Page 267 of Sweet Nightmare

“It’s an intrusive one.”

“So is the internet. Yet here we are.” That comes from my brother.

Allegra wheezes into her mug.

I shake my head and smile.

“I do,” I confess.

“Why?” Dad asks.

I don’t even have to think about that question.

“Because when I’m with him, I don’t feel like I need fixing.”

Mom reaches for Dad’s hand.

“He lets me be myself,” I continue. “Even the difficult and cold parts. Especially those, I think.”

Mom’s eyes fill with tears.

“Oh, moonbeam.”

“Please don’t cry. I–I don’t like it when you do.”

“I know.” She laughs through her tears. “But, baby, that’s all I’ve ever wanted for you. For you to be happy. That’s why I meddled, even when I probably should’ve stayed out of it.”

“I am happy, Mom.” I smile softly. “You can both breathe a little easier now.”

Allegra looks ridiculously pleased. “I like him.”

“You haven’t met him,” Roman points out.

“I have excellent instincts.”

“You bought alpacas because they looked lonely.”

I laugh at that.

Then Roman looks directly at me.

“If he hurts you, I’ll deal with him.”

“That’s my job, son,” Dad adds calmly.

Roman barely glances at him before turning back to me. His expression softens, just enough for me to catch it.

“But if he makes you happy,” he says quietly, “then I’m on your side. Always.”

Coming from Roman, that’s practically a love letter.

After that, we all say our goodbyes and I end the call.

A few more teasing remarks and reluctant goodbyes later, I end the call.

My phone vibrates almost immediately, flooding the screen with notifications, sleazy photographs, and cheap gossip.

I don’t bother looking. I simply turn it facedown, pick up my juice, and gaze through the glass at the snow-covered mountains in the distance, a smile settling over my lips.