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“Merrick, you’re not getting anything out of this, and your family—” I start, but he places his index finger over my lips.
“Is going to love you and treat you as such. They’re not going to judge either of us for the choice we’ve made. Just trust me. Can you do that?”
I hesitate as he keeps going.
“I’ll be with you all day. If at any time you want to leave, we will. Just say the word, or I don’t know, squeeze my arm really hard or something.”
I chuckle at his sweetness.
“There she is.” He smiles down at me. “Trust me, Courtney. It’s all going to be fine. Dinner with my family is crazy and chaotic, and it’s a good time. You’re in for a treat.” He offers me a boyish grin, and I feel some of the tension fade away.
“We can leave if it’s too much?” I hate asking him to leave his family dinner, but I can admit that I feel better knowing I have an out if I need it.
“Absolutely.” His eyes show he’s not just telling me what I want to hear.
“Okay.”
“Okay.” He grabs the container and my hand and pulls me away from the door before pushing it shut with the arm that’s holding the Rice Krispies treats. “Let’s do this.”
With my hand locked in his, we make our way inside the building. As soon as we walk in, my eyes bounce around. I’ve heard about this part of the building, but I’ve never been here. It’s a huge open-floor plan with the longest table I’ve ever seen. There’s a big-screen TV, a pool table, and a kids' corner that any kid would be in awe of. A couple of sectional couches and recliners as well as padded rocking chairs are set up around the space. Then the kitchen. It’s massive, and whatever Mrs. Kincaid is cooking smells incredible.
“Hey, Mom.” Merrick guides me toward the kitchen island where his mother is chopping vegetables.
“My baby.” She smiles before her eyes find mine. “Hello, Courtney. Welcome to the chaos.” She laughs.
“Hello. Thank you for having me, and this isn’t chaos. This place is incredible.”
“Thank you. We have our Ramsey and Jordyn to thank for this space, but we’ve all added a few things since it’s been finished.”
“Merrick, show Courtney where the drinks are. We’re a ‘help yourself’ kind of family.” She smiles kindly.
“I’m okay for now. Can I help with anything?”
She shakes her head. “You’re a guest.”
“I’m a very nervous guest. I’d love to help to keep myself busy.”
She stops chopping and studies me for several seconds. “How are you with chopping vegetables for the salad?” she asks.
“I’m not a professional, but I’ll manage.”
“Well then, I’ll start making up the hamburger patties. We’re keeping it simple today. Burgers, hot dogs, and meats on the grill. Salad, baked beans, and mac and cheese for my grandbabies.”
“Sounds perfect.” I walk to the sink and wash my hands before taking the knife and chopping the rest of the cucumbers for the salad.
“Court made Rice Krispies treats,” Merrick says as he opens the container and snags another one.
“Hey!” I scold. “You’ve already had one. You’re going to ruin your dinner and you need to save some for the others.” I playfully glare at him. When he winks, I lose my stern face and giggle.
Giggle.
I’m not a giggler, I guess unless I’m with Merrick Kincaid.
He chuckles as he pulls out one of the stools at the island and shoves a huge bite into his mouth. “Where’s Dad?” he asks once he’s swallowed. Did he even chew?
“Oh, he’s on his way. I needed more salad dressing, so he ran to the store.”
“I could have stopped on my way here.”
