We spent the rest of the afternoon hanging out, looking at our presents and eating the lasagna Liv had made. Liv helped me set up my polaroid camera which only resulted in me taking at least 40 pictures with everyone.

I wanted to remember this day for years to come so I took as many photos that I could before Noah basically took the camera away. If he hadn't I was pretty sure I would have used the whole roll of film. But with my ever growing pile of pictures the others would be able to take a few home too.

The best part though was still seeing the excited looks on everyones faces. All through out lunch everyone talked about our trip to Seattle in a few months. I knew they would love the gifts and yeah they may have been on the slightly pricey side it didn't matter. Not when they all looked extremely excited to go.

The afternoon passed by fairly quickly and before I knew it was time to head back to Noah's. It was almost five and none of us wanted to deal with the wrath of Ava. No thank you.

After putting everything in the car I was once again engulfed in a tight hug from Liv. Going around I hugged everyone thanking them for the presents. It was literally the best afternoon. I wasn't sure if anything could top it.

Promising to see each other in a few days and plan for New Years the three of us piled back into the car.

"Thank you again for the present Noah." I said, popping my head through the console.

"When we couldn't get you off the mountain I figured you'd like it."

"I'll be dragging the both of you with me in the New Year." I promised. Hey I might as well put the present to use!

"Still can't believe you got soccer tickets for us." Noah shook his head at me through the review mirror.

"Yeah how did you manage that? The tickets usually sell pretty fast." Alex turned to look at me.

"Wasn't too hard. Just waited in line on the computer for a few hours." I shrugged.

"A few hours?"

"Yeah while I was at work one day." At least it was a slow day that day so it wasn't a big deal just sitting there refreshing the page. If I did have to help someone Helen was kind enough to watch the computer for me incase it was my turn.

"Alex and I saw them play once years ago and it was amazing." I didn't need to look at their faces to know they were thinking about that day years ago. Back when Alex's parents were alive and Noah's little sister. Reaching over I squeezed both boy's biceps.

"While you guys are watching men run abounding kicking a ball, the girls and I are going to drool over Harry Styles." I could already imagine seeing Harry shirtless singing. Better than soccer any day.

"Am I going to lose my girlfriend to Harry Styles?" Alex asked Noah.

"Lose? Babe, you've already lost me to him." I patted him arm. "I'm sorry but if Harry Styles asked me to come back stage with him you'll never see me again."

"You would pick Harry Styles over me? Your boyfriend?" Alex acted offended but from the tilting of his mouth I knew he wasn't. I pretended to think it over but I already knew my answer.

"Yes."

"Wow." He blinked at me.

"Sorry bro but its Harry Styles." Noah butted in.

"Dude!"

"What? Even I can admit he's talented and if I wasn't straight I'd go for him." Noah shrugged. My grin widened.

"I knew I liked you for a reason Noah." He sent me a wink that had my boyfriend rolling his eyes.

It has become one of Noah's favorite past times to flirt with me when Alex was around. We all knew he meant nothing by it. Noah saw me as nothing other than a friend and Alex knew that. But it was funny to Alex's possessive side.

"Why did I let you two become friends." He mumbled making Noah and I laugh.

It only took us another few minutes before we pulled up into the driveway. Amazingly it was only three minutes after five so we were pretty much on time. I was too busy gathering the presents from the backseat to notice Noah and Alex exchanging looks and Alex typing something into his phone.

Handing presents off to them the three of us headed for the door. We were going to keep the presents in the car but I knew Harper would want to see what we got and wouldn't stop until she did.

Stepping into the house I only made it a step before Alex's voice stopped me.

"Just put the presents here, we can get them later." I watched slightly confused as the two of them placed the presents on the floor off to the side. With a raised eyebrow I followed suit.

"I can't wait to eat." Noah said a bit loudly. I looked over at him.

"Why are you talking so loud weirdo."

"Maybe I've always talked loud but you've never noticed." His voiced echoed around the house.

"Uh huh." It was a bit odd how quiet the house was, especially with Harper usually around. Alex put a hand on my lower back as we walked further into the house. I was getting confused at the silence and the weird way both Alex and Noah were acting.

As we turned the corner towards the kitchen I opened my mouth to say something when suddenly the kitchen lights flickered on, followed by a lone figure standing there.

It took a second for my mind to register who was in front of me. I slowly registered the military uniform before the persons face finally clicked.

A sob escaped my lips before I flew forward, launching myself into the arms of my big brother.

My body hit his with such a force he stepped back a step before wrapping his arms around me. I gripped the back of his shirt with tight fists as I cried into his chest. *Trent was the last person I expected to see.

Seeing him for the first time in almost a year every emotion I had came rushing to the surface. All the days I've cried myself to sleep missing my brother, being alone in my house without someone to talk to, nights worrying my brother wasn't going to make it back. All of it came rushing back as I sobbed into his shirt.

Trent stood there and let me soak his shirt. His arms were just as tight around me as he rested his head on top of mine. I couldn't feel his shuddering breaths under my head.

I'm not sure how long we stood there holding onto each other. I finally got myself under control enough to pull away and look up at him. My eyes ran over his face noting that he looked older. The last of his baby face seemed to have melted away to a more chiseled jaw and thinner face.

"How did you get here? I thought you said your captain wouldn't let you leave." I wiped at my face as I asked.

"I sorta lied about that." He sent me a cheeky grin. "You have your boyfriend to thank for that."

"Wait Alex?" The thought of Alex going out of his way to help get my brother here for Christmas made my chest tighten.

"I can't believe I'm saying this but he's a good kid. I like him." Even I couldn't believe I was hearing my brother say that about my boyfriend. I for sure thought he'd be a hard ass on him. "Doesn't mean I won't give him a hard time for dating my little sister though." There it is.

"I can't believe you are here." I swallowed the ball in my throat. I had for sure thought I wouldn't be seeing my brother for Christmas yet here he is in the flesh. He was here and he was whole.

"Couldn't miss Christmas with my baby sis." The soft look on his face brought tears back to my eyes.

"I missed you."

"I missed you too." Trent pulled me back into a tight hug. More tears rolled down my face as I hugged him back. My parents may not be here but all I needed was my brother. As long as he was around I didn't need anyone else.

* * * * * * * * *

After learning Trent was going to be staying for two weeks I was literally on Cloud 9. He told me about Alex calling him and helping him plan to surprise me. Noah's parents picking him up from the airport a few hours ago. Now it made sense why she wanted us out of the house and back at a certain time.

Ava already made him put his stuff in a spare room so he could spend the night here. Apparently she wouldn't take no for an answer which was not surprising at all.

Once he explained that I heard footsteps behind us. Walking through the doorway was Alex followed by everyone else. Ava was beaming as she looked at my brother and I.

Noah, his parents and Harper stayed back a bit as Alex stepped forward. Him and my brother may have talked on the phone but this would be the first time they would officially meet.

I nervously bit my bottom lip as the two of them stood in front of each other. Alex was hiding it but I knew he nervous to meet my brother. Reaching out I slid my hand in his and gave it a squeeze.

"Trent this is Alex, my boyfriend. Alex this is Trent, my brother." I inwardly slapped myself. They already knew who the other was, Riley.

A few seconds passed with neither of them talking, just staring at one another. Until finally a smile broke out on my brothers face.

"Nice to finally meet you face to face." I stared with wide eyes as he stuck his hand out for Alex to shake. Alex's shock wore off faster as he smiled back and shook Trent's hand.

"You too. Riley talks about you all the time."

"Good." I rolled my eyes at my brother. With that the tension was broken. Noah came froward and introduced himself, followed by a timid Harper. She came to my side and grabbed one of my legs, the action making my heart melt.

"Trent this is Alex's little sister Harper." Squatting down a little I looked at Harper. "This is my older brother Trent." Trent followed my lead and squatted in front of her. I could tell his big frame was a bit intimidating but Trent was the biggest softie you'll ever meet.

"Hi." Trent beamed over at Harper. When Harper still hadn't said anything I moved to say something but Harper let go of me and took a step forward. We all stood there silently watching as she neared my brother.

From his position she was perfectly inlined with his face. My eyebrows shot up when she reached up and grabbed his cheeks her two little hands.

"I like you." Was all she said. The smile on Trent's face grew even more.

"I like you too."

The approval from Harper seemed to ease the rest of the tension as Ava and Mason came forward.

"How about you guys go catch up while I finish up dinner?" Ava offered me a smile. I don't know what took over me but I found myself pulling her into a tight hug. I knew she was a huge part in getting my brother here.

"Thank you." I whispered as she returned my hug. I swallowed my tears at her hug. The first motherly hug I have received in years and I hadn't realized just how much I missed it.

"Of course you are part of the family now." Her words just added to the tears gathering in my eyes. "Now go catch up with your brother sweetie." With a watery smile I let her go.

Grabbing Alex's hand I lead the three boys towards the living room. There was so much to talk about and I had no clue where to begin. So much has changed since I last saw my brother. In both my life and his.

Sitting next to Alex I kept my hand in his as Trent and Noah took seats around us. I almost felt like I needed the grip on Alex's hand to remind me that I wasn't dreaming and that my brother really was here.

"I see a lot has changed since I left." Trent looked at both Alex and Noah with raised eyebrows. My cheeks flushed a little bit. Things have changed. When he left I had two 'friends' at school but that was it. I didn't hang out with others outside of school. And now I have a great group of friends and a boyfriend. Not to mention the group was filled with boys. I bet my brother was going to have a field day when he learns that.

Of course he had no idea what happened between him leaving and me finding Alex. I had no plans to tell him either. The only thing that it would achieve is pissing my brother off and him going after Mitch. Which I knew he would. I'd rather not have to bail him out of jail tonight. Plus it was over and done with.

Things between Mitch and I were officially over. He's finally gotten the hint to leave me alone. I did have the others to thank for it, especially Alex, but it was also because of me. I finally stood up to the prick. I finally found the confidence and self worth to not let him ruin my life anymore. Only I could be the one to fully stop Mitch from making me feel less than I am. And I'm proud to say I did.

I caught Trent up on things in my life, albeit leaving out a few things. There were things about Alex and I's relationship I left out. Just because he didn't need to know and he was my brother. He didn't need to hear about his little sisters relationship.

After I finished I noticed he gave Alex and Noah a nod, a different look on his face than before. I had a feeling him and them would get along just fine.

When it was Trent's turn to catch me up on things my grip on Alex's hand tightened. I hated just the thought of my brother being at war and possibly being injured. Just the thought made my heart clench.

As he talked I could tell he was holding certain things back, like I did. I knew there was things that Trent wouldn't want me to know or that he wouldn't want to talk about. I can tell he's changed since he first joined. Yeah he looks the same and still acts the same in front of me but I didn't fail to notice the looks that once in awhile crossed his face.

I had a feeling the times I didn't hear from him for a few months were more than him being 'busy'. I didn't say anything and instead listened as he talked about life on base as well as Nicholas.

As soon as he brought up his best friend I grinned. I haven't met the guy in person but I already liked him. Hearing the stories about him and Trent had me laughing so hard my side started to hurt.

The two of them were clearly quite the pair. I was just happy he had someone by his side. I was beyond excited to meet him one day. When I said as much Alex tugged me tighter into his side, the side of his jaw clenching. I laughed under my breath at the slight jealousy. I leaned up and kissed the side of his jaw and felt him relax a bit under my touch.

The rest of the night went by fast, almost too fast. Dinner tasted amazing as always thanks to Ava. But sitting there surrounded by everyone I finally felt...included. A quick glance over at Trent I saw he felt the same way.

He's only just met the Thomas's but they've already treated him like he was part of the family. Asking him questions, including him in conversations. In just a few short hours they have asked more questions than our own parents have in years.

For the first time in years we weren't sitting at a small table just the two of us or eating over the sink. We were sitting at an actual dinner table surrounded by people with a home cooked meal in front of us.

It was honestly amazing how fast Trent fit in with everyone. Him, Noah and Alex talked soccer for ages. The two of them basically fangirling over my brother like two girls. I couldn't help but chuckle at them. My brother clearly loved the attention and gladly talked soccer with them.

Even Harper seemed to be smitten by my brother. Once dinner was over she somehow found her way into his lap and hadn't moved since. She played with his dog tags while he talked with Alex and Noah, his arm loosely holding her. It was no surprise he was good with her. Hell he practically raised me, so he was good with kids.

Sitting here right now watching my brother talk animately with my boyfriend, eating Christmas dinner with a family that has taken me in like one of their own, I felt like I was finally home.