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“Sorry, Mom.” Miles stands from his chair and gives me a hug, followed by Liam. They both remind me so much of Parker with their dark hair and athletic builds and wide smiles. They fill up a room when they are all together with their broad frames and big, endearing personalities. The three of them are all so incredibly handsome, it’s almost hard to take when they are all in a room together.
Jules introduces me to her boyfriend, Alex, who’s currently in med school. Jules is always so boisterous and outgoing, so I’m surprised to find that Alex seems quiet and kind of reserved. They seem like a bit of an odd fit, but Parker has mentioned that she seems happy with him.
“Let’s leave the women to chat and have a drink in the living room, boys,” Mr. Bennett suggests.
Parker hangs back for a moment, pulling me to his side. He kisses the top of my head, whispering into my hair. “Do you want me to stay with you? I don’t mind.”
I tilt my head up to look him in his eyes and let him know I will be fine. He kisses my cheek and pulls back with a grin. I can’t help but look at him and see the boy I fell in love with. He leaves me in the kitchen feeling light-headed and full of emotions. Jules hands me a glass of wine and I follow her to the kitchen island where Mrs. Bennett is working on dinner.
“You know, we are all really glad you are here. You are a good influence on my brother. He’s different around you. He seems so happy. Not that he isn’t usually happy, but it’s different. He’s relaxed and settled, less wound up.
“Jules is right, you know my boy is crazy about you. I’ve never seen him so smitten.”
I feel my cheeks warm and I know they’ve turned a bright shade of pink. “I’m just as crazy about him. It’s still so hard to believe that we are back together after so many years.”
“Oh honey, we are so excited for the two of you. It’s nice to have you back in our lives. I hope to see a lot more of you.”
“It’s good to be here.” I bring the wine glass to my lips to try to hide the enormous smile that is covering my face.
I turn my attention to Parker’s sister. She was just a kid the last time we spent time together and I genuinely would like to get to know her better. “Jules, I hear you work for your dad now. How do you like it?”
“I love it. I love what I do and it’s nice to see my dad every day, but sometimes the stresses of a family business can get to you.”
“Well, if you ever need a stress reliever, you could join me at my yoga class. You might like it. I go Wednesday nights with my sister and my best friend. You would love them. It would be fun.”
“That sounds great. I would love that. I’m free tomorrow if that works?”
“It works! I can pick you up and we can go together.”
“Great. I’m looking forward to it. Thanks, Olivia.”
Out of the corner of my eye, I see Parker pop his head around the corner, checking in on me. I turn my attention to him, and he mouths the words, You okay? I instantly feel my body tingle at the gesture. I nod and he disappears into the living room again, leaving my heart bursting. Parker’s family has welcomed me with open arms. It feels so nice to be included by them, almost as if I were a part of the family.
“Dinner is ready, girls. Jules, can you let the men know? And Olivia, do you want to help me bring the food to the table?”
“I’d be happy to.”
I help Mrs. Bennett carry the dishes to the table. There is a platter of perfectly grilled flank steak and a bowl of parmesan white wine risotto. A fresh caprese salad and warm buns are already waiting on the table and a platter of roasted asparagus completes the menu. She has cooked enough for an army. It all looks delicious and is plated beautifully, and the smell is out of this world.
I find Parker waiting for me at the table and he pulls out the chair beside his. I am seated between Parker and Liam, with Mr. Bennett at the head of the table, Mrs. Bennett at the foot and Jules, Alex and Miles across from me. Parker rests his palm on my knee under the table. I can feel the warmth from his hand though the denim of my jeans and it feels good. I rest my hand on top of his and he laces our fingers together.
He whispers in my ear. “I’m so happy you are here with me, babe.”
I look at him and whisper back, “Me too. Thank you for asking me.”
I feel like I’m in a dream, right where I’ve always wanted to be. The way Parker looks at me with love in his eyes, the way he keeps me close to him likes he’s afraid to lose me or can’t stand to be apart. It feels like the pieces of a puzzle are finally falling into place. I feel warm all over; I can’t remember being this happy in a long time.
“Help yourself everyone, but first, Michael do you want to propose a toast?”
“Sure, honey. To making your mother and I incredibly happy by all being here together tonight. We also want to welcome Olivia back to our home. It’s good to have you here. Now let’s eat.” I feel the room shift their gazes towards me. Parker’s grip on my hand tightens and I take a deep breath. We all raise our glasses, clinking them together with whomever we can reach and I’m relieved when platters begin to be passed around, taking the attention off of me.
“Mom, this looks amazing. Your cooking is what I miss most when I’m on set,” Miles says, scooping a heaping spoonful of risotto onto his plate.
“More than your mother?”
“Not possible, Mom, but you know how I love my food.”
“And ass-kissing apparently,” Liam grunts in between mouthfuls.
