Thanks to You

by Kelsey Cheyenne

  He laughs a deep, velvety chuckle. “Is that right?” His eyes twinkle as he playfully looks at my best friend with his eyebrows raised. He braces his right hand on the wall above her head, getting right into her space. “And what exactly have you been saying about me?”

  His eyes are smoldering enough to make my panties wet. I back away, leaving them to chat in peace. “I’ll catch up with you guys later.” I chuckle to myself and make my way to the kitchen.

  Mrs. Blake is flitting around the kitchen, maintaining the various courses of the impending feast. She has everything completely under control and manages to make such a big job look effortless. “Is there anything I can do to help?” I ask, hoping she’ll put me to work.

  “Oh no, dear. You’re my guest, you won’t be lifting a finger in this kitchen today. You just relax. Brad went to put the football game on in the living room, and I think Hailey is in there as well. Go join them. Thank you, though, for asking.” She offers me the sweetest smile, but I know I shouldn’t argue with her.

  There are two quick knocks on the front door before it opens, and I hold my breath. “Mom, Dad, I’m home!” I hear his voice before I see him, and I brace myself in the safety of the kitchen. I hear him greet his dad, sister, and then Chase. Apparently, Hunter was the one to invite his friend over, he just conveniently showed up early.

  Footsteps approach and the sound of claws scratching the hardwood floor follow nearby. I hold onto the wall and wait for the beast to sniff me out and attack. Jolie appears and tries to run over to me, but her bright pink leash holds her back. Thank God.

  I see Hunter enter the kitchen before he sees me on the opposite side. A navy blue sweater clings to his chest and khaki pants hug his perfect ass. He’s carrying two large bouquets of flowers and hands one off to his mom before leaning in for a hug and kissing her on the cheek. “You’re in a good mood.” Mrs. Blake regards him with a wide smile. She looks around Hunter to see me, giving me a look that proves she assumes I’m the reason he’s in a good mood, but she’s wrong.

  Before he’s able to respond to his mom’s statement, there’s a long ding-dong as the doorbell chimes. “Hello?” A singsong voice calls from the entryway. A beautiful blonde woman appears in the kitchen, holding a round pie dish. She’s immaculately styled from her crocheted mustard yellow v-neck sweater, black leather skirt, black tights, and ankle booties. An expensive designer bag dangles from her elbow and her essence oozes money.

  Jolie lowers her head, growling and barking like crazy, but the unexpected guest doesn’t even seem to notice.

  “Hunter, babe, you didn’t wait for me? Oh! Are those flowers for me? You didn’t need to do that.” Hunter is slack-jawed with an expression of pure surprise masking his gorgeous face.

  Mrs. Blake even looks flustered, but she quickly reverts back to her hostess duties. “Hi, sweetie, I wasn’t aware you were coming.”

  The blonde hands Mrs. Blake her pie which I can see is flawlessly prepared and decorated. Hunter finally notices me standing in the corner of the room and grimaces when he sees me. Not a good sign.

  Following his line of sight, the blonde spots me. I see Hailey, Chase, and Mr. Blake all pile into the kitchen in my peripheral vision, but once I made eye contact with the newcomer, I can’t seem to look away.

  She marches right up to me, delicately traipsing across the hardwood floor, her heels clacking loudly, and her head held high.

  “Hello. I don’t believe we’ve met. I’m Alison.”

  Chapter 18

  Mackenzie

  I stare down at her outstretched hand with her perfectly manicured nails. “Hi, I’m Mackenzie.” My voice squeaks out mouse-like, and I grip her hand in mine. Her handshake is sturdy and confident, unlike mine at the moment. Her grasp tells me everything I need to know — she’s back, and she’s marking her territory. I get it.

  On one hand, I can’t believe I tried so desperately to impress Hunter with my outfit today. On the other hand, I’m glad I look this good since I’m meeting her. Regardless, I can’t help the fact that I feel like a complete idiot thinking today would work in my favor.

  Alison backs away, walking back to Hunter and cozying right up to him. I sneak a peek at Hailey and see her eyes are narrow slits and her face has hardened with rage. I saunter over to Hailey, trying my best to not seem visibly upset, and grab her roughly by her bicep to drag her back to the living room.

  She yanks her arm from my grasp, but I don’t let her speak before I go off. “What the fuck, Hailey? You tell me to give him another chance, to let him explain himself, but he shows up with her as his date? I think you need to explain yourself.” I’m fuming and incredibly embarrassed. I feel trapped. I’m even missing my aunt’s house right now with all the hectic energy and weird traditions. Never in my life did I think I’d miss her tofurkey.

  Hunter walks by us, pulling Alison by the hand out the front door. When he opens the door I nearly collapse onto the ground in shock. Spencer is standing outside, fist raised like he was prepping to knock on the door.

  “Spencer? What the hell are you doing here?” I force the words out through clenched teeth, my exasperation prominent.

  “Oh! That was my doing. You see, since Hunt and I are back together I didn’t want you to be alone. I did some digging and stumbled upon your history with Spencer. We go way back.” The smug smirk of her mauve-tinted lips speaks volumes. I’m speechless.

  “Wait, so, how do you two know each other?” Hunter points between Alison and Spencer, confusion wrinkling his eyebrows.

  “Did you know he toured Penn State before settling on Pitt? I was his tour guide. I showed him a good time, took him to a party, you know.”

  “Did you two —?” The question dangles from Hunter’s lips and my mouth could catch flies with how it’s hanging open.

  Her giggle rings with disgust and disbelief. “Of course not. I wouldn’t stoop to that.” Her eyes flick over Spencer as if he’s a leper. “But he did have some fun with my roommate.”

  Now my eyes flash to Spencer’s. We were dating then. I only thought he cheated on me the one time, not the entirety of our relationship. Ironically enough, I bark out a laugh because I’m not even surprised.

  “That’s enough out of you, young lady.” A booming voice roars from behind me, and I spin, slowly, to see Veronica Blake. Her apron is still tightly knotted around her waist, she stands tall and proud, and I’ve never heard her sound so stern. “Your calculating and manipulative manners are not welcome in my home. I will be damned if I sit back and watch my boy get swept away by you again. I hope you have a happy Thanksgiving, but not here. Now please leave. I need to spend time with family.”

  “Ronnie, you don’t mean that.” Alison’s waves her hand in the air, dismissing everything that was just said to her. And she calls her Ronnie, that’s just … weird. And rude.

  “I believe my wife told you to go.” Brad and Veronica Blake are my heroes. They always have been, truth be told, but it’s solidified even more so now.

  “Hunter, are you coming?” She holds her hand out expectantly, and I think we all hold a bated breath waiting to see what he does next.

  “I told you we’re done, Ali. I meant it then, and you’ve ensured it now. Leave. And take Spencer with you.”

  Apparently, this girl won’t go down with her dignity because she keeps fighting back. I’m getting embarrassed for her. “But, baby, I love you. We’re meant to be together.”

  Hunter looks directly at me as he answers her. I can’t breathe. I’m trapped in his gaze, and I’m nervous for his response. “I’m sorry you feel that way because I’m madly in love with Mackenzie, and I’ll do everything in my power to win her back.”

  He crosses the room to me in three long strides, hastily grabbing my face between his hands, and kissing me in front of everyone. I hold tightly onto his arms for stability because my knees instantly buckle with our kiss.

  The door slams hard, but I ignore it. Feet shuffle around me, and I d
on’t know if people are coming or going but I don’t care. All I care about is the man of my dreams holding me, kissing me, and there’s nowhere else I’d rather be.

  Our kiss breaks, and our eyes meet. My heart is racing in my chest as I meet his warm eyes. “I love you too. I think I always have.” He smiles and I want to make him that happy every day for the rest of my life.

  We part but he maintains a tight hold on my hand. A slow clap echoes from behind me, and I turn to see Hailey. “It’s about damn time. This has been the longest week of my life — who knew two people could fall in love, break up, and get back together in seven days’ time? Personally, I’m exhausted.”

  I open my mouth to retort, but Hunter beats me to it. “So, you and Chase are in some weird limbo, I hear?” Wherever Chase is hiding, he’s a smart man to stay away.

  They start to bicker like any brother and sister do. Mr. and Mrs. Blake openly flirt with each other in the kitchen. There’s a football game on in the next room and the place smells deliciously of turkey. I just relax and enjoy the day. I love this family. And honestly, it’s not Thanksgiving if it’s not dysfunctional

  Epilogue

  Three years later

  I’m standing in front of Hunter, facing him, my hands placed delicately in his. My gown is white and his tux is navy blue, bringing out the color of his eyes. Hailey stands behind me in a maroon maid of honor dress, holding my bouquet of peonies while Chase is behind Hunter, smiling lazily at my best friend.

  We have the cutest ring bearer of all — Jolie — because my fiancé wouldn’t have it any other way and honestly, I’ve quite warmed up to the little monster. I considered Mittens for the job, but she’s is a bit of a flight risk with a mind of her own. She barely listens to me when I call her for food, let alone just to deliver my rings.

  Mr. Blake walked me down the aisle and gave me away since my own father couldn’t be here to do it. The thought made me cry on more than one occasion. Mrs. Blake sits in the front row beside her husband, mutely crying a stream of happy tears.

  Hunter did eventually tell his parents what happened with Ali and the baby. He and I have both endured such horrible pain and tragedy. I know his mom is filled with joy seeing us happy, and how we’ve overcome our hardships — separately and together.

  It’s mid-May and luckily the weather is warm enough and dry that we were able to have our little rustic wedding outside in the Blake’s backyard. The white aisle is covered in red rose petals from the flower girl. The sun is bright but Hunter’s eyes shine brighter as I stare at my husband-to-be.

  The minister tells us to say our vows and my hands begin to shake. Hunter goes first, and I hold my breath. The tears are already brimming in my eyes from the overwhelming emotions of this day.

  “Mackenzie, Squirt”— he winks at me when I roll my eyes before he continues —“I knew I was in love with you when you dipped your French fries in your milkshake on our first date. Even with all your quirks, you’re perfect to me. I love everything about you — your fire, your sense of humor, how your nose crinkles when you laugh and how you snort when something is really funny. I love how you refuse to take my crap, and how you make fun of me. I love how you’ve grown to love Jolie now that she’s mostly stopped tackling you. I can’t imagine my life without you, and I don’t want to. I promise to make you laugh every day. I vow to love you more every day and to spend every day earning your love. I swear I will be faithful to you, I will respect you, and I will always be honest with you. I love you so much, and I can’t wait to spend the rest of my days loving you.”

  I smile through the tears, and I need a moment before reciting my own. Hailey passes me a tissue, and I take a deep breath to gather myself and my thoughts.

  “Hunter, I have dreamt of this moment since I was a little girl. Every diary entry I wrote was about you or was dedicated to you. I have always been thankful you’re in my life. I have always loved you, so I can easily say I will continue to love you for the rest of my days. You’re my partner, my lover, my best friend, and I can’t wait to stand by your side and do life with you. When I make you laugh, I promise myself I will try to make you smile every single day. You’re the best man I know. Your kindness is overwhelming, and you inspire me daily. I love you so much. Because of you, I know how to love. I know how to trust again. I know how to laugh and have fun. I know how to fall harder than I ever fell and I never want to get up. And it’s all thanks to you.”

  Keep reading for a sneak peek at the full-length spinoff Chasing Run, following Chase and Hailey’s story!

  1

  Hailey

  I wake up to the sound of Icona Pop singing All Night because what better way to get in the mood of kicking ass and taking names? I start every morning with a dance party to get my blood pumping because, frankly, I love mornings.

  Okay, that’s a lie, but in all seriousness, who loves mornings? You have to get out of your warm, cozy bed, birds sing at an obnoxious volume, and the sun is painful in its brightness. Life shouldn’t start until at least eleven. Brunch, I can get down with. I just need a fun way to drag myself out of my pillow-top mattress.

  I take my hair out of its braid, allowing the blonde waves to tumble down my back. Walking into my closet, I find my favorite off-the-shoulder cream sweater and pair it with jean shorts and white converse.

  I share a two-bedroom apartment with my best friend, Mackenzie, who is almost always awake before me, but the place is quiet this morning. I make us coffee, throw two bagels in the toaster, and start the daunting task of waking her up.

  I’ve woken my best friend up a number of times in our lifelong friendship and it’s never fun. I peek my head in her bedroom door and it is dark thanks to the black-out curtains covering the windows despite the fact it’s eight-thirty in the morning.

  This is so not good. I knock lightly, hoping it’s enough to stir her. “Kenz, it’s time to get up.”

  A loud moan fills the room.

  I should’ve waited until the coffee was ready.

  Meow. Her cat, Mittens, runs over to me, rubbing against my legs. I walk over to her bed and deposit the black feline on her head. She’ll start pawing at her bedhead any second now. Sorry, Kenz, sometimes drastic measures are required.

  I head back out to the kitchen, grabbing our thermoses from the cupboard, and fill them with coffee. Kenz likes her java to be more sugar than anything. I’m not sure it can even be qualified as real coffee.

  “Ow, you bitch.”

  I smile behind my cup and stalk back to her room. Placing her cup on her dresser, I lean against her doorjamb.

  “Get up, slut, we’re gonna be late.” I close the door before she can hit me with her pillow.

  Fifteen minutes later, we’re on our way to our advanced psychology lecture. It’s our senior year at the University of Pennsylvania. While we’re not worried about being late, it would be tacky to miss our first class of the semester.

  Mackenzie bursts through the lecture hall doors and makes her way down the steps to the front of the class. Before she gets too far, I grab her backpack and pull her with enough force to have her falling backward. I steady her before she actually falls down.

  “I’m not sitting in the front of the class.” This is an elective for me. I know psychology is her major, and she wants to do well, but we’re seniors. It’s lame.

  Rolling her eyes, she points to a middle section. I shake my head and pull her back up three more steps nearing the last row and take the two end spots. She plops down with a huff and pulls a notebook and pen from her book bag before setting it on her desk like the little nerd she is.

  As a pre-med major, I’m allowed to call her a nerd. I’m arguably more into school than she is, and she only wants to do well. It won’t stop me from ribbing on her about it though.

  I place my MacBook on my desk and open a new document while we wait for the professor to start the lecture. Right as Dr. Kavanagh pulls up the syllabus, a text pops up on my computer.

  Chase:
Hey, it’s Chase. I was thinking of driving up for Hunter’s birthday next weekend to surprise him. You in?

  I look at Kenzie out of the corner of my eye, but she’s too enamored by the course syllabus. How random.

  My brother, Hunter, lives out near State Park by his alma mater, Penn State University, which is three hours away. Chase is his best friend. His incredibly cute best friend.

  My brother and I used to be inseparable. Though he’s five years older than me, he never made me feel like a child. He always treated me with love and respect, and I always considered him my best friend.

  That is, until, he moved in with his wench of a fiancée, Alison. She’s kept him from me and my family, and I’m counting down the days until they break up. She’s a monster and my brother deserves so much better than her.

  But why is Chase reaching out to me? I haven’t seen him since Hunter helped me move into this place. Well, except for the brief run-in at Starbucks a couple weeks ago. He didn’t bring up this grand idea then.

  Does he plan to stay with Hunter and the she-devil? Does he plan to carpool up there? I can think of a million questions and just as many things that could go wrong. But I’ve never been one to turn down a party.

  Hailey: Hell yes. Should I bring Kenzie?

  Chase: Probably wouldn’t be best. You know she’s in love with him, right?

  Huh. I’ve always had my suspicions, but she never told me so herself. It’s funny to hear he’s come to the same conclusion.

  I’ll nail down the finer details later. For now, I’ll plan on a road trip with Chase Freaking Westbrook. He’s like, hotter than the center of the Earth. He is what wet dreams are made of, if women could have actual wet dreams, that is.

  Ninety minutes can pass by at lightning speed when you’re not paying attention. Kenz jabs me in the ribs with her elbow while I’m too busy daydreaming about next weekend. How embarrassing.