“I’ll take it.” Oli picks up his colorful cash.
Jethro grunts as he sits up and takes the money from Oli before passing him the card. Sandra tosses the dice and moves her Scottie piece, landing on the same Kentucky Avenue Oli just bought.
She throws up her hands. “You’re going to bankrupt me!”
Oli grins. “All’s fair in love and Monopoly.”
She bumps her shoulder against his. “I think you just like showing off.”
He winks. “Can you blame me?”
She counts out her money and passes it to him, then hands me the dice, her fingers brushing over mine.
I roll the dice and get eight. I bounce my top hat token across the board until it lands on Pennsylvania Avenue, wide open and unclaimed.
“Yes!” I pump my fist. “I’ll take it.” I count out the funds and Jethro gives me a dirty look as he has to play his part again, but hands over the property card.
Caleb rolls his eyes. “Show off.”
I flash a grin. “Jealousy is a green-eyed monster.”
He huffs and looks back at the board before he picks up the dice.
With my turn done, I stand and stretch. “I’m making hot chocolate. Anyone want some?”
Sandra perks up. “Ooh, me!”
Jethro lifts a hand from the floor. “Of course.”
Oli bounces in his seat. “Extra marshmallows.”
Caleb nods. “Just the hot chocolate for me.”
In the kitchen, I grab cocoa mix, milk, and marshmallows. Laughter and chatter float in from the living room, filling the kitchen with a cozy, familiar energy. It wraps around me like a well-worn blanket. I pour cocoa into mugs and top each with a mountain of marshmallows. As I work, the certainty settles deep. We’re going to protect her, no matter what. She’s part of our pack already, and turning her away now feels unthinkable, no matter what happens because of that choice.
I return with the mugs. “Cocoa delivery.”
Jethro sits up and takes one. “You’re a lifesaver.”
I hand Sandra her cup and then Oli, his overflowing with mini marshmallows. “Extra marshmallows, as requested.”
She smiles. Her dark hair catches the firelight. “Thank you.”
Caleb takes his without glancing up.
“Alright, who’s Oli bankrupting next?” I settle back in and take a gulp. It’s warm, sweet, and perfect.
Oli grins as he wipes a chocolate stash off his lips. “I’m claiming Park Place!”
“Not if I get there first.” Sandra reaches for the dice. She pauses and glances at Jethro as he sighs from his spot near the cash box. “Are you ever going to actually play? Or just judge us from the sidelines?”
Jethro smirks. “I’m providing moral support and keeping you honest.”
“Hey!” Oli and I protest in unison.
Caleb doesn’t look up. “They would cheat.”
“Would not.” I toss a marshmallow at him. It bounces off his glasses.
