Believe In Love Read Free

your siblings?”
     
    “My brother will be eighteen in a few months and my sister is thirteen.”
     
    “How old are you dear?” 
     
    “I’m twenty-four, sir.”
     
    “Have you been the sole caregiver to your siblings all these years?”
     
    “Yes sir.” 
     
    I don’t know what to say or think about what she just revealed to everyone.  This poor girl has had it rough.  Dad clears his throat and I cut him off.
     
    “Dad, how about that game of pool?”
     
    “Ah yes.  Ladies, will you excuse us.”  He says as he stands.  Amber looks over at me and smiles.  I stand and head out of the dining room with my father and uncle.  I’m disappointed to have to leave her but there is no way I am going to let my dad push her.  I get the feeling that she’s been pushed to her limits already.  She’s definitely got my attention.

Chapter 3
     
    The Walk
     
    Amber
     
    An hour later, Miranda and I are sitting in the family room in front of the fireplace.  We are talking about our Christmas traditions and what she has been up to since we graduated high school.  Claire and Aunt Judy went to the craft room to discuss a knitting project.  Miranda just finished telling me that she has a Master’s Degree in Business Management. 
     
    “I am very happy for you.  Is there a lucky guy in your life?”  I ask her.
     
    “No.  I dated a few but they were all duds.”  She laughs.  “One guy didn’t even want to go out on a date.  He just wanted to go right back to my place and mess around.”
     
    I shake my head.  “No class.  Did he really think you would go to bed with him just like that?”
     
    “Yes.  A lot of college guys are like that.”  I stare at her.  She’s dead serious and I can’t fathom it.  She smiles at me.
     
    “I think my brother likes you.”
     
    I look at her.  “No way.  He won’t if he knows what’s best for him.  I’m pretty sure that he’s going to stay far away from me based on the dinner conversation.”
     
    “I don’t think so.  I think you piqued his interest.”  She places her hand on mine.  “He’s awesome and I’m not just saying that because he’s my brother.  If he is interested, you should give him a chance.  My brother isn’t an angel.  He’s been with other girls but he isn’t a player.  He respects women and will be there for you always.  He’s extremely loyal and fiercely protective of those he loves.”
     
    I nod.  “You have a wonderful family and I’m sure he’s just as wonderful but I’m not the girl for him or to bring into this family.  I have so much baggage.  Your parents would kick me out of the house if they knew my history.  They wouldn’t want their son with an uneducated girl anyway.”  I look down and lock my eyes on a beautifully wrapped gift.  I have never seen anything so pretty.  I wouldn’t want to open it or touch it, for that matter.
     
    “Look at me.”  I look into her brown eyes.  “We would be honored to have you in our family.  You have a heart of gold and one of the most amazing people I know.  You are strong and resilient.  Your baggage is a reflection of you.  Life hasn’t been fair to you.  I don’t know what happened before high school graduation but I do know that you have had it rough.  I am here for you always.”
     
    “Thank you.”  I whisper. 
     
    Men’s voices enter the family room.  We look up to see the three men walking into the room and Andrew clicks on the television.  “How about a Christmas movie?”  He asks as Claire and Judy walk back into the room too.
     
    “Sounds great.”  Voices say in unison.
     
    “I will make some popcorn and get some drinks.”  Claire says.
     
    “I’ll help.”  Miranda says and gets up off the floor.
     
    Dylan walks over to me and extends a hand to help me up.  I place my hand in his and get up.  “Want to take a walk around the property?”
     
    “I would love to.  I could use some fresh