Holiday Second Chance Romance (Clarice and Trevor) novel Chapter 62

<62 Dinner With Family

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62 Dinner With Family

Clarice POV

As soon as we finish in the dress shop, we decide to head back to the Inn for dinner. Simone tries to excuse herself, but I remind her she and I still need to really talk. Besides, I want to see what happens when Trevor sees her again. I wonder if he will feel the pull of the bond despite being human. I also want to call my parents when we get back. It’s crazy how much I miss them after years of not seeing them. I’ve talked to them every day, since our first dinner, but it’s not the same as seeing them.

I need to make sure they know they have an open invitation to see me and my daughter. I have a feeling they are worried I will get upset if they are here too much. We reappear in the living room of the apartment, and I’m pulled into strong arms. When I look into Nick’s eyes, I see a mixture of anger and relief. “What’s wrong?” “Dad told me about what happened in the dress shop. I should have insisted on going with the four of you,” he says.

“Nick, we were fine. Even if your dad hadn’t showed up, we would have handled it. I even got to slap the snotty princess for wanting what’s mine.” A smile spreads across his face and his body relaxes. “Now I wish I was there to see that spoiled b**ch get slapped,” he says, before pressing a quick kiss on my lips. “Mom, broke Morgan’s nose. I just wish I got a couple shots. in,” Chrissy says. Nick throws his head back and laughs. “I definitely would have enjoyed seeing that happen,” he says and winks at his mom.

I notice Simone standing off to the side like she is intruding. Like she still thinks she doesn’t belong here. “Nick, you remember Simone from the hospital. She is going to be joining us for dinner with Trevor, his parents, and my parents.” “Clarice, I really don’t know,” she starts to say, but I cut her off. “Simone is staying, but first she and I need to talk. Can everyone give us a few minutes alone?”

“Of course. I’ll call your mom and dad to invite them to dinner,” Nick says, before pressing another kiss on my lips. “I’m going to pop home and see if your father can take a break to eat, but I’ll definitely be back. I’m starving,” Anya says. I smile when she disappears. I hope that Chris can join us. The door closes, leaving Simone and me alone. “Clarice, I’ve never been this nervous in my entire life and I once had to stand in front of the Fae Kingdom and recite some bulls*t vow,” she says.

I reach my hand out, taking hers and leading her over to the couch. “You don’t need to be nervous. I told you that you are meant to be part of this family as much as I am. You at least knew that supernaturals existed. When Nick first told me he was the next Santa Claus, I thought he was a few reindeer short of a sleigh ride.” She giggles and I smile. “What if Trevor doesn’t want me? What if he doesn’t feel the bond? What if I chose him, and he betrays me,”

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she asks.

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“I can’t tell you that he will feel the bond. What I can tell you is that if you don’t at least try with Trevor you’ll regret it. Despite everything that happened, he was a good husband. I have no doubt he will be a great father. I talked to Nick and maybe the reason that Whoretta was able to convince him to cheat was because I wasn’t meant to be his forever. You are Simone. I don’t think he would betray you.” Tears streak down her cheeks.

“I know you’re scared, and I understand why, but you deserve to have the person that was meant to be yours, Simone.” “I am scared, Clarice. I’m scared that he won’t feel the same, but I’m also terrified he will,” she says. Now I’m thoroughly confused. “I take it Anya didn’t tell you how I came to live among the humans,” she asks. “No, she didn’t.”

“The short version is I ran from the Fae Kingdom because my father, who is the king, decided to arrange my marriage to a sh**ty Fae prince who screws everything with a hole and a heartbeat. He was also a cruel ba**ard. My brother never stopped him because he cared more about the title than me, so I left. In order to stay hidden, I haven’t used magic since the day I ran,” she says.

“What the hell kind of father does that to his daughter? I’m sorry that happened to you, Simone, but I don’t understand what that has to do with you being with Trevor.” She smiles and squeezes my hand. “When a supernatural marks their destined, especially fae, we use magic. The minute I use my magic, my father and brother will know where I am. I am a royal fae, so my magic is strong, but I won’t be able to protect Trevor if they decide to try and hurt him because of my defiance,” she says.

“What did Anya say?” “That she and Chris will protect their new daughter and their daughter’s mate,” Anya says, startling us both. I smile when I see Chris standing next to her. “You aren’t alone anymore, Simone. If you decide that you want to accept the goddess’s gift, then we will be here to make sure no one interferes or tries to harm you or Trevor,” Chris says and I smile. She wipes the tears from her eyes and gets to her feet. “Thank you, Chris and Anya. I’m still scared, but knowing that I’m not alone is definitely making me braver,” she says.

I stand and pull her in for a hug. Anya and Chris do the same. She takes a deep breath and smiles at me. “Let’s go see if my mate wants me as much as I want him,” she says and her cheeks turn pink. “I meant in his life,” she tries to clarify. We all chuckle and she rolls her

eyes.

Simone POV

What the hell is wrong with me? Thankfully they don’t tease me about what I said. Clarice loops her arm around mine, and we make our way out of the apartment. Every step closer to the back of the Inn has my heart beating faster. When we step inside, Chrissy and a man I can only assume is Jack Frost based on his possessive hold on her smile at us. She squeals

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and rushes toward us. “I thought for sure you’d leave. I’m so glad you didn’t. I like the thought of having another sister,” she says and pulls me into a hug.

When she pulls back, Jack is standing next to her. “Simone, this is my one, Jack,” Chrissy says. I look at her confused. Why isn’t she just saying mate or destined or fated? Anya must notice my confusion. “I’ll explain how the Kringle lineage works later. Let’s not keep your man waiting,” she says. “Man, who’s her man,” a deep voice asks from behind me. I turn and the same feeling of want and love from the hospital washes over me.

Does he feel it? Is that why he looks angry? “Trevor, you remember Simone from the hospital. We ran into her while shopping today and invited her to have dinner with us,” Chrissy says, and Clarice chuckles. Trevor’s eyes narrow on Clarice, but before he can ask her why she is chuckling, I take a step toward him offering him my hand. “It’s good to see you again, Mr. Banister.” He takes my hand in his, and I swear I see a mixture of surprise and lust flash in his

eyes.

“Trevor, you can call me Trevor. It’s nice to see you again, Simone,” he says. My name on his lips has me fighting the urge to clench my thighs together. What the hell is wrong with me? “Why don’t we head into the dining room? Nick, Trevor’s parents, and Clarice’s are already here. The nerves of a few minutes ago ratchet back up at the thought of meeting Trevor’s parents. They must have loved Clarice to be here spending time with her. How could they not? She really is amazing?

When we step into the room, I make no move to step forward. That is until a hand on my back gives me a gentle push toward the left side of the table. I turn and Trevor smiles at me before using his crutches to get around to sit next to a man who is definitely his father. He is very handsome and the salt and pepper near his temples only adds to it. “Simone, come have a seat next to me since everyone else is already paired up,” Trevor says.

“Let me make introductions first, Trevor,” Clarice says, smiling directly at me. “Everyone, this is Simone. Chrissy and I have decided she is our sister from another mister. She was actually the doctor that took care of Trevor in the hospital after his accident. Simone, this is Alexia and Thomas, Trevor’s parents. This is Evie and Andrew, my parents,” she says, pointing at each of them. “It’s nice to meet you all. Thank you for letting me crash

your dinner.”

I quickly take my seat just as Clarice introduces everyone to Chris and Anya. I’m grateful when Anya takes the seat next to me. “So you’re a doctor, Simone. Your parents must be very proud,” Alexia says. “We are,” Chris speaks up and I smile. Alexia seems startled, but I don’t want her to be uncomfortable. It’s strange how much I care about everyone at this table even though I hardly know them.

“I don’t know how I got so lucky but Chris and Anya have decided I’m part of their family. I haven’t spoken to my father or brother in five years. So I’ve been pretty much on my own.

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This is a new experience for me,” I wave my hand in a circle around the table. Sadness and something I can’t really name flashes in Alexia’s eyes. She reaches out and places her hand over mine. “I hope you know that anyone that is important to Clarice is important to us. We will be moving here, and I hope you will consider us family too,” she says.

Tears edge my eyes again. I haven’t cried this much in a very long time. “I would like that. Thank you, Alexia.” When she lets go of my hand, Trevor’s takes its place. My heart starts to beat out of my chest. “I may not live here, but I’ll be here all the time with the baby coming. I agree with my parents. You are family, Simone. Whatever you need, I’m your guy,” he says. I’m sure my cheeks flushed, but I can’t look away from him. I know he doesn’t realize what he is saying, but I pray someday very soon it’s true.

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