My throat burned, and I squeezed her hand.“You don’t have to say that, Mom.”
She smiled, giving me a hug, and I sighed in relief, breathing in her familiar scent.“I’ll go before your boyfriend comes over and scolds me for making you cry.”
I frowned, wiping a stray tear away and looked over my shoulder to find Dylan glaring at us.“T-that’s not?—”
“I’m your mother.I know everything.”My mom patted my cheek.“He’s cute.”
She left before I could utter anything, and Dylan was beside me within a second, asking me if I wanted to leave, needed some space in a room or some water.
I chuckled, waving him off and got ready when my sister finally arrived with her husband to reveal the gender.
When Anna sliced into the cake, cheers erupted.The inside was bright pink.“A girl!”Caleb shouted, hugging Anna.
Kyle lifted her hand to kiss it, his eyes shining.“We’re gonna have another little princess.”
The crowd cheered as everyone went to greet her.I sniffled, gladly taking a handkerchief from Dylan.I was so happy for her.
My heart swelled when Alice ran over to me.She tugged at my dress until I bent down.
“Aunt Katie?”she whispered loudly, eyes darting toward Dylan, who went to congratulate Caleb.“Your boyfriend is handsome.”
My jaw dropped, and heat rushed to my cheeks.“Alice!”
She shrugged, grinning toothily.“Mom told me to get a pretty boyfriend or girlfriend so I can’t stay mad at them too long.You did well, Aunt Katie.”
I laughed helplessly, ruffling her hair.“Thanks, Alice.”
Alice scampered off to steal frosting, leaving me red-faced.
Later, after lunch, I stood with a cup of lemonade in my hand.I caught sight of Dylan across the yard.He was crouched down, helping Alice pick up her dropped balloon.He tied it securely around her wrist, ruffling her hair before letting her run back to the games.Then he joined Caleb and Kyle in a conversation, his hands gesturing animatedly as they laughed with him like he’d always been part of the family.
Something in my chest softened.It felt terrifying.Watching him like that, being playful and kind, mingling with my family, I realized I was slowly falling for him.
PARTIV
“I think I like you.”
41
TREAT HER WELL
DYLAN
“So,” Amanda said slowly.“You actually managed to woo Katie, huh?”
My sister didn’t waste any time.
The second I slid into the cafe booth across from her, she folded her arms, leaned back, and gave me that older-sister glare that used to make me squirm as a kid.
I smirked.“Woo?Really, Amanda?And why wouldn’t I?I’m so charming.”
She sipped her latte.“What else should I call it?Seduction?Did you blackmail her?”
I didn’t reply, ordering an iced mocha for myself.I needed some sugar in my system if I was going to talk about my love-life with my elder sister.
“You know I’m surprisedandimpressed.”She leaned in and said, “Everyone in the town knew you were obsessed with her.Except Katie.”
Heat crept up my neck.“Obsessed is a strong word.”
