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“Mama says it’s grown a foot since we got here!” She frowns and pulls it around to look at the ends. “I forgot to ask you what that meant, Mama,” she says to her mom.
She scrunches up her face, and Marlow tells her what it means.
Questions are thrown my way right and left, and we help our plates to the delicious food his family brought, as everyone moves around the open area. Conversation flows easily, especially after the food and a beer. Callum’s the quietest of all of them, but he’s relaxed and I can tell beingaround his family makes him happy. When he speaks, it’s intentional and sharp-witted, and even when his words are sassy, it never feels unkind.
His eyes frequently meet mine, observing…assessing. Almost as if he’s checking in to make sure I’m okay.
My cheeks hurt from smiling.
I like this family.
I should be sad today.
Rejected, but I’m not alone.
My life looks so much different than it did just yesterday. I’m not going to be a wife. I missed out on a tropical honeymoon, and I left the home I’ve always known and loved.
But for a few hours, we talk and laugh a lot, and things feel easier than they have for a long time.
CHAPTER EIGHT
THE SHINE IN SUN
CALLUM
The last of the family leaves after a long trip outside to see the animals, Dolly being a major hit with the kids, of course.
“Sorry about all that,” I say, shutting the door and locking it. “We’re a lot even when you’ve known us forever…coming in brand new, you must be exhausted.”
“I love them,” she breathes out. Her face is shining, and she laughs, tucking her feet under a blanket on the couch. “They are amazing. Every single person. I’ve alwayswanted to have a big family like that. It must have been so fun to always have a friend around.”
“They’re all right,” I say.
She laughs and points at me. “You adore them. I saw it on your face the entire time.”
I give her a droll look and she just laughs harder. I shake my head.
“And it seems like Sofie and Marlow…and Jamison too…they fit in so well. My cousins always tortured anyone new coming in to date their siblings. Was it always this easy between you guys?”
I nod. “Pretty much. Well, they all had issues with each other at first, but not with the family. Sofie and Theo grew up together, but then she was gone for eight years. She hasn’t been back for long…”
“Really.”
I sit in the chair across from her, needing the distance. She’s already like a beam of light in my house. I can’t stare at her sunshine for too long, but it’s almost impossible to stop trying. I clear my throat and nod, glancing at the fire.
“We all liked Jamison and Marlow before Scarlett or Wyatt did.”
“No way. Even you?” She laughs when I shrug. “Well, they sure seem tight now. So cute together. Are Scarlett and Jamison engaged too?”
I shake my head. “Not yet. Only a matter of time.”
“What about Sutton? Grinny said the two of you are the oldest and that Sutton’s not married either, but is there someone special in his life?”
“No…Sutton was married before and now the two oldest Landmarks are holding on to bachelor status…forever, by the looks of it.”
She starts to say something and pauses, her eyes darting to the fire.
I want to ask what she was about to say, but that’s not my style. I’ve already said more than I normally do. I take a long swig of beer, blaming the chattiness on that.
