Page 67 of You Met Me There

“Seven years is a big commitment,” I mumble.

“Tell me about it,” says Dad, putting his hand in the grape bowl.

I turn my body toward Juliet with a conspiratorial grin. “We’ll have to create an intervention.”

“A what?” She scoops macaroni and cheese into bowls. “What have we got to do with it?”

“We’re the sisters. We’ll corner him. That poor girl needs our help to land our brother for good.”

“I think she’s got it under control. She just announced to the whole room that she won’t wait on him forever. Seems like enough of a push to me.” I hum noncommittally.

A knock sounds from the front door, and I jump to my feet. “I’ll get it!”

Luke is smiling when I open the door and see his beautiful face. His blond hair falls over his forehead, and his light blue slacks match the color of his eyes. Brown boat shoes match a brown belt, and his white polo shirt is tucked in with the top two buttons undone.

He looks absolutely gorgeous. As soon as his hands reach out, I throw myself into his arms. He smells like stale air from the plane, but the soft skin on his neck still holds onto the spicy ocean scent of his cologne.

“I missed you,” he says against my hair.

“I missed you too.”

“Sorry I didn’t get back yesterday like I was supposed to.”

“It’s okay,” I say, stepping back. “You can’t control the weather.”

“I wish I could. For you.” He kisses me, and I feel like I’m floating through space and time. His kiss is familiar and comforting. It reminds me that everything is as it should be.

“Let’s go inside,” he says. “If we’re out here too long, they’ll be wondering where you went.”

I beam at him. “Tyler’s here. You’re going to love him. Oh,” I say, like an afterthought. “I’m starting an intervention to get him to propose to his girlfriend, Sandra—they’ve been together for seven years! Can you believe it? And you’re going to help me.”

“Help you?” He laughs as we walk through the dining room. I lead him, tugging him behind me, not wanting to release his hand just yet. “First I need to meet these people,” he says.

“They’re outside.”

Mom’s and Dad’s faces light up when they see Luke, and Juliet shouts up to the boys that he’s back. Little footsteps sound on the floor upstairs. When Levi and Archie run around the corner, they’re carrying colorful toy trains in their little hands.

“Uncle Luke!” they cry, eyes big and smiles wide.

“Look at our new trains,” says Levi. “Dad got them for us.”

“Mine is green,” Archie adds.

Luke crouches to their height, taking a blue train from Levi’s outstretched hand. “These are awesome. Your dad is really good at picking out toys.”

“Yeah, he’s the best.” Levi takes his train back, smiles, and chases Archie into the living room.

“Food will be ready soon!” Jules shouts after them. She turns to Luke. “I’m glad you could make it tonight. The boys haven’t stopped asking about you since you left.”

He puts a hand to his chest. “I’m flattered. I didn’t realize they were so attached.”

“Well, what can I say?” she says. “You’re the cool new guy. For now. It’ll wear off.”

“Hopefully not too soon. I kinda like it.”

“Don’t go getting a big head,” I say, kissing him on the cheek. “Come on, I’ll introduce you to my brother.”

We walk out to the back porch and I make introductions. Luke shakes hands with Tyler and Sandra, and I notice Tyler grips Luke’s hand a second longer than necessary, like he’s sizing him up. But, to my relief, they get along instantly, Tyler cracking jokes while Luke laughs along. Cam joins the conversation as he flips the chicken and tosses shrimp onto the grill.