Page 50 of Big Dill

“Sorry to hear that,” Brody says, his voice softer now. Liam’s brow furrows, then flicks up to Brody, reading something in his stance.

“How’s Elise?” Liam asks, glancing around as Jaxon steps into the room. “Is she coming to dinner?”

Brody stiffens visibly. There’s no detachment when it comes to Elise. He’s still raw, hurting.

“We broke up.”

Liam’s hands rest lightly on his hips, taking in Brody’s posture. “I thought you two⁠—”

“We didn’t,” Brody interrupts.

As awkwardness fills the space, Rachel steps into the living room, sliding in beside my brother near the fireplace. The front door bangs open and I’m grateful for the distraction.

“Something smells good,” Verna calls from the hallway, her voice familiar from the diner.

Lori appearing in the hall with perfect timing, and helps her sister with her scarf. “Just in time.”

Verna takes it all in—kids clustered around a puppy on my lap, Liam and Brody glaring like rivals, Jaxon worried, Rachel hovering, no idea what just happened.

I hand Bella back to Liam, letting the puppy nuzzle against him instead. “It’s so nice to see you again,” I say to Verna.

“You too, Ducky,” she greets warmly, leaning in. “What’s going on in there?”

“Beats me,” I admit. She gives the room a long look, mouth quirking in amusement.

“Come on. I need a drink for this show.”

“What show?”

“Dinner,” she explains, grinning like that’s not the real truth. “Always a good time.”

Lori heads toward the kitchen, and Verna and I follow.

“Will I be meeting Theresa?” I ask.

“Not tonight,” Lori says, nodding toward the window, like her sister might be out in the back yard. “Big fishing party just came in, up at Lobstick. Some are staying at the hotel. She’s busy. You’ll meet her soon enough.”

I watch her for a moment, something warm blooming in my chest. This family—this home—is alive in a way I’ve rarely seen. “It’s really nice that you do Sunday dinners, and…invite so many people.”

“You didn’t do that back home?”

“No,” I laugh, the sound a little self-conscious. “Mom and Dad worked a lot. Sunday dinners were…macaroni and cheese made by Chef Jaxon.”

They laugh at that, and it feels like an embrace. “We’ll have to have him bring his dish one of these nights,” Lori says, smiling.

I glance over the spread on the counter, my chest tightening just a little. “I’m not much of a cook. I’d love to learn some old family traditions. I have more time now than I ever did.”

Lori’s smile is steady, warm. “Happy to teach you.”

“Thank you,” I murmur.

“Now,” she says, clapping her hands lightly before they all start gathering up the dishes. “Tell the crew to grab a seat.”

They carry the dishes in as I walk back to the living room. Bella is asleep in the corner of the couch, her tiny chest rising and falling in rhythm.

“Dinner is ready,” I say.

The kids bolt to the dining room at my words. Jaxon places a gentle hand on Rachel’s back and guides her in. I follow, taking in the long table set for adults and the smaller one at the end, just for the children.