Page 104 of Finding My Charming

Chapter 31

dallin was understandably nervous about seeing my family again, but I assured him they understood. Especially my dad and Finn. When I told him they wanted to talk to him about what they’d gone through, he seemed to relax. Maybe knowing he wasn’t the only one who had survived the process of accepting my crazy family would make him feel better.

Grandma had been the one who’d suggested a redo. She’d insisted I invite him over for another family dinner, but this time he wouldn’t be the focus. She was going to hand down the necklace to April and thought it would be nice for him to be there since he was the reason it could continue on. I don’t think anyone was as surprised as April when I told her that Dallin had come back during the eleventh hour and saved her from facing a future without the necklace.

She’d said she was happy for me and glad things had turned around, but I was pretty sure she was happier that things had worked out in her favor. She wouldn’t be the first in the line of women in our family to have to find her true love the conventional way. I was sure she would have succeeded, but I also knew how much it meant to her. Not that I’d ever admit it aloud, but I was glad I hadn’t taken that from her.

Even though we were celebrating Dallin and me finding each other, it was April’s night. We didn’t necessarily have a ceremony for passing down the necklace, but my grandma had made it a special night for my mom and her sisters, so the tradition lived on.

April had picked the meal and afterward Grandma would take the necklace off me and place it on her. That was it. Simple, but meaningful. April would be that much closer to taking the next step in life and finding her true love. She might end up waiting almost five years, like Beth had or just a few like me. Knowing her, there could be no guessing. Everyone thought I’d last through graduating from college, but I’d been one of the fastest in recent history, so one could never know when magic was involved.

Dallin’s car was parked outside my bedroom window, so I ran down the stairs to meet him. I’d almost reached the door when he knocked, and I flung it open seconds after, which startled him.

I laughed at his shocked expression and wrapped my arms around his neck. “I missed you.”

He looked into my eyes and his lit up as he smiled. “It’s been less than a day, but I missed you too.” He leaned forward and gave me a quick kiss but broke us apart when steps sounded behind me. Even I could see the guilt on his face. Whoever walked up would know instantly they’d interrupted something.

I rolled my eyes. “It’s Beth. You don’t need to be so scared.”

He looked quickly from my sister to me. “I didn’t know that at the time. I’m still not convinced your family is cool with me either. I was pretty awful to you.”

Beth responded before I could. “Don’t worry, Dallin. Finn was pretty okay with things, but Dad literally ran away from Mom when she told him. He has no room to judge you. If anything, he can sympathize the most.”

I smiled at her with my back to Dallin, hoping she knew how much I appreciated her saying that.

“Now come on, you two. Dinner’s ready, and we’re waiting for you.” She turned and disappeared down the hall.

Dallin stepped into the house, and I shut the door behind him. “Thank you for doing this.”

He looked down and finally gave me one of his signature smiles that made my heart beat faster and the butterflies flutter. “Thank you for giving me a second chance.”

I slipped my hand into his and led him into the kitchen. Everyone turned in our direction, and they all wore smiles. Things were still going to be awkward, but it meant the world to me that they were so willing to make him feel comfortable.

“Welcome back, Dallin.” My mom was beaming. He might not have noticed, but I could already see the love in her eyes. She’d accepted him already.

“Thanks, Mrs. Benson.” Dallin slid out my chair and let me sit before taking the seat next to me.

“Please. You’re basically family now. It’s Jules.”

He smiled at her before staring down at his plate.

Dad cleared his throat and looked around the table. “I just wanted to say something before we dig in.” He waited a moment while everyone quieted. “Tonight is a big one for our family. Dallin, I’m really glad you’re here with us. I know we’re a lot to take in, but please know that you are already a part of the family. I’m sure you have a million questions, and you’re welcome to ask. There are very few, if any, secrets between us.” He paused as though realizing his words. “While that may seem overwhelming, I hope you can see the value of it. I don’t mean we pry into each other’s business…”

Beth coughed and nodded toward Grandma, who sent her a scowl. She couldn’t help it if her clairvoyancy gave her an edge on info.

“…well, most of us don’t, but if we do, know that it’s out of love. Tonight is also about April.” He looked at her and I swore a tiny tear formed in the corner of his eye. “I’m not sure how this happened, but it’s your turn to carry on the family tradition and wear the necklace.” He stopped and held up his glass. “To bright futures and true love.”

Everyone returned the gesture and exuberantly said, “Cheers!”

The rest of dinner passed with comfortable conversation, and Dallin joined in with ease. By the end, he and Finn were in deep discussion of the baseball season and how certain teams were doing compared to what was expected. I ignored the majority of what they were saying and focused on talking with Beth and April. I noticed every few minutes April’s gaze would drop, and she’d stare at the crystal necklace still around my neck. She’d been looking forward to this day since we were old enough to understand the enchanted charm. As dramatic as the last month had been, I was glad I hadn’t taken this chance from her.

Mom stood and began collecting dishes, and the rest of us followed. It only took us about ten minutes to get everything cleared and put away. It was amazing how much could get done in a short amount of time when everyone pitched in and we all had something to look forward to.

Grandma insisted everyone take a seat in the living room where she had dimmed the lights, lit dozens of candles, and turned music on very low. The atmosphere was soothing, and if I allowed myself to think it, a bit magical.

Dallin sat next to me and pulled my hand into his lap. His leg was bouncing, but I could tell by his expression it was from excitement rather than nerves. I smiled at him, and Mom caught my eye. She looked down at our joined hands then winked at me. I couldn’t stop the smile in return.

Grandma went on for over twenty minutes about our heritage and the history of the necklace. She spoke of what it’d been like to meet her husband, my grandpa, how she’d passed it down to her first daughter — my mom’s older sister — then my mom, my two older cousins, Beth, me, and now April.