“Hi, sweet girl. I missed you.” I smile down at my pseudo-niece, planning to soak up all of her attention until Dom gets here and inevitably complains that I’m hanging with her. Unfortunately for him, she’s not so little anymore and has herMama’s attitude, so if she doesn’t want to sit next to you during dinner or play dinosaurs with you, she’ll tell you right to your face. It kind of stings.
“You did?” She beams back at me.
“Of course, I did. I haven’t seen you in… Seven sleeps. That’ssomany.”
“You know what’s so many sleeps?”
“How many?” I ask.
“Thirty.”
“That’s how old your Uncle Tatum is,” I say a little louder than necessary as the front door opens. I know it’s Tatum, Darcy, and Hayden based on the babbling noises echoing down the hallway.
“Ew, that’s so old.” Bella giggles more.
“Ouch, Bella. And Collins, my knees and back hurt, man, don’t rub it in.” Tatum laughs as he slaps my arm before taking Hayden into the living room and setting him on the carpet to play.
“Your girl is here. Go help her with her stuff.” Darcy nudges me, taking Bella from my arms easily.
“Thanks.” I turn on my heel, walk out the front door, and head out to the road where Sin’s burnt orange Rav4 is parked.
“Collins,” Sin smiles at me as she passes and heads inside.
Harley steps out of the car in ripped jeans and a tight black t-shirt. Her curls are messily pulled to the top of her head, and light makeup covers her face. I approach her where she’s standing at the open passenger door.
“Hi, Baby.” I can’t keep myself from saying it, and just like I hoped, her cheeks pinken and she shies away from my look.
“I’m not going anywhere, you have to be able to look at me, Harls.” I gently grab her chin, bringing her gaze back up to mine, “There she is.”
“Hi.” Her voice is timid as she stares back into my eyes, “Your shirt’s nice.”
“Thank you.” I chuckle because I only have on a simple, green Henley, “Let’s put your bag in my car and then head inside.”
After stopping at my truck, I take Harley’s hand and guide her into the house and to our place at the dining room table, where everyone waits for us.
“There’s the lovebirds.” Dom chides as we step into the house.
“We’ve been waiting on you two,” Kodi adds, wiggling her eyebrows.
Harley’s cheeks flush immediately, and I find myself protectively pulling her into my side.
“Just needed to check in on my girl. I missed her.” I throw it out into the room.
“Check in. Sureeeee.” Mace, the sarcastic teen brother of Enid, adds with a gesture mimicking quotations.
“Yes, just check in.” I assert.
“Maybe steal a kiss or two.” Sin adds, her tone questioning.
“None of your business. Let’s eat.” Harley puts the conversation to bed; she typically doesn’t assert herself like this. I find myself beaming with pride.
“Okay… Tonight we’ve got ribs and whatever sides you heathens brought. Everything is set up like usual, get your food and be merry.” Maverick booms, and we all break away to plate our food before reconvening in the dining space.
“Everyone ready for our trip?” Enid asks after we’ve all settled in and begun picking at our plates.
“Just about. I need to get little Mrs.Thing some warmer clothes before we head out.” Kodi says about Bella.
“Do you wanna build a snowman?” Bella sings directly to Mace, who has become her new best friend since he introducedher toallof his turtle friends at Shell Shock’d— where he and Enid work.
