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My dad’
s smile widens. “After dinner, we’ll get you all set up. You can use the one we got Brody.”
“Who’s Brody?” Grady asks.
“He’s my other grandson,” my dad teases.
With a light laugh, I smack his shoulder. “No, he isn’t. He’s the boy my sister, Skye, used to nanny. He’s a little older than you, though. He used to come around a lot before a bunch of drama went down that you don’t need to know about ‘cause you’re a kid. But all you need to know is that we have lots of fun kid stuff.” I lean closer and whisper, “Grandpa Brock is a sucker for kids, so get ready to have a blast after dinner, okay?”
Grady nods. “Okay.”
“Come on,” my dad urges him. “I’ll show you where the dinner table is. Do you like fried chicken?”
Their voices trail off as they round the corner to the dining room, leaving Owen and me alone in the hall.
I cringe. “That was…not terrible?”
With another dry laugh, he tosses his arm around my neck and drags me to the dining room. “Yeah, well, your dad and I haven’t had our little chat yet, so I’m gonna say the jury’s still out.”
“It’ll be fine,” I tell him, though I’m not sure who I’m trying to convince.
Sensing my nerves, Owen halts and forces me to do the same. Then he twists me in his arms until we’re almost chest to chest and gives me that same boyish grin that screams confidence. “I’m not going to lose you again, Say.”
“Owen––”
“I’m serious.” He presses a quick kiss to my forehead. “You’re stuck with me.”
Then he pushes me toward the dining room, effectively ending our conversation with a soft but playful shove. It reminds me how small I am and how freaking strong Owen is even though he’s a teddy bear instead of a Grizzly.
Next to my dad sits Grady, looking tinier than ever, with an open seat to his left for Owen. Across from him, Sway and Anthony are seated side by side, leaving an empty seat opposite Owen. We both scoot into the allotted openings while Sway opens her big, fat mouth.
“So, Saylor, are you gonna finish making the proper introductions?”
“She can make the proper introductions after prayer,” Mama scolds. “The chicken’s getting cold.”
“Of course.”
We all bow our heads before my dad rattles off a prayer of gratitude. As soon as he’s finished, all eyes are on Owen.
“So…,” I start. “As you all might remember, this is Owen. And this is his son, Grady. Owen and Grady, this is Mama, Dad, Sway, and Anthony.”
“Nice to meet you, man,” Anthony returns, sincerely. “I’ve heard a lot about you.”
With a smirk, Owen answers, “That sounds promising. Nice to meet you too, though. And congrats. I heard you and Sway are engaged.”
“Thanks.” Eyes shining with pure adoration, he looks down at Sway beside him. “We’re really excited about it.”
“Speaking of excitement,” Sway interjects, her Cheshire grin on full display. “We have another announcement.” Tangling her fingers with Anthony’s on the white table cloth, she clears her throat. “We’ve decided we’re going to have a baby.”
My jaw drops before my gaze takes its turn zeroing in on everyone around the rectangular table that’s littered with fried chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy, and green beans.
“Um,” I drag out. “Sway? Wanna expand on that a bit?”
Ya know, since you don’t have a uterus and all.
Anthony laughs. “Throw ‘em a bone, Sway.”
Sticking her tongue out at me, the girl is practically glowing as she finally gives in.
