Page 113 of The Addendum

I wasn’t sure I would survive the day.

* * *

Luc rang the bell, waiting patiently.

“I think I’m going to throw up.”

He grimaced. “Maybe you should do that outside.”

“You’re being an asshole, you know that?”

He pulled me close, kissing my temple. “Yep. I’m making you smile. Shame on me.”

I rolled my eyes, my nerves full force as the door opened. A man stood in front of us, the mirror image of a young Richard. He had the same height and build. The same arrogant tilt to his chin I had seen in pictures. We shared the same eye color, but the big difference was the expression in his. My father as a younger man had been removed, cold. This man’s eyes were warm, filled with life, and gentle. His lips were curled into a welcoming smile.

“Hello,” he said.

“Matthew!” Luc exclaimed, extending his hand. “This is unexpected.”

Matthew shook his hand, his eyes never leaving mine.

“It’s not every day you get introduced to the new member of the family,” Matthew said. “I mean, how often do you get to meet your older sister for the first time when you’re already grown up?” He held out his hand to me. “Hello, Ashley.”

I felt his firm grip wrap around my fingers.

“Hi, Matthew.”

Our gazes never wavered. He smiled again. “Come on in. Everyone is waiting.”

Inside, I was greeted by Heather and Reed, Richard and Katy. I was hugged and welcomed. I returned their greetings with a smile, hoping my nervousness didn’t show. Grace was there, sitting on the sofa holding her daughter, and she offered me a tentative smile.

“Ashley,” she said simply.

“Grace.”

Her husband stood and shook my hand. He was tall, dark, and brooding. Serious. His voice was a low baritone as he greeted me. He was intimidating until Kylie began to babble, and then his face broke out into a wide smile and he lifted her into his arms.

He was devastatingly handsome.

“Close your mouth,” Luc chided me. “He’s not that great.”

“Hmmph,” I replied, catching Grace’s eye. I lifted my eyebrows, and she did the same, a silent moment of appreciation running between us. I relaxed a little.

Katy exclaimed over her flowers, and Richard was pleased with his scotch. A drink was pressed into my hand, and Katy announced brunch was ready. We sat down, and I was pleased to see Matthew seated beside me. Huge platters of eggs, sausage, and bacon were passed around. Hash browns were apparently a favorite with this family, and I almost clapped my hands in delight at the selection of bagels.

“You like bagels, Ashley?” Katy asked with an amused smirk.

Luc laughed. “They’re in their own food group for her.”

Richard laughed. “That’s my kid, all right.”

I froze, wondering how everyone would take that statement.

Matthew snorted. “Great. Already the favorite.”

I began to protest, and he shook his head with a dramatic sigh. “I move another spot down on the family tree.”

Heather groaned. “Don’t listen to him, Ash. He’s everyone’s favorite. Mom’s because he’s the baby. Dad’s because he looks like him.”