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“That’ll depend on how serious it is and on whether the family wants to keep it just among ourselves at first. But you’ll no doubt find out about it anyway. I mean, three of my cousins are engaged to your siblings.”
“True.”
Is that a touch of resentment in her voice? I’m probably imagining it.
“I just wanted to check in on you. Can I see you later?”
“Yeah, if you have time. Just let me know when the stuff with your family is over.”
“Yeah, I’ll call or text you.”
“Sounds good.”
“Bye, Maddie.” I’m about to hang up, but I hold on a little longer. “I…”
“You what?”
“I can’t wait to see you later.”
“Yeah, me too. Bye.”
Those weren’t the words that wanted to come out of my mouth, but it’s way too soon for them.
I mean, really way too soon. I’ve known Maddie forever, but I’ve only truly known her for less than a week.
I walk the rest of the way to my parents’ house, and a panting Gary meets me, wagging his tail and jumping on my chest.
“Hey, boy. I missed you.”
He smothers me with dog kisses. I greet the rest of the menagerie and then head into the kitchen where I find my mother and father and my two sisters, Angie and Sage.
“I’m really sorry to ruin your vacation, son,” Dad says.
“I know you wouldn’t do it if it weren’t important.”
He nods gravely. “No. Joe wouldn’t even tell Mom and me what’s going on.”
My stomach drops. “You’re kidding, right? You and Uncle Joe have been friends forever.”
“I know.” His voice is solemn.
“Where’s Henry?” I ask.
“He’s going to meet us there.”
Talk about a full house.
For parties, we usually gather at Uncle Talon and Aunt Jade’s. They have the largest ranch house. But for business, it’s Uncle Joe and Aunt Melanie’s. They have the largest single room on the east wing of their house, and inside is a massive conference table.
Uncle Joe sits at the head of the table, flanked by Uncle Talon, Uncle Ryan, and my father. The Steel brothers and my dad, their honorary member.
The rest of us are interspersed around the table, including my new aunt, Lauren Wingdam, and her sons, Jack Murphy and Pat Lamone.
I sigh. Well, Pat is a Steel, and we have to deal with that.
I look around.
I can’t believe everyone is here.
