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Chapter Twenty-Seven

Pierce's arms let go of me as Ryatt jumped up into my arms. I held her tightly to my chest as Grayson's word ran like a wild fire through me. I would never be anything like my father.

"Charlee what happen?" Ryatt said squeezing at my hands with splatters of blood on them.

"This silly dress made me trip." I smiled at her. Seemingly all at once, all worries, pain, and hurt disappeared.

"What a perfect little family." Grayson said as a snide remark towards Pierce, Ryatt and I.

Without hesitation I handed Ryatt over to Pierce. "Ry, I'll be right back, okay?"

"Charlee." Pierce voice practically pleaded for me to stay.

"I love you." I kissed Ryatt's forehead before finishing off with a kiss to Pierce's lips.

My hand grabbed Grayson's pulling him out of sight from everyone at the party. Easier said than done, but nonetheless accomplished.

"Listen, I know beating your sister's ass was wrong. But I don't appreciate you comparing me to my father. I don't appreciate you making rude ass comments about my sister." Grayson tried to intervene into the conversation but I hushed him before he could even start.

"You are my best god damn friend. Sure, shit has been a fucked up mess since Pierce and I came clean but at least we're clean okay. I realize we hurt you and your sister. But it happened and we can't change what's been done. I know you're pissed at me right now for touching your sister. But I'd rather you keep this shit away front my little sister."

"Yeah, and I'd rather you keep your hands off my sister but we see what happened there."

"She brought it onto herself. I'm already insecure enough about my relationship with Pierce. He deserves better than me. He always fucking has Grayson. I don't deserve anyone. I couldn't even keep my own god damn family together. How the am I supposed to make some outsider want to hold onto me forever?" I shook my head.

"But you know that Pierce would never hurt you so why the hell are you feeding into my sister's bullshit Charlee? That's not you."

"Because maybe I think he should be doing that with her. He's been giving her more attention than he's been giving to me. So maybe it's what's supposed to happen Gray. Maybe he's supposed to finally fuck the shit out of your sister."

"Not going to happen."

"Well, he's been spending so much time with her and ignoring me Grayson. I don't know what I'm doing wrong but I feel so fucking alone after finally getting him fully to myself. I even ripped up the note he wrote me when he left the group home. When I got home it was gone. My room looked like it hadn't even been touched. Like I hadn't completely destroyed it."

"He's not ignoring you Charlee."

"Yes, he is." As much was, I wanted to put conviction behind my worlds I just didn't have anything left in me to do so. "But at least I have him." I sighed.

"You're right Charlee, you have him. Stop letting my sister get under your skin. I know you know Pierce better than anyone else here. But we know him too, and from what I know about him Charlee girl, he will never jeopardize his relationship with you for anyone or anything. You come first to him, always."

"I know it's just hearing your sister say that snapped my already thin patience for the night. This dress is like living in my worst nightmare. Well, nightmares that aren't about my father at least."

"Well, I think you look beautiful in it. No one's looking at your scars. I know I haven't noticed a single one Charlee. I know what I'm saying won't help, but you've got Pierce's jacket now to help you feel more comfortable. So, get out of your head and enjoy your first ever Coleman New Year's Ball. Your little siblings are having a blast, let loose like them, will you?"

Grayson shoved his shoulder lightly into mine before he held his arm out for me. I wrapped my arm around his as he led me back to Pierce. Ryatt was still sat on his hip when we returned to them. They were dancing to the music that filled the backyard. The smile that was spread across both their faces had me glowing more than the both of them were.

"Ryatt, are you stealing my date for the night?" Ryatt giggled as Pierce leaned her back, her head tilting towards the ground. As he lifted her back up, she buried her head into his white collared shirt. I could still hear her giggles despite the muffled sound.

I walked over to Pierce, placing a light kiss to his lips. A smile followed our kiss from the both of us.

"Everything okay baby girl?" I nodded as I leaned into Pierce on the side opposite from Ryatt.

"Have a nice rest of your night. Both of you. No more throwing punches, got it Charlee girl?"

"'Got it." I smiled as I watched Grayson walk away.

"You're mine for the rest of the night." Pierce looked down at me. "I'm not leaving your side again. This is our New Year's. Plus, I can't go avoiding both my dates for the night. Now could I?" Pierce squeezed at Ryatt's leg causing her to squirm in his arms. "They're only the best two girls here."

"I'm the best." Ryatt pointed at herself as she spoke.

"Am I second best then?" I placed one hand on my hip as I waited for Ryatt's answer. I could see the gears turning in her head as she thought about her answer.

"No, P is!" I watched as my little sister swung her arms tightly around Pierce's neck. I couldn't help but feel my heart shatter a little. I raised this little girl and I still wasn't good enough to be the best to her.

I tried to fight off my emotions. I had to muster up the courage to be strong. I had to get the strength from myself because I wouldn't get it from anyone else. "Wow, Pierce you've really done work on winning her over. What did you do? Bribe her with lollipops every day for life?" I raised my eyebrow at him.

"You caught me." Pierce could feel the tension radiating off me. He could read me like an open book most of the time. This was one of those times.

"I'm chopped liver over dang lollipops." I shook my head. "Ryatt, I can't believe you'd give him second for lollipops! I'm Mama Charlee I wiped your poopy butt for four years."

"Mama Charlee, you tie with Pierce?" She questioned me.

"I think that's fair." I looked up my boyfriend who had the biggest smile plastered on his face. Pierce always had this fake smile painted on his face. He was running on autopilot. Smile when you're supposed to, laugh when everyone else does, act like you feel how everyone else does. It became so routine that all his actions became habit, instead of actual feelings and actions.

"That was not the deal missy." Pierce nudged his head against Ryatt's.

He was so fucking great with her. I knew he was never around kids growing up. He was the baby of the family. It was just Casey and him. I had no idea where his nurturing side came from but it fit him so well.

"But Mama Charlee." Ryatt frowned as she looked at me and then back at Pierce.

"I think Charlee deserves to be way higher than me." Pierce kissed Ryatt's cheek. "Even if I tried to bribe you with lollipops for life."

"You sure?" Ryatt looked at Pierce with wondering eyes. She had her fingers in her mouth, it had always been a nervous tick for her.

"Of course, Ryatt." Pierce laughed as he pulledher head into his chest.