“Do we know him?” Ethan chimes in.
“His name is Caleb, and he just moved to town a few weeks ago,” Grace says, trying to sound confident.
Grace squares her shoulders, meeting their eyes.“And I really like him.”
Dex growls.“I don’t like him already.”
“You haven’t even met him yet!” Grace protests, mouth falling open.
“Grace is eighteen now, and I agree with Penny,” Josh chimes in gently.
Grace’s face lights up.“Can I go, Daddy?” she asks.
“Of course, darlin’,” he replies, arms open. Grace hugs him tightly.
“I don’t agree!” Jude shouts. Grace pulls away, turning to face her brothers.
“Well, good thing you’re not my parent then,” she says, huffing.
“He’ll need to come in and talk to all of us when he picks you up,” Cas says, smirk returning.
“Please don’t! You’ll scare him off, I just know it!” Grace groans.
“You bet your ass we will,” Dex confirms. The brothers nod in unison.
“No, he’ll talk to me,” Josh interjects, smiling wickedly.“You may be in the room, but I’ll be the one scaring the boy off.”
“Dad!” Grace gasps.
“Don’t worry,” Josh says, eyes glinting.“You may go on your date, but I’ll just mention my rifle and army days.”
Everyone laughs, including me.
Suddenly, Asher walks into the dining room and takes a seat next to Ethan.
“Hey, man,” Ethan greets, clapping him on the shoulder.
“I’m good.” Asher nods, then scans the room, confusion in his eyes.
“Why do you all look… angry?” he asks.
“Grace has a date,” Cas growls, and I can’t help noticing how hot he looks when he’s angry.
“What?” Asher’s eyes snap to Grace. She meets his gaze, smirking defiantly.
“Caleb Johnson asked me out, and I said yes,” Grace states, sharp and unwavering.
“Who is this dude?” Asher asks, jaw tight.
“New kid in school. Quarterback,” Ethan grumbles.
Asher goes livid.“And you’re letting her?”
“Excuse me?” Grace stands, eyes flashing.“I’m eighteen. I can date whoever I want!”
Asher grits his teeth.“Sure, do whatever you want.”
Grace turns away, sliding into the seat next to me, hiding the small tears forming in her eyes. My chest aches—she’s in love with Asher. Oh no. He’s twenty-five and grew up with her… that’s why she always said it was impossible.
