“Sharon from next door?” Mom addressed Maggie with a strained smile.
“Uh, yeah. She watches Zoey sometimes.”
It grew quiet around the table.
Erin shifted.
A frown crouched between Dad’s brows.
Mom wore a speculative expression as she glanced around the table, trying to read them like a detective reads a perp.
Josh studiously avoided looking at Maggie. But he didn’t want to make eye contact with his parents either. Which left him fiddling with the saltshaker.
Finally Zoey’s giggle burst the bubble of suspicion. “Sometimes Uncle Josh kisses Mommy.”
Chapter 36
Josh sucked in his breath. Had Zoey really just announced that in front of his entire family?
Everyone at the table froze in place.
A seagull cried out.
A breeze stirred the wind chimes.
He studied the seashell design on the tablecloth as if it held a secret code that would reveal the date and time of the rapture. Speaking of raptures, now would be good.
Erin leaned forward. “Um, Owen, honey, why don’t you take your sister and cousin inside to play.”
“Aww... it was just getting good.”
Erin shot him aDo it right nowlook.
The boy stood, reluctance in his sluggish movements. “Come on, guys, let’s go inside. I’m just dying to see Zoey’s new Barbie doll.”
Once the three of them disappeared through the French doors, silence prevailed for a solid century. So much for breaking the news to his parents. And when had Zoey seen them kissing anyway? They’d been so careful. Josh dared to look up.
Dad’s frown spread. He glanced from Maggie to Josh. “What’s going on here?”
“A lot’s happened this summer,” Josh said. “We were going to talk to you about it after everyone left.”
Mom covered her mouth. “It’s true then?”
“You know,” Patrick said, “in biblical days it was customary when a man died for his brother—” A thump sounded beneath the table and Patrick winced. “Uh, never mind.”
Dad threw his napkin on his plate. His jaw muscles twitched. His eyes bored a hole straight through Josh. “How long has this been going on?”
Josh frowned at the implication. “What are you trying to say, Dad?”
“I’m not saying anything. I’m just asking a question.”
Mom set her hand on Dad’s shoulder. “Honey...”
“It’s a reasonable question.” Dad shot Maggie an accusing look. “Is that what this summer has really been about? Being close to our son. Ourotherson?”
“Leave her alone, Dad.” Every muscle in Josh’s body strained against patience. “We’ve been seeing each other for all of two weeks, but thanks for the vote of confidence.”
Mom’s expression softened. “He didn’t mean—”
