Page 294 of Saving Forever with the Hockey Captain

Annette laughs. "I think I'm beginning to understand your family."

"You'll catch on quickly."

Dinner is noisy. Everyone talks over everyone else. Dad asks Annette about school.

Mom interrupts to ask whether she's eating enough. Dad reminds Mom to let Annette answer. Mom ignores him completely.

"I'm eating fine."

Jamie chuckles. "Mom..."

"What?"

"You've known her twelve minutes."

"I know."

Mom smiles warmly at Annette.

"I'm making up for lost time."

The table erupts in laughter.

A basket of warm rolls lands beside Annette.

"Take two."

"I really only need one."

"Nonsense."

Annette reaches for one. The second somehow appears on her plate anyway.

While everyone is distracted...I quietly steal it.

Mom doesn't even look up.

"James Patrick Monroe Walker."

I freeze.

"What?"

"Put it back."

"How did you even know?"

"I've been your mother for thirty years."

Dad sips his iced tea. "He's actually getting slower."

"I am sitting right here."

"Yes."

Dad smiles. "We're aware."

Annette is laughing so hard she has tears in her eyes.