In an oddly unexpected way, she supposed that’s exactly what they were.
Chapter Eleven
Lucas paced the front yard of his mom’s house while waiting for Serena and Cecily to show up. Serena promised they’d be there, and after how well they’d gotten along at church, he didn’t think she’d back out.
He tried calling her phone but didn’t get an answer. When he texted Cecily but didn’t get a response he began to worry.
Beau came outside to join him. “You okay?”
“I’m worried. Neither one is answering their phone, and Cecily always answers hers.”
“Why don’t you drive to their house and see.”
“Because I don’t want to be a nuisance if they’ve changed their mind.”
A hearty chuckle came from Beau. “Is this my brother or someone who looks like him?”
“It’s a complicated situation,” he protested.
“Is that them?” Beau pointed to a car coming down the long driveway.
“Yes.” Relief lifted from him, and his shoulders relaxed.
Beau slapped his back. “I’ll be inside.”
“Thanks.” His insides twisted. He wanted his family to love Cecily as much as he did. Not that he doubted they would, but he couldn’t bare the thought of anything less than adoration.
“Sorry we’re late,” Serena said when she got out of her car. She’d changed from her dress into a pair of fitted black pants and a turquoise sweater.
“It’s my fault.” Cecily twisted her lips. “I left my phone at church, so Mom swung by on our way, but it was already locked.”
“No worries.”
Cecily wasn’t her usual self. “Do you think they’ll like me? I’m not always like other kids my age.”
His heart hurt for her, and he quickly consoled her. “They will love you. They already do and can’t wait to meet you.” He leaned forward and whispered in her ear. “And being like everyone else is no fun. You were born to stand apart and shine.”
That did the trick and her smile returned. “I hope I can remember everyone’s names.”
“It’s okay if you forget. Even my mom gets us mixed up at times and calls us by the wrong name.”
“Really?”
“Yep. When we were little and got in trouble, which was often, she’d call our names at once. Then again, it was usually all of us in on whatever got us in trouble.” He tossed a wink her way, relieved to see her personality returning.
“Mom calls me by my full name. That’s how I know when I’m in for it.” Cecily shot her mom a grin. “Fortunately, she doesn’t have to do that often.”
Lucas dropped an arm around Cecily’s shoulder. “Ready to meet them?”
“Yes.”
He led her and Serena into the house. The family gathered in the living room which was decorated for Christmas. Stockings hung on the mantle, including one for Cecily. If she didn’t notice on her own, he’d point it out before they left. He wanted her to know she was considered a full member of the family.
Everyone except Jenna, who was on her way from New Orleans, crammed into the living room. Rex and Monica with Emily. Beau. Mom. Lacey and Tom. They waited expectantly but patiently for him to make a formal introduction.
Serena shrank back, but he gave her a gentle tug to join him. She was as much as part of this as anyone. Had she not made the choice to leave that clinic that day, they wouldn’t be standing here now.
He laid an arm over Cecily’s shoulders. “I’d like you all to meet Cecily, my daughter.”
