“How did the meeting go?”
“They loved your ideas and can’t wait to meet my beautiful wife and office manager.”
“You told them?”
“Are we hiding the fact?” he asked as they pulled into the driveway.
“No, I just…I’m sure they had questions.”
“Who cares, trust me Mel, no one is going to utter a word to your face not after you’ve received Mom and Dad’s approval. Besides the entire family will kick any ones ass to next year if they look at you funny.”
“Alright, now, did you give me the afternoon off to shop or to plan something?” she asked letting Tomas hold the door open for her.
“Later, I promise,” he said wrapping his arm around her waist as they hit the sitting room where the family was. “Sorry if we’re late.”
“Just a few minutes,” Gabrielle said smiling warmly at her.
“And I can see why,” Ford added. “You look stunning as always Melinda.”
“Please, it’s Mel.”
“But that’s too boyish for you Sis,” Grant said kissing her cheek.
“And you’re certainly not a boy,” Jake added with his own kiss.
“I see you went with the safer choice,” Nicole grinned at her.
“Safer?” Alana asked looking at them as she and her fiancé Stuart gave her hugs hello.
“Let’s just say if she wears it to the wedding Jordan will need to super glue their hands together, so no one tries to steal her away,” Nicole teased.
“It’s not that bad,” she assured Jordan and the others. “Tate approved of it.”
“Where is he by the way?” Grant asked. “He seems to live at your place an awful lot.”
“Ah he was seeing one of his study buddies,” she answered. “They were going to play pool, and I didn’t ask which sort.”
“Speaking of pool, how was the tournament?” Jake said though he already knew.
“Very funny Jake,” Jordan stated. “You’re just jealous I found her first.”
“Well, she is a bit young for me,” Jake teased.
“I never would have guessed you play as well as you do,” Alana admitted.
“You’re not the one who got stuck on the losing side of a bet,” Grant told her.
“I tried to warn you,” Jordan said with a grin towards Mel.
“Dinner’s ready if anyone’s hungry,” Gabrielle stated trying to move them into the dining room.
The meal was amazing, and she loved the way the five siblings interacted, much as she and Tate did. It was closing in on eleven when Jordan mentioned leaving but she was content to stay.
“You have classes in the morning.”
“Mmm, I know and Tate will kill me if I leave him hanging,” she admitted. He was the only reason she wasn’t testing out or taking early graduation this semester.
“Then I believe that’s our cue to leave but first…” he said giving her a grin.
