Michael’s eyes flashed while he looked at his wife, waiting for her to answer. When she stayed quiet, he prompted her to answer. “Alyssa?”
With a deep sigh, she turned around. “This past week was my last week on my normal truck. I’ll be working the airport detail.”
Mallory looked from Michael to Alyssa, trying to read the unspoken words that passed between them. He folded his arms and sat back in his chair, clearly amused by Alyssa’s response. Obviously, her going to work at the airport was not her idea.
“I’d rather she come off the road all together, but the airport was an acceptable compromise. It’s not as busy and a lot safer with police and security everywhere,” he explained. “She’ll realize I’m right. It’s hard enough with them not allowing us to be permanent partners, but with what happened a couple years ago I can’t take the chance of someone hurting her while she’s pregnant.”
“You know I’m still standing here, right?” Alyssa said as she set a plate stacked with pancakes onto the table.
“Sorry, hun. I was just trying to explain to Mallory that I’m not being an asshole and bossing you around, I just need you safe.”
“I heard about what happened. I’m so glad you’re okay, Alyssa. Christian told me about it when we first met.”
Alyssa’s lips pulled into a smile. “I think it’s the cutest that you call him Christian.”
Mallory was startled by the subject change. It was unexpected enough that she forgot to feel self-conscious over what was said. Instead, she was curious. “Well, that was quite a change of subject. Is it really that strange? His full first name is what I used when we introduced ourselves the very first time I met him, and he never corrected me.”
“Not strange,” Alyssa corrected as she placed a plate of bacon and bottle of syrup next to the pancakes. “Cute.”
Mallory rolled her eyes and helped herself to a few pancakes and a slice of bacon. Her eating habits had really gone downhill since getting a social life. The realization made her chuckle to herself. The old her would have been very upset by that, but learning that it was okay to feel had slowly lessened her need to have control over every single thing in her life.
“That was delicious, thank you,” Mallory said as she finished her last pancake. “At least let me help clean up.”
Alyssa finished up her food and then sat back in her chair, rubbing a hand over her stomach. “Now that’s something I won’t argue with. Cleaning up sucks and you’re family so have at it.”
“Alyssa,” Michael complained. “You aren’t going to put her to work the first time she comes over here. Or ever, for that matter.”
“It’s okay, Michael,” Mallory said as she stood and began gathering dishes. “She wouldn’t let me help cook, so cleaning up is the least I can do.”
“I’m so glad you stayed.” Alyssa joined her at the sink and helped load the dishwasher. “How long is Chris going to be gone?”
It shouldn’t have been a surprise that Alyssa knew he was going out of town, but the question caught her off guard. Since she had only found out the night before, he must have spoken to Alyssa about it before he spoke to her. Doing her best to mask her irritation, she finished loading the dishwasher before turning to Alyssa.
“I’m actually not sure. By the sound of it, I don’t think he even knows.”
“We should do a girls night or something,” she suggested. “I mean, you don’t have to. I always wanted a sister, and a sister-in-law counts. Pregnancy has apparently made me soft.”
Mallory chuckled. Once again, the pair of large hazel eyes won her over. The not-so-subtle caress of her pregnant belly was also a nice touch. No way could Mallory say no. “You already have a couple sisters-in-law.”
“Yeah, but not the infamous Sammy.” She lowered her voice and glanced at the empty chair where Michael had been sitting before going on. “Even if you don’t go by your middle name anymore … He loves Liz and Rebecca, but they aren’t you.”
“I was already going to say yes. No need to butter me up,” Mallory teased. “What did you have in mind anyway? I have plans tonight, but until Christian comes back, most of my evenings are free.”
“I know you work during the week, but I’m off until Thursday. You should take a ‘mental health day’ so we can get our nails done. And eat food. And get facials. And eat food.”
Mallory laughed. “I take it food is important to this excursion? I’m in. I haven’t gotten my nails done in a while, but the place I go to is right next door to the best Mexican food you’ve ever eaten.”
“Perfect! Tuesday?”
Mallory agreed. The smile that tugged at her lips was unavoidable. A new sister. Sure, she had stepsisters, but there was something different about a sister-in-law. Someone there by choice who wanted to spend quality time? Yes, please.
Michael had returned to the kitchen in time for her to start her goodbyes. Mallory was grateful for the space he’d given so she could spend a few minutes with Alyssa. She really did like the woman. After kissing Alyssa on the cheek, she confirmed their plans before making her way over to Michael. He stood several inches taller than Mallory, but his size didn’t intimidate her. Since making up, his size was a comfort. She stepped into his arms and hugged him goodbye.
CHRISTIAN
Chris hated Florida. If it wasn’t so hot, humid, and miserable, he would have considered moving closer. If he was honest, he likely would have endured the ridiculous heat if it didn’t mean leaving his mother in New Jersey to fend for herself. But regardless, he was not a fan.
The baggage claim was clear on the other side of the airport, making him wish he went with his original plan of only packing a carry-on. Even in the air-conditioned airport, his shirt was clinging to him from the humidity. He stood amongst the throng of impatient travelers and watched as his suitcase came around, shouldering his way through to the front as it came closer. After grabbing his bag, he turned to head for the door and walked straight into Vivian.
