“Because I’ll drop everything.”
“I know.” I pat his back. “I know. That’s why you’re the best brother a girl could ask for.” I pull away and watch a tear slide down my brother’s face. “My goodness.” I reach out and wipe it away. “You’re emotional today.”
“Everything is overwhelming. First Dad, then moving and the new job. Kelly’s not that excited about the move. Then, there’s you and Nash.”
“What about me and Nash?” I might as well cut to the chase.
“It’s just weird. And sudden.”
I laugh. “Sudden? I’ve loved the man since I was thirteen.” He stares at me. When he finally blinks, I laugh again. “It’s true.”
Isaac makes a grumbling noise. “He wanted to get with you at my wedding.”
“He told me. He said you threatened to kneecap him or something.”
Isaac isn’t laughing. Shaking his head, he corrects me. “Kill him. I said I’d kill him.”
“Well, please don’t kill him. I want to keep him.”
“I could maim him.”
We both wince at his words. Dad.
“Never mind.” He sighs. “If you’re happy, I’m happy. The guy is like a brother to me. Now, he’ll actually be a brother.”
I roll my eyes. “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves.”
“Oh.” His eyes get huge, and I’m not sure why. “Right. Sorry.”
I reach out and hug him one more time just as Dad and the crew walk back into the room. “Let’s get out of here,” says my dad from the doorway. “I’m hungry for something other than cafeteria food.”
“Can you leave?”
Dad chuckles. “I’m not in prison, Izzy.”
The group laughs, and I can see how silly my question was. “What are you hungry for, Pops?” asks Isaac.
“Steak.”
Mom pipes in, “I’d like a big salad.”
Nash reaches out to me, pulling me into his side. “And what about you, my girl. What sounds good to you?”
“I think we should do what Dad wants. Steak sounds good.”
“Steak it is,” my dad says with a smile. “Let’s go. I’m as hungry as a newborn calf.” Leave it to Dad to dig up some farm humor. It makes us all laugh.
After deciding on a steak place, Isaac helps Dad into his car. He and Mom ride with them, while we jump into Nash’s truck.
“Babe? Is this okay? Taking your family out on our first official date?”
Giggling, I nod. “Yeah, it’s perfect. It’s too bad your mom and Andi aren’t here.”
Nash reaches out and takes my hand. “Yeah, then it’d be perfect.”
* * *
We’re seated at a large,round table that seats eight people. It’s a cozy place with a fireplace near us and candles flickering on the table. Elegant. I’d call the place classy, for sure. And when I look at the menu, I nearly choke at the prices. Leaning over to Nash, I whisper, “They want forty bucks for a steak.”
