He shrugs. “Nah, it’s fine. Can’t be any worse than the beds at the dorm.”
“They are the worst,” Blair moans. “What I wouldn’t give for some memory foam.”
“She’s exaggerating. They’re not great, but they’re not the worst.”
Sage seems to be fighting back her laughter, and when I draw her into my side, she turns her face into my chest for a second.
“So who’s ready for lunch?” I ask, hoping to redirect some of Blair’s chaotic energy.
“Definitely. But first, I have presents.” Blair upends a bag on the couch. “The local bookstore had all these baby books on clearance, so I stocked up. In case you don’t know it yet, Brady’s kind of a book nerd. Oh, and he said dried mango was one of your favourite snacks right now, so I grabbed some that’s been coated in dark chocolate. They’re so good.”
“Wow, Blair, thank you.” Sage is clearly touched as she picks up the books and looks at them. “This is, just, wow.”
She walks over to my sister and pulls her in for a hug. I watch the two of them, trying not to let myself get too emotional.
“So, lunch?” Barrett pipes up. When I glance over at him, he too looks like his emotions are getting the better of him. Guess I’m not the only one thinking about howour family is changing yet again, only this time it’s in a good way.
“Yeah, I could definitely use some food,” Sage agrees, walking back over to me with a watery smile. I take her hand and lift it to brush a kiss across her knuckles.
“C’mon. We’ll take you to Dot’s Diner.”
The diner immediately charms Blair with its over-the-top fifties-style vibe. And then Dottie comes bustling out in her usual outfit of a poodle skirt and blouse.
“There’s my favourite parents-to-be, and you brought extras today! Who are these two? No, wait, it’s obvious. You must be Brady’s brother and sister.” Dottie pulls Sage in for a hug before beaming at the twins. “I’m Dottie.”
“This is Blair and Barrett, my younger siblings. They’re visiting for the weekend,” I explain.
“Your diner is incredible, I am obsessed with everything! Does the jukebox work? Where did you get your skirt?” Blair doesn’t stop for a breath, making me chuckle and shake my head.
Dottie takes it all in stride, tucking Blair’s arm in her own and leading her over to the jukebox, already telling her the story of how her grandfather bought it for five dollars, and kept it in his living room. Halfway there, she stops and calls over her shoulder, “You kids seat yourselves anywhere you like, I’ll be right there.”
I lead Sage and Barrett over to a booth. Barrett slides in across from us and takes another look around the diner.
“This place really does look like a movie set. I admire her dedication to the theme.”
“Dottie’s kind of a legend around here. At least, that’s what I’m learning. You meet her once and you’re basically family.”
“It’s wild,” Sage adds. “I’ve lived in a lot of different places, and Cedar Creek is by far the friendliest.”
Barrett nods with a small smile. “It seems like a great place.”
Blair and Dottie join us then, with Blair sliding in next to her brother. “Okay, I’m in love. I want to stay here forever.”
“Let’s finish university first,” I reply dryly, earning an eye roll.
“Okay, bro-dad. Chill.”
Sage giggles quietly, her hand landing on my thigh as she leans in and whispers, “I love that they call you bro-dad.”
I cover her hand with my own and squeeze it.
“Alright Sage, tell the truth, how terrible is it living with Brady? Are you finding socks everywhere? Is he leaving the toilet seat up?” Blair grimaces. “Boys are so gross sometimes.”
“First of all, I never leave the seat up. Second of all, don’t come for me with the sock thing.”
“Excuse me? Are you not the one who refuses to match his socks, and therefore, will have singular socks everywhere? Pretty sure I found one in the bathtub a time or two.”
“Once. That was once.”
