"I know it probably won't be easy to see me with someone new, and someone who you feel took me away from you, but she is so excited to meet you. She's been waiting for this day for a long time. I really do think you'll like her if you give her a chance."
I stood up and wiped my hands on my jeans. "I'll give her a chance. Or at least I'll be polite. I haven't lost all my Southern manners."
My dad gave me a wry smile. "Now when it comes to Jackson, you won't be able to help but fall in love with him. He'll have you wrapped around his finger in no time."
I didn't know what to expect when it came to meeting my little half-brother, but I was eager to finally meet him.
We walked into a large kitchen with beautiful white cabinets and an oversized marble island. The table was situated near several large windows overlooking the expansive lawn and lake.
Sitting at the long table was Rush and a beautiful petite redheaded woman. They were chatting, a platter of shrimp and corn fritters between them.
The sound of us walking into the kitchen must have alerted them to our presence because they both turned to look at us at the same time.
"Oh, my goodness, you're prettier than a Georgia peach!" Samantha said loudly and with a heavy Southern accent. Standing up, she walked over to us. "I mean, I've seen lots of pictures of you, but you are absolutely gorgeous."
My dad smiled at Samantha. "Scarlet, this is my wife, Samantha," he motioned to her. “Samantha, this is Scarlet."
I held out my hand. "It's nice to finally meet you, Samantha."
She grasped my hands with both of hers. "Oh, I've been wanting to meet you for so long. Ever since me and your daddy got together." She hurried to cover her mouth, her eyes wide. "Oh, my, I probably shouldn’t have brought that up. I'm so sorry."
I gave her a small smile, hoping to ease the awkwardness. "It's okay," I said politely. "It is what it is."
"Right, right." She moved around to the other side of the island. "I bet you are worn slap out from traveling, so please, take a seat and I'll get lunch on the table."
Dropping into the seat next to Rush, I took his hand, needing to feel his comfort.
"So you must be the boyfriend," my dad said, coming up to Rush and extending his hand. "I'm Scott Davis."
Rush stood and shook his hand. "Nice to meet you, Mr. Davis. I'm Rush Monroe."
My dad pulled out a chair and sat down. "Please, call me Scott."
Rush sat back down, taking my hand again.
"So I hear you're a football player."
"Yes, sir. I'm a wide receiver at Waterford University."
"Well, I can't say I'm too surprised," my dad said with a smile. "Scarlet's always had a soft spot for football. She said she loved the sport, but I always had a hunch it also had to do with the good-looking guys wearing tight pants."
"Dad!" I exclaimed.
Both he and Rush laughed.
Samantha came over and laid out fried chicken, cheese grits, greens, and buttermilk biscuits on the table. "Y'all can start eating, I'm going to go get Jackson up from his nap and be right back."
My mouth watered. I hadn't had home-cooked Southern food in a while. My mom had never cooked growing up—she'd always had our chef make all the meals. I was actually impressed Samantha did the cooking. It all looked delicious.
We all filled up our plates and talked about Waterford's football season until Samantha walked in holding Jackson on her hip. His head rested on her shoulder, and he still looked sleepy from his nap.
"Jackson, we have some friends visiting us today," Samantha said.
I wasn't sure if they'd told him he had a sister, and thought I'd follow their lead on that.
Jackson lifted his head to look at Rush and me. He had curly red hair and reminded me of the little boy inHotel Transylvania 2. He was the cutest thing I'd ever seen.
"This is Scarlet and her boyfriend, Rush." Samantha told him.
