“I’m so happy we don’t have to place bets on where you’re disappearing to anymore,” Tully says.
“Speak for yourself, I was getting a good little side hustle,” Noah says in his low voice.
It makes everyone laugh. He seems to be the quietest of all of them, so when he says something, the whole room leans in and listens.
“Yeah, Noah was probably onto you first, thinking you were sneaking off to be with a girl,” Camden says.
“We’re not the only ones who were sneaking around,” Dylan reminds him.
“Ha! Burn,” Tully says, pointing at Camden. “He has a good point there.”
“So help me, Tully, if you start seeing someone and don’t tell us, I’m going to wring your neck,” Goldie tells him.
“Nah,” he says. “Twin telepathy, and all that, right?” He straightens. “Wait. You can’t tell when I’m having sex, can you?”
“Oh God,” Goldie groans while we all crack up. “What is wrong with you? Ew.” She fans her face dramatically.
“While we’re sharing secrets and happy and all,” Ava starts tentatively, “I have something to tell you guys.”
Everyone turns to look at her.
“I wish Erin was here while I’m saying this, but…we’re dating, and it’s going so well,” she says shyly.
“OH MY GOD!” Goldie cries. She rushes toward Ava and barrels into her with a hug. “I’m so happy. And I’m going to give Erin so much shit for keeping this a secret from me.”
“It’s a banner day,” Everett says, laughing.
Ava’s eyes meet mine, and we share a happy smile.
I never imagined I’d spend so much time laughing after such an awful start to this day.
Is this what it’s like to be part of a huge, loving family? Surrounded by brothers and sisters, an amazing dad, two adorable grandmothers, a sweet nephew, and the cutest dog…
In the middle of the chaos, the fear and uncertainty, I feel safe and hopeful.
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
VISIONS
DYLAN
Dahlia and I step outside after the whirlwind of introductions, reassurances, plans, and my family basically offering Dahlia a lifetime of loyalty. The door closes behind us, muffling the laughter coming from the kitchen.
She exhales like she’s been holding that breath for months.
“Dylan. They’re incredible. I can’t believe how well that went,” she says, shaking her head like she’s trying to clear it. “You said they were nothing to be afraid of, but I didn’t believe you.”
I grin at her and kiss her temple. “I know.”
“We stay?” Chloe asks hopefully.
“We’ll come back,” I tell her. “I promise. Did you like Grayson?”
She nods emphatically, her curls bouncing up and down.
Dahlia and I get in the car, and she leans her head back on the seat and turns her head toward me. Her eyes narrowplayfully, and even though she still looks exhausted and concerned, she seems lighter.
“You knew I didn’t believe you?” she asks.
