Page 46 of Peaks and Promises

“And it’s going to be a long day.”

“Do you think we’ll get all the way to Tilikum?”

“If we get on the road early.”

We lapsed into silence again, and I leaned closer to the window to gaze at the stars. Away from civilization, the sky was thick with twinkling spots of light.

“Is Tilikum where you grew up?” I asked.

“Yeah.”

“Do you still have family there?”

He nodded slowly. “Pretty much all of them.”

“What are they like?”

Readjusting his grip on the steering wheel, he paused before answering. “I come from a big family. Blended. My parents already had three boys each when they got married. Then they had my sister together.”

My mouth dropped open. “There are seven kids in your family?”

He nodded again.

“I can’t even imagine. I don’t have any siblings. Or if I do, I don’t know about them.”

“It was loud.”

“I bet. Did you get along?”

“More or less. We fought sometimes, but I think when there’s a lot of kids in the house, you have to learn to get over yourself and get along.”

“So your parents already had kids when they got married,” I said. “Which side did you come from?”

“My mom. I’m her oldest.”

“And then you have two younger brothers from your mom, plus three stepbrothers?”

“Yeah, but my dad adopted us. Regardless of biology, we’re all Havens.”

“I love that. He must be a great guy.”

His jaw hitched and he tightened his grip on the steering wheel. “Yeah.”

“So then your sister is the youngest. Sorry if I’m asking too many questions. I just want to make sure I have it all straight.”

“It’s fine. Annika is the youngest.”

“Are any of them married?”

“Most of them are. My brother Theo is the last one, but his wedding is this summer.”

“Does that mean you have nieces and nephews?”

Another nod. “Bunch of them.”

“Am I going to get to meet everyone?”

“I’m sure my mom will insist on it.”