Bound (Evergreen Academy, #3)

by Ruby Vincent

“You think so?” I whispered. I reached out to smooth Adam’s curls. “I hate how much time I spend away from him. Mom calls me at least once a week to talk to him because he’s crying for me.” “You’re doing this for him.” Something in his voice made me meet his eyes. “He’ll understand that.” Usually there was nothing to see in those silver orbs, but at that moment, I saw everything I needed to know. “Thank you.”

“I should warn you. Adam and Santa have a shaky relationship.” “What does that mean?” “It means,” I said as I led the way. “That he has screamed the place down both years that he’s been on that man’s lap. We’re hoping number three goes better.”

The big man himself perched on the platform smiling at the families that came before us. That smile disappeared into his beard when he saw us. “Ah... you’re back.” I pinked as Ryder stifled a laugh behind me. “He’s older now. He’ll be okay.” I carefully handed over the toddler then backed away. “Alright, Adam. Just look at Tina. Smile for Tina.”

Adam’s tiny forehead wrinkled as he looked at my waving hands and beaming smile. He gazed at me, then up at the man staring down at him. When he looked back, his face crumpled. “No, don’t cry,” I said desperately. “Come on, Adam. Smile.” “Look over here!” To my shock, Ryder had joined in. He jumped up and down next to me, making funny faces at the baby. “Smile, Adam.” We straight up looked ridiculous—bouncing around and pulling faces like lunatics. The people on line laughed at us. I laughed at us. Adam did not laugh. He burst into ear-piercing screams that echoed through the village. Santa tried to save the photo.

“Come on, Adam.” He twisted the baby on his knee to face him and began bouncing him up and down. “Tell Santa what you want for—” Whack! My jaw dropped. Adam had reeled back and smacked the jolly man across the face. “Adam!” Ryder doubled over—howling so loud he competed with Adam. I sprung forward and ...