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We pulled up to my parents’ ranch-style house. My dad was taking advantage of the sunny day. I could smell the barbecue as soon as I opened the door.
Kinleigh slid out of the backseat, uncertainty stamped all over her face. I held my hand out and she took it immediately. Lucky Charms handed me our bag with the brownies and…was that a salad?
Ivy came around with ten pounds of baby gear and a grinning Rhiannon kicking up a storm in her baby carrier. Rory smoothly took the carrier and they fell into step together. They really were a solid unit.
I glanced down at Kinleigh and brought her hand up to my lips. “We’re in this together now.”
She nodded. “I know.”
We bypassed the front door for the side yard, music pumping out of brand new backyard speakers thanks to their new son-in-law. Suck up. But I didn’t mind the Fleetwood Mac vibe.
Caleb was running around with Bert, my dad’s idiot dog. The dog spotted Kinleigh and sprinted to her, tripping on his big, goofy legs before he got to her. She dropped down in front of him and loved all over him. Bert tilted his head and tried to climb into her lap. That wasn’t exactly a new thing, but the way he kept butting his head against her middle sure was.
I gave him a quick rub and wondered if he knew something was a little different too.
“There you guys are.” My mother came out with a big bowl in her arms. “Caleb, get over here and help me set the table.”
“Yeah, yeah.” Caleb brushed the grass off his jeans before trying to take the bowl from her.
“Wash those grubby hands.”
Caleb rolled his eyes, then planted a kiss on my mother’s cheek. He gave me a look, then noticed that my arm was wrapped around Kinleigh’s hip. “Finally.”
Kinleigh blew out a slow breath.
“Give me that sweet grandbaby.” My mother rushed around the picnic table. “It’s been—oh.”
“Hey, Ma.” I slid my hand down to catch Kinleigh’s.
Her eyes filled. “Oh, finally.”
“What, did everyone know?” I muttered.
She hugged Kinleigh. “Of course we knew. You two were so blind. Or trying not to let anyone see, anyway.”
Kinleigh’s arms went around Annie. Her obvious relief eased her shoulders. “You’re not mad?”
“Oh, heavens, why would I be mad? You’re the perfect girl for my boy.” She gripped Kinleigh’s arms and set her back. “I’m just so glad you two finally got your act together.”
“Right?” Ivy tipped her head against Kinleigh’s shoulder.
“George, come out here,” she yelled through the screen door.
“I’m prepping the steaks.”
She shook her head. “That man. The steaks can wait.”
My dad came through the sliding door. “They need time to marinate. Oh, well, there’s my girls.” He was more silver than blond-haired these days, but it seemed like semi-retirement was suiting him well enough. He already had a tan from golfing and there was no doubt he was happy to see every single person in the backyard. “What’s the ruckus?”
“Kinleigh and August are finally out of the closet.”
“Ma.” I laughed.
Kinleigh dabbed at her eyes. “A little more than that, actually.”
My dad gave Kinleigh a hug. “Oh? A proposal? Are we planning another wedding? Maybe this time we don’t have to go all the way to Ireland.” He winked at Rory. “Not that it wasn’t lovely.”
Rory set the carrier down and unbuckled Rhiannon. “No offense taken. I’ll pass on customs nightmares.”
