"Where will you go?" Eric was curious. It was better for them if they moved. Gina had made a mess of things, but at least she wanted to do right by her son.
She shrugged. "I've always liked the East Coast. Maybe I'll try my luck somewhere down that way. I just know I need to escape this town and start new. I owe it to Evan, and I owe it to Adrian."
He nodded. One thing Eric knew all about was starting over. Except he did it right here in the town he'd screwed up in.
"After the holidays, I'll look into transferring."
"I'm offering up the suggestion that everyone stay here tonight. The roads are full of snow and ice, it's dark, and we've all had a wild few hours." Jacob stood in the middle of the large living room and glanced at everyone.
There were choruses of agreement, though Eric wondered how there would be enough room for them all.
An hour later, most of the kids were sleeping. The only one who wasn't yet was Ron's oldest son. Eric forgot his name. Now he remembered Ron. Jacob's brother-in-law, the one who'd lost his wife the year Jacob and Cheyenne met.
"It's like an adult slumber party!" Jonas grinned, poking at Robin's side. She rolled her eyes at him. "Who wants to play some games?"
Eric searched the crowded living room for Petra. She had been looking at him, but acted like she wasn't when he caught her. This was gonna be an interesting night.
"Maybe you need to go to sleep early like the kids. This is adults only," Caitlin teased her brother.
The power flickered, silencing everyone. The room went pitch black for a few seconds before the power returned.
"It's going to be a fun night. Old Man Winter is in a mood this year," Jacob commented.
A little while later, Jacob and Cheyenne handed out blankets and pillows and made suggestions to where everyone could sleep.
Eric headed for the bathroom to find the door closed. A sliver of light poured out from underneath the door. Instead of knocking, he just waited for the person to get out. He was startled when Petra pulled the door open. As she caught sight of him, she froze. Her hand was on the light switch.
"Petra," he said, gathering his composure. She was going to walk away when Eric reached out and touched her elbow.
"There's going to be a line. If you need to use the bathroom, I'd do it now," she said, her voice chilled.
"I think we need to talk," he pleaded.
"Do we?" she challenged.
"We do," Eric affirmed. He wasn't going to let her go so easily this time. No matter what it took, he'd make it right with her.
*****
If Eric wasn't watching Petra, then Gina was. Did Eric say something to her about how he'd missed dinner with her and her parents?
Petra had to admit, now that she knew how serious the situation was, she'd been pretty rough on Eric. He had a point. Sometimes she was looking for everyone else's approval, and it wasn't right. She'd been quick to judge him for missing something without giving him the full chance to explain. They'd both been upset that night. Still, it made her wonder if they had a real shot after all.
If she allowed herself to fully open up, maybe they did. Just the two of them, without so many worries about gaining approval from friends or family. Her parents didn't like Eric, but Petra did, and he shouldn't have to prove himself to anyone else. Petra shouldn't expect him to.
She wasn't sure what time it was, but her body started to tire out. Too bad her brain wasn't getting the same hint. Just how would she sleep tonight with Eric in the same place?
"If anyone needs anything, don't hesitate to knock. I think the second band of heavy snow moved off to the east, but who knows what else is in store for us." Cheyenne stifled a yawn. "Don't have too much fun. If anyone gets crazy loud, you're on nightly baby duty. Consider yourselves warned."
"Which means Jonas," Robin laughed. "He's the loud one around here."
Jacob chuckled. "He could use the practice."
"What?" Jonas' cheeks turned a flaming red. "Robin-?"
"Jacob, quit instigating!" Cheyenne scolded, shoving him out of the room.
"No, Jonas, we aren't going to be parents," Robin assured him. "The look on your face was hilarious, though!"
"So who's taking the den and who's staying in the living room?" Ron asked.
After a lot of shuffling around, everyone figured they were just going to find a spot and try to sleep. What a weird night. Petra climbed under the blanket she'd been given and closed her eyes. All around here there were whispers and quiet chatter. Jonas and Robin huddled together, of course. Caitlin and Ron were talking about fixing up her car, and at one point she heard Eric say something to Gina.
She nearly shrieked when a hand landed on her arm.
"Just me," Eric whispered. "I just wanted to say good night."
"Good night, Eric," she whispered back, hoping he'd leave it at that. Tonight wasn't the time to talk about things, not when everyone else was within earshot.
He didn't say anything after that, and she heard him move. He must have made his bed nearby. She curled up under her blanket and tried to keep warm. For some reason, she kept shivering.
At some point in the middle of the night, Petra woke up with a heavier weight on her. She sat up, and as her eyes adjusted, a light nearby went on. Someone was up and went to the bathroom. Next to her was Eric, curled on his side without his blanket.
It rested over her.
Had he draped his blanket over her when she was cold? She never even realized he'd stayed so close to her last night.
Scooting closer, Petra covered him with both blankets. She slid an arm around him from behind, took in his warmth and tried to sleep some more.
*****
The next morning, the sun was out, but low clouds were all lined up in the sky. The snow glistened in the light, all fresh and ready for playing. The kids were sure excited. It looked like the plows already came down this street. Just how much of the city streets were cleared already? Most everyone was ready to get on with their day and figure things out. Eric had to drop Gina and Evan off at home, maybe even see if Petra would ride with him too, since Caitlin's car was left in a parking lot.
He'd woken up to her cuddled up behind him. He couldn't help but give her his blanket last night. She wouldn't stop shivering.
"You know, we survived this co-ed slumber party. I'm almost thinking we've got this one in the bag when the kids get older and want more sleepovers," Jacob said to Cheyenne while handing her plates.
She whirled around and she shook the wooden spoon at him. "Don't give you-know-who any ideas! He's old enough already!"
"Are you talking about me?" Ben ran into the kitchen, followed by Evan. Eric stayed in the corner of the living room, hoping Ben wouldn't pay much attention to him there at the moment.
"Maybe," Jacob said at the same time Cheyenne let out a loud "No!"
Ben shrugged, opened the fridge, and poured himself a glass of juice, then got one for Evan. He turned around to hand his friend the glass, then looked over at Eric. He said something to Evan before heading Eric's way. "Evan says his dad used to yell a lot, too. Kinda like you always did." He stared up at him with curious eyes.
Where was he going with this? "That's true," Eric admitted.
"Is that why he died? Because he always yelled?" Ben sounded afraid.
Eric sighed and shuffled his feet. How was he supposed to answer this? "Not quite. He died because he had anger problems, but it was more than just because he yelled."
"Is that why you're nicer? You don't want to die?"
Geez. This was a strange conversation. Eric glanced around the room. From the kitchen, Petra watched him with interest.
"I'm nicer because I'm trying to learn from my mistakes. I was hiding behind things I shouldn't have so I could keep feelings away." Would that even make sense?
"Why?"
"When I was just a little older than you, I lost someone very close to me. Some thought it was my fault, and I was afraid since then. She was just a little ki
d."
"You were afraid of me?" Ben clutched his drink, hanging on to every word Eric said.
He swallowed a large lump that formed in his throat. "Yeah. You, Desiree, and Kinley."
"But ... you aren't afraid of Evan," Ben accused.
"I am a little. I've also learned to be less afraid. It's a scary job being someone's dad. A life is in your hands, and I wasn't ready because of things I dealt with growing up."
"So you yelled a lot because you were scared." Ben seemed to ponder the thought.
"Kinda. It wasn't the smartest move, but it was my way of not letting anyone know I was afraid."
"But why? Why not tell someone you were afraid so they could help?"
"Are you sure you're just nine years old?" Eric forced a laugh, a very nervous one.
"I'm sure! You should know too!" Ben narrowed his eyes.
"I was kidding, Ben. I know you're nine. You just seem so much older sometimes." And that was his fault. From what he'd heard and seen, Ben used to take the man of the house role very seriously. He'd always been protective of Desiree, and even Cheyenne. Jacob was in their life because of a grown up wish Ben made.
"I like you when you aren't yelling. I know I yelled at you a few times, but it's because you still scare me a little." Ben sat next to him on the couch.
"I don't blame you for being afraid of me. I didn't make it easy for you." Eric wondered if Ben was going to hug him or something.
"So now that you're nice and not yelling, is it Miss Petra or Miss Gina you like?" Ben leaned over close. "I think Evan wants you to be his dad."
Eric pursed his lips. Evan was sitting with Gina at the table, eating breakfast. Petra, Robin, and Caitlin were laughing over something. She looked his way again and their gazes locked.
"I still love Miss Petra," Eric whispered to Ben.
"I think she still loves you, too. I keep seeing these weird faces. Every time I do, someone has a wedding."
He said that all too knowingly, as if he were an expert on it or something. This time, Eric's laugh wasn't forced. "What faces?"
Ben rolled his eyes. "For being grown up, you guys sure don't know a lot." He set his drink down on the table and did a dramatic thing with his hands.
"You probably got that one right on the dot," Eric said after another chuckle. "I'm not experienced at this stuff."
"You can still learn." Ben smiled. "I'm glad you don't yell any more," he said, all of a sudden.
"Know what, kiddo? Me too."
And with that, Eric realized maybe things were turning out okay. Ben was trying to at least understand and didn't look at him so coldly any more.
Before Eric left, Ben said something Eric wouldn't forget.
"Hey, Eric?"
"Yeah, Ben?"
His little boy peered up at him. "I forgive you, and I hope you and Miss Petra do something about the faces you make at each other."
Chapter Twenty Three
Petra's boss called a few minutes earlier, letting everyone know they didn't have to go into the office today. It meant everyone would have to do extra work the rest of the days, but at least she had today to chill and not have to scramble in there late. Maybe she'd put in a few more hours to get her work done early. She'd probably end up with a headache from staring at a computer screen. Working in a medical plaza behind the scenes as an administrator had it's ups and downs.
"Desiree wants Kinley to stay today," Cheyenne informed her. "I don't mind if you want to stay too, or even if you don't."
"You sure? You're not working today?"
"No. I already had today off. Jacob can work from home, and I think Robin and Jonas are staying for a while longer. Maybe you and Eric can talk."
Petra sighed. Yeah, that. She should apologize to him at least.
"Relationships are complicated, aren't they? Ben actually talked to him today. Did you see that?"
She had. Every time Petra thought it was safe and that she could get away with looking his way, Eric had met her gaze. "I did. I was surprised."
"It was long overdue. Ben hasn't been dealing well with Eric being around lately, but that's understandable, considering their strained relationship."
"You still have that old holiday miracle thought, don't you?" Petra laughed.
"It's worked the past few years. Change is in the air. Tis the season." Cheyenne winked.
"What are you saying?" Was that Cheyenne's way of telling her to give things a shot with Eric?
"I'm saying I've noticed a lot of new feelings and changes with people. I'm saying someone wants a second chance with you, but we all understand your hesitance."
"Hey Petra, want a lift home?" Eric asked from behind her.
She whirled around, hoping he hadn't heard much of this conversation. "I'd like that, thanks. Cheyenne, if you're okay with Kinley staying for a while so she can play with Desiree, that's fine with me. I just don't have much extra, other than what's in her bag."
"We've got it covered. Go spend a snow day doing some 'you' stuff."
After saying goodbye to everyone, Petra climbed in the front seat of Eric's car. Gina and Evan sat in the back. Caitlin walked out of the house with Ron and his kids as Eric pulled out of the drive.
The ride to Gina's was tense. No one said anything. Eric turned on the radio, which was good enough for Petra.
"Thanks for everything, Mr. Eric." Evan fist bumped him when they were parked in front of their house.
"I'm sure you might get some questions later." Gina nodded at him. She probably meant by the police. Petra wondered how that would all play out.
"I'll be ready for them," Eric promised.
"Take care, Eric. You too, Petra." With a wave, Gina closed the car door. She and Evan made their way up the drive.
Halfway to her place, Petra finally spoke. "I need to apologize. I jumped on your case the other night, especially when you said Gina called, and I was wrong."
Eric took a quick glance at her before focusing on the road. "You weren't wrong, really. There's no right or wrong way to react in that situation."
"I didn't know how bad things were with those two. Honestly, I'm proud of you. You've been there for two people that needed a little help. You were that person for them."
"But I've let you down so many times." The regret in his tone came on full force.
"In the past, we went through a lot of that. Things have changed in the past two years. Eric, you were right. I guess I have been seeking approval, and that's not the best way to do things. You shouldn't have to prove to my parents, or anyone else, that you've changed. Either they see it, or they don't. I know I see it and even with my hesitance, I know you're a different person than you were two years ago."
They were in front of her place now. Eric kept the heater on full blast and the engine running, but put it in park. He turned to her. "So what do you want to do?"
"I want to try again. The right way. We just have to take it slow."
Eric nodded. "I like that idea."
"It might mean dinner with my parents sometimes, but just to have dinner. Not to prove anything. I promise."
He smiled. Petra realized how much she enjoyed seeing him smile. It was becoming less rare these days. "Deal."
"So, want to come in and talk? Maybe drink some coffee?"
He killed the engine. "I'm game for anything."
*****
Later that day, Eric and Petra picked Kinley up from Cheyenne's. The three of them had a late lunch together, then drove to the tree lot to pick out a Christmas tree. Kinley's face lit up. "Twee!"
"Yes, baby, it's time for a tree now. We'll decorate it together." Petra grinned. With their daughter in the middle, each one took her hand and they headed inside the lot, leaving thirty minutes later with the perfect tree strapped to the top of Eric's car.
Once home, Petra put on the holiday tunes, pointed Eric in the direction of the storage totes full of Christmas stuff, and from there, Christmas chaos was scattered about.
Hours lat
er, the tree was decorated, except for the star. Eric picked Kinley up and guided her in putting it at the top. "Twee! Staw!" she called gleefully once it was set. Eric put her back down on the floor. Petra reached for his hand.
"Today was great," she said softly.
"Yeah, it was. Feels nice to do things like a family." Clearing his throat, his cheeks turned a little red. "Speaking of which, do you uh ... you know, from that night?"
"I don't know anything yet." She knew what he meant. The question they both waited to find the answer to - if she was pregnant.
"You know, if you are, I'll be better this time." Eric pulled her close.
Petra hoped at this point she wasn't pregnant. If she and Eric were going to start things off slow, this was not the way to test their new relationship.
"Do you want to spend Christmas together?" he blurted.
Smiling, Petra pulled back. She stood on her tip toes and kissed him gently. "Yeah, I do. And I think tonight, I want you to stay here, if you want to."
"I thought we were starting off slow." He wrapped his arms around her.
"We are. I could see a late night talk in the works, if you do. Maybe a little bit of other things." She played coy. "I just like this family feeling."
"You know, so do I." Eric brushed her bangs hack.
"Cooties!" Kinley shrieked, running from the room. Petra and Eric laughed.
*****
By the time Christmas Eve rolled around about a week later, Eric was nervous. He'd spent some time getting his own apartment spruced up for the holiday, had invited his family and Petra's over for dinner, and of course Petra and Kinley.
True to their word, they'd taken things slowly. The two spent most nights together, and spent more time doing things as a family and a couple without so much of everything else. He was starting to feel like he could handle a real relationship.
Second chances were rare, especially in a case like his. He wasn't about to ruin it or take it for granted.
Gina had called to let him know she got a transfer, and once again thanked him for everything. The man who'd claimed to be Evan's father had been the same man who was there the night Adrian died. He still hadn't admitted to shooting the gun, but at least they had a general idea now. He hoped a new start would really give those two a chance to move on.
Tis The Season For Forgiving Page 15
