Everyone breaks away in groups, and I press my hand to Remy’s back.
“What can I do?” I ask softly.
“You already have,” he responds, tilting his head to look at me. “Can I ask you a favor?”
“Yes.”
He bends down, placing his mouth near my ear. “Watch Bane and Lawson,” he whispers. “You can read them already, and they aren’t as comfortable around groups. They'll appreciate the distraction.”
“Of course.”
He stands straight and places a stack of plates near the food. “Are you good?” he asks, nodding toward the living room where most of the company has gathered.
“I’m glad you have this,” I say softly. “They care, and just want to be welcoming.”
“You have it too,” he says.
“That’s a nice thought.” I look around at all the faces.
“It’s a fact, not a thought.” He palms the back of my head, and I look at him. “Everything we have is yours. The family is part of that.”
“Thank you.”
His eyes crinkle, and he kisses me softly. “Hungry?” he asks.
“Very,” I murmur, and he grins.
“Let me get you some food,” he says, and releases me, reaching for a plate.
“I hope you like fried chicken,” Sally says as she enters the kitchen.
“No, I hate it,” I say.
“What?” she gasps, her hand over her heart.
“Kidding.” I laugh. “It’s chicken with a crispy, savory crust. What’s not to like?”
“Sweet Jesus.” She drops her arm and grins. “You got me. I would have still loved you, but I would have spent years trying to convince you to like it.” I stare at her beautiful face filled with love and light. She would. She spreads love.
“I would let you.” We share a quiet moment while in the middle of a loud conversation.
“Anytime you need me,” she whispers, squeezing my arm.
“Same,” I reply.
Everyone stands in line for food, and Remy guides me around them. Bane moves the chair at the head of the table, and I sit with a smile. A plate is placed in front of me as the others take a seat. Elijah sits at the island, holding his son. He’s adorable, and I’m itching to hold him. The conversation flows around me while I eat two pieces of chicken and mashed potatoes. Bane sits to my right, and Lawson to my left. Hunter takes a seat at the other end, with Remy beside him. Micah holds a plate, leaning against the window, Daisy beside him. I smile as I see him feeding herbites of food. The women are cared for, catered to, and it’s odd to see.
“She deserved it,” Breeane announces, and I tune into the conversation.
“She did. I saw it,” Sally says.
“We did the only thing we could when she insulted Breeane,” Saylor says, and I frown.
“It was a small bar fight,” Sally explains, looking at me.
“Small?” Las grumbles.
“Breeane was hit,” Logan says.
