He raised a brow. "You're coming out then?"
"It doesn't sound like I have a choice," I said as I watched the workers come in and out of the restrooms, grabbing supplies and tools.
He shrugged. "Mom wants us to do more things together outside of family dinners."
I reverted my gaze to him, placing my hands on my hips. "Yeah, but it's the busiest time of the year here."
He shrugged as if it wasn't a big deal. "You have to get a tree at some point, right?"
My jaw tightened. "I don't need a tree. We spend Christmas at Mom and Dad's."
"But think how nice it will look in your apartment."
I raised a brow. "The apartment I never spend any time in."
Hudson grinned. "It's Christmastime. It'll be fun to do family things."
"You're just excited because you have a family now."
He grinned. "Everything feels different when you're with someone. You should try it."
"I've tried dating. It's never worked out." The guys didn't like me in the end. I wouldn't subject myself to that kind of scrutiny again. It was easier to be with Cooper. There were no expectations, and the sex was amazing. I didn't have to worry about him getting to know me and not liking me. We'd hated each other from the beginning.
"I'd better get back to work if I'm going to get a tree with you," I said.
"Later, sis."
At least I wouldn't have to pretend at the tree farm that nothing was going on. I could relax and spend time with my family.
After lunch, I drove to the farm. I wasn't even sure how I was going to manage to get the tree up the stairs to my apartment.
Maybe I could beg off getting a tree and just help everyone else pick out theirs. Although Morgan was right about the tree being a nice addition to my deck. I could sit out there and enjoy the decorations.
I parked my SUV in the lot where I saw the Sterling trucks parked and texted the group chat to see where they were. I didn't bother asking for a saw because I had no intention of cutting a tree down myself. That was the benefit of having five older brothers. I didn't have to lift a finger if I didn't want to.
I followed Morgan's directions and found the family in one of the fields walking up and down the rows.
I drew up when I saw Cooper standing next to Maverick.
I raised a brow. "What are you doing here?"
Maverick grunted. "You can be nice for once."
Irritation burned in my gut. "I'm nice to Cooper."
"Since when?" Maverick retorted.
Cooper held up his hands. "It's fine. I can handle your sister."
Maverick waved his hand at us and drifted away.
I leaned in to whisper, "What are you doing here? I thought you'd be monitoring the progress of the renovation."
His forehead wrinkled. "Your brothers convinced me that I should have a tree."
"You don't normally?" I asked, wanting to know how he celebrated the holidays when he was by himself.
"No reason to."