felt so much heavier.


    Maybe it was all the ink–or maybe it was the way Matthew was staring at me, like he was expecting


    something big.


    He wanted me to be that girl again. The one who used to write with a heart full of Jace, back when I


    was that kid always hanging out at their home.


    I pressed the pen to the paper, but my hand shook. No matter how hard I tried, the strokes came


    out all wobbly.


    I knew Matthew didn’t actually care about my handwriting. What he really wanted was something


    deeper- he was trying to figure out where my heart was at.


    “Embrace the present,” he read aloud, his eyes scanning what I’d written.


    Earlier, he’d shared his thoughts, and I was just trying to keep up with that vibe.


    He didn’t say anything else, just nodded, giving me this serious, almost intense look. “I wish you the


    best.” Then, out of nowhere, he stuck his hand out for a handshake.


    But instead of shaking it, I pulled him into a gentle hug. Thanks, Matthew.”


    He gave my back a few light pats. “I’m sorry, I’ve put you through a lot. It’s my fault for not raising


    my son right.”


    Just a second ago, when Lindey was tearing into him, he stayed quiet–didn’t admit a thing. But now,


    here he was, apologizing to me.


    Suddenly, I felt tears sting my eyes.


    Maybe he noticed, because he gently stroked my hair before stepping back and looking at my red,


    watery eyes. “I know all the dumb stuff Jace has pulled. I’ve already handled it.


    “If he tries anything like that again, he’s out.


    “He should know better by now.”


    I’de here to vent, to ask him to get Jace under control, but Matthew beat me to it


    He really understood me. After ten years of this bond–hot by blood, but in every other way–It felt


    like we were as close as real family.


    “Thank you, Matthew.”


    1 wasn’t just thanking him for standing up for me–I was thanking him for the love and care he’d


    shown me


    over all these years.


    Matthew gently pulled me up straight. “Don’t say stuff like that. It feels like you’re pulling away from


    us.”


    I shook my head. “You and Lindey will always be my family, my closest people.”


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    Matthew smiled, that familiar warmth creeping back in. “Good. When we go downstairs, I’ll make it


    clear to Hayden–if he ever crosses the line with you, he’s done.”


    It was the first time I’d ever heard Matthew sound so tough, almost like a mob boss or something.


    I couldn’t help butugh. “Okay, I’ll make sure he gets the message.”


    Matthew ruffled my hair again. “Rea, no matter who you end up with, I just want one thing–for you to


    be happy.”


    In that moment, he felt more like my real dad than ever.


    Tears welled up again, and I nodded.


    *Alright, let’s head downstairs. I wonder if Lindey’s giving Hayden a hard time. She only wants you


    as her daughter–inw, you know. She won’t settle for anyone else,” Matthew said, giving me that


    ssic ‘a husband knows his wife best‘ grin.


    I looped my arm through his. “It’s fine. Let her test him. If he’s scared off, he’s not the right one


    anyway.” Matthew chuckled softly and started leading me toward the stairs.


    But before we could go any further, I stopped him. “Matthew, there’s something I need to ask.”


    “Hm? What is it?”


    I bit my lip, my heart suddenly racing for no reason I could exin. “My parents‘ car ident… was


    it really an ident?”