Chapter 4: A Chance Worth Taking
1083 Words
The next morning, I wake up to the sound of my phone buzzing on the nightstand. Squinting at the screen, I see a message from an unknown number.
Unknown: Good morning, Moraine. Hope you’re ready for your one chance with us. - M.
I groan, immediately regretting my decision to give the Harper triplets a chance. What was I thinking? Letting three infuriatingly charming guys into my already complicated life? I roll over, debating whether to respond, when another message comes through.
Unknown: We’re picking you up at noon. Dress warm.
I sigh, finally texting back.
Me: How did you even get my number?
The reply is almost immediate.
Unknown: Ethan, obviously. See you soon!
Of course. Ethan.
By the time noon rolls around, I’m bundled in my warmest coat, scarf, and gloves, waiting on my front porch. A sleek black SUV pulls up to the curb, and Ethan hops out, grinning like he’s won the lottery.
“You’re actually ready. I’m impressed,” he teases, holding the passenger door open for me.
“Don’t push your luck,” I mutter, climbing in.
Inside, Matthew is behind the wheel, his steady hands gripping the steering wheel. Lucas sits in the back, his dark hair tousled and his usual calm expression in place.
“Glad you decided to join us,” Matthew says, glancing at me in the rearview mirror.
“I didn’t really have a choice, did I?” I reply, raising an eyebrow.
“You always have a choice,” Lucas says from behind me, his voice low and even.
The weight of his words catches me off guard, but Ethan interrupts before I can dwell on them.
“Let’s go! We’ve got the whole day planned.”
Our first stop is the local ice rink, but it’s not the one in town. Instead, Matthew drives us to a frozen lake just outside Willow Ridge.
The sight takes my breath away. The lake is surrounded by snow-covered trees, and the ice glistens under the pale winter sun. A few families are skating, their laughter echoing in the crisp air.
“This is… beautiful,” I admit, stepping out of the car.
“Thought you’d like it,” Matthew says with a small smile.
Ethan pulls a pair of skates out of the trunk and tosses them to me. “Let’s see what you’ve got, Moraine.”
I lace up my skates, determined not to let them show me up. But as soon as I step onto the ice, I realize I might be in trouble. My balance wobbles, and I grab onto the nearest person—Lucas.
“Careful,” he says, steadying me with a firm grip.
“Thanks,” I mutter, embarrassed.
“Take it slow,” he advises. “You’ll get the hang of it.”
Ethan, of course, is already racing across the ice like a pro, while Matthew glides smoothly beside him.
“Show-offs,” I mutter under my breath.
Lucas chuckles. “They’ll come back when they’re done showing off. In the meantime, let’s get you moving.”
To my surprise, Lucas is patient as he helps me find my balance. His usually cool demeanor softens, and I catch a glimpse of someone who genuinely enjoys helping others.
By the time Ethan and Matthew return, I’m skating on my own, albeit a little unsteadily.
“Not bad,” Ethan says, flashing me a thumbs-up.
“Thanks,” I say, my tone dripping with sarcasm.
“Let’s see if you can keep up,” Matthew says, skating ahead.
For the next hour, we race, laugh, and occasionally stumble across the ice. It’s the most fun I’ve had in a long time, and I hate to admit it, but the Harper triplets are actually… good company.
After skating, we pile back into the SUV and head to a small diner on the edge of town. The cozy interior smells like coffee and fresh-baked pies, and we slide into a booth near the window.
“What’ll it be?” the waitress asks, her notepad ready.
“Four hot chocolates and a slice of apple pie for each of us,” Matthew says, taking charge.
“Make mine cherry,” I say quickly.
The waitress nods and heads to the kitchen.
“So,” Ethan says, leaning forward. “What’s the verdict, Moraine? Are we as terrible as you thought?”
I roll my eyes. “You’re not terrible. But I’m still trying to figure you guys out.”
Matthew smirks. “Fair enough. What do you want to know?”
“Why me?” I ask, the question that’s been burning in my mind since the Christmas party. “There are plenty of other girls in town. Why are you three so interested in me?”
The triplets exchange glances, and for once, Ethan is serious.
“You’re not like the others,” he says. “You don’t try to fit in or impress anyone. You’re just… you.”
Matthew nods. “And you’re not afraid to speak your mind. We like that.”
Lucas doesn’t say anything, but his gaze is steady, as if he’s silently agreeing with his brothers.
I don’t know how to respond, so I focus on the pie when it arrives, the sweet and tangy cherry filling a welcome distraction.
As the day winds down, they drive me home, and I find myself feeling… lighter. It’s strange, but I can’t deny that spending time with the triplets was actually enjoyable.
“Thanks for today,” I say as Matthew pulls up to my house.
“Anytime,” he replies.
Ethan grins. “So does this mean we get another chance?”
I hesitate, then nod. “Maybe. We’ll see.”
Lucas smirks. “We’ll take it.”
I step out of the car, waving as they drive away. For the first time in days, I feel a small smile tugging at my lips. Maybe this holiday season won’t be so bad after all.
That night, as I lie in bed, my phone buzzes with a new message.
Unknown: Today was fun. Let’s do it again soon. - M
I stare at the message, my heart racing. Against my better judgment, I text back.
Me: Maybe.
The reply is instant.
Unknown: We’ll take that as a yes.
I set my phone down, a strange mix of nerves and excitement bubbling in my chest. One thing’s for sure: the Harper triplets aren’t going anywhere anytime soon.
- Writer
