Dad straightens like someone just handed him a microphone.“When Hawthorne men find their one,”
The whole room joins in like an unhinged choir:
“they fall hard, deep, and fast.”
I groan while they cackle like hyenas.
Cas strolls by with his mug, smug as hell.“Payback’s a bitch, little brother.”
Penny swats his arm.“Leave him alone.”
“Thanks, Penny.”
But then she turns to me with eyes sparkling in a way that promises trouble. I brace.
“You are one of the best men I know,” she begins sweetly, too sweetly.“But that is my sister-from-another-mother you’re dating, and if you ever hurt her, I will submit your number to every dating site in existence and specifically request women who are clingy and over seventy.”
The kitchen explodes.
“Damn, your girl’s got claws!” Jace hollers at Cas, who only looks proud. Dex lets out an exaggerated tiger roar. Grace is laughing so hard she grips the counter to stay upright.
I shrug, because the truth comes easy.“I’d rather bring a dagger to my own heart than ever hurt that woman.”
Jace whistles low.
Cas nods with rare approval.
Mama and Grace both let out soft“awwws” like they’re watching a Hallmark proposal.
Jude smirks.“Good answer.”
Penny drops all the attitude and hugs me tight.“I’m happy for you both.”
Dex immediately breaks into“Another One Bites the Dust,” bobbing his head while the rest of them lose it all over again.
But then, silence.
Because upstairs, the opening beat of Shake It Off starts thumping through the ceiling, followed by Mia’s excited squeal.
Something in my chest loosens, warms.
Those two girls, the little girl who stole my heart and the woman I love, they’ve got my whole damn heart in their hands. And I don’t think either of them knows it yet.
Summer
It is ten when the morning rush finally slows enough for me to check on Mia, who is coloring in the corner with Grace. They are making Christmas ornaments to put on the tables next week. I turn and find Ethan standing beside them, watching me with that dimpled smirk that drags last night straight back into my chest. Warmth spreads through me.
The bell above the shop door jingles. I turn.
And my stomach drops.
I freeze.
Kevin.
He never responded to the message I sent yesterday.
Did he decide to show up instead?
