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“No, it hasn’t… Is that what you wanted to ask me?”
Mom looks away and wrings her hands together, so I cover them. “Mom, you’re worrying me. Is everything okay with you and Dad?”
“Oh honey. We’re fine.” She sighs. “I want to ask you about your cousins, but I also don’t want to put you on the spot.”
My heart sinks because if it’s what I’m sure we’ve all noticed, that no one speaks about, I’m not sure what to say.
“I’ve noticed a few things, and the final decision to ask you about it was when I mentioned to Rachel that Alexander was bringing a date with him to the New Year party. She made an excuse and went to the barn. She looked heartbroken, and I hate that I caused that.”
“You didn’t cause it Mom. Alexander did.” I shake my head. “You know what’s going on, don’t you?”
“Do you?” she counters.
“I haven’t been told anything and I’ve only seen the looks they try to hide. I think they’re in love with each other, Mom.”
“That’s what I think too.” Mom looks concerned. “What are we going to do?”
“We’re not going to do anything. They’re old enough to know that they have to stay apart in that way. Perhaps this is Alexander moving on, and Rachel will follow suit. Put their feelings all behind them.”
“You really don’t believe they’ll be able to do that, do you?” Mom sighs and clasps my hands. “I want to believe it because it’s what they have to do.”
I rest my head on her shoulder and smile at Elias, who is watching us from the crib. “Only time will tell. Let’s go back downstairs.”
Standing, Mom pulls me into her arms. “I’m so glad that you followed your heart.” Even as she says those words, I wonder about my cousins. I wonder if they’ll ever follow their hearts.
84
Tanner
Charlotte’s family is friendly, loud, and overwhelming, and my head is spinning. Every time I glance at my father, he has a bewildered expression on his face. He seems to be having fun though, which makes me happy. Everything about this Christmas makes me happy. The woman I love and a large family like I used to ask Santa for every Christmas as a child growing up.
I grin as I watch Charlotte with her bright, candy pink hat, talking to one of her cousins. Madison if I remember correctly. She’s currently throwing her head back and laughing with my woman. They look happy. In fact, I haven’t met anyone today who doesn’t look happy.
The dinner tonight turned out to be a huge family affair with others turning up to congratulate us, or to check me out, I’m not sure. I don’t really care, as I know Charlotte is mine. I do have confidence in that.
“Why aren’t you out there with them?” Ruben, Madison’s uncle asks.
I laugh. “I value my teeth.” I wince as Joshua takes a knee to his groin, doubling over, so I add, “And other parts of the anatomy.”
Ruben winces. “Me too.” He chuckles. “I think my brothers and I need to show them how it’s done without causing impotence.”
I glance at his retreating form wondering if I’ve heard him correctly. I have the feeling I did.
“So, you’re the man my cousin cried over.”
I turn and find an attractive woman, with long blonde hair tied at the nape of her neck, staring at me.
“Have we met?”
“I’m Sofia, Ruben and Rosie’s daughter. The baker,” she says, grinning.
“It’s nice to meet you Sofia.” I glance at Charlotte and notice her gaze is on me as I turn back to her cousin. “You know that I wouldn’t hurt her for the world, right? She’s everything to me.”
“I know. She told me.” She smiles. “Congratulations. Don’t let her forget that I make wedding cakes.”
“Oh, I’m sure she won’t.” I wave Charlotte over. “The wedding will be soon.” I wrap my arm around Charlotte’s shoulders when she joins us with Madison. “I’m just telling Sofia that our wedding will be soon.”
“Ah, the wedding cake! We’ll talk about flavors and get back to you because I’m not having anyone else on this.” She grins. “I’m going to let you surprise us with the design though, but remember, I don’t like fussy.”
