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We head through the hall that is covered in photos of all the Adler kids growing up. They were lovely babies and are even more adorable now. The twins are trouble, though. Evan hit on me the moment I stepped through the door. I’ve never seen Ryan mean mug a kid, and I have to say it was pretty funny.
I pull my gaze from the photos and nod. “He’s really awesome.”
“He’s the best. The pillar of our family. He keeps us all in line.”
“I can see that.”
“I like you. A lot. So don’t hurt him, okay?”
I shake my head so hard, I’m sure I almost break my neck. “Oh, never.”
She winks at me. “Good, ’cause we have hockey sticks, and we know how to use them.”
She walks away, a grin on her face like she didn’t just threaten someone she’s only just met and two seconds ago said she liked. While these people are welcoming, they also have a violent side that scares the shit out of me.
When a thick arm snakes around my waist, I look up to see Ryan grinning down at me. “Hey there, beautiful.”
I cover his hand with mine at my waist. “Hey, you.”
“Ready to eat?”
While I’d rather devour him, I nod. “I am. Also, your cousin just threatened me.”
He scoffs, shaking his head. “They’re all insane.”
He wasn’t lying. But then, I think the best people are a little nutty.
Soon we’re all sitting around the large table in the middle of an even larger dining room. I’ve never seen a house so big. I’m pretty sure there are a billion rooms, and they’re all decorated so extravagantly. I feel like I’ve stepped into a house designed by someone on one of those TV design shows. It’s stunning. A huge chandelier hangs above us, but instead of being made of crystal like I would assume, it’s large candles with a wrought-iron base. The walls are a soft, pale yellow, and large black-and-white photos cover the walls.
When my gaze lands on a photo of Ryan and Amelia with their parents, my heart stops in my chest. They look happy and carefree. They’re all so close in the photo, beautiful expressions on their faces. Ryan wasn’t joking when he said he grew up here. As many pictures as there are of the Adler kids, there are just as many of Amelia and Ryan. It’s sweet, and I’m jealous of that. I grew up with just my mom, and while she is the greatest mom ever, sometimes I wonder what it would be like to be in a family like this.
Would things have been different for me?
Would I have been a normal girl?
But then, would I have Ryan?
As Elli says grace, I glance around at everyone. They’re all deep in prayer, and I feel bad not to be as focused, but I’m mesmerized by them and everything around me. The table is made of old wood, and instead of chairs, we sit on benches. The table is loaded with food, all kinds of down-home fixings that, even though I may not be familiar with, my mouth is watering at the sight of them. I can’t believe I’m here, and when I look at Ryan, his head bowed, his eyes closed as his lips move, I can’t believe he is mine.
How’d I get so lucky?
“And, Lord, thank you so much for allowing us to have Sofia with us today. We are so blessed and thankful that you continue to bring people into our lives who make us better. Please ease her mama’s concerns and know we are taking good care of her. In your name, we pray. Amen.”
When everyone repeats the last word, I’m in awe. These people are so kind, so welcoming. They don’t know me from Adam, but they pray for me? When Elli looks to me, she holds out the potatoes, and I take them. “Thank you,” I say, and she grins.
“You sure are welcome. Goodness me, Ryan, she’s stunning!” Her thick accent drips over me like honey, leaving me a little shy.
Ryan, he eats it up. Leaning into me, he kisses my cheek. “I tell her that every day.”
“That’s my boy,” Shea says with a wink just as he takes Elli’s hand. “You gotta tell them every day how beautiful they are. Don’t ever want them to forget.”
“Gag, get a room,” Posey complains, and the boys all join in.
“Yeah, young eyes.”
“So gross.”
“Why do you guys always touch each other? Ew.”
“I think it’s beautiful,” Shelli says, and Elli beams over to her. “#RelationshipGoals, for sure.”
She’s right; they are goals. I’ve only been here a few hours, but it’s obvious they are still in love. I’ve never seen a couple so close. They’re always looking at each other, touching each other, and Shea, he just can’t get enough of his wife. I swear I’ve seen him grab her ass at least six times, and they have five kids, one of whom is almost a legal adult! It’s beautiful. When we got here, they were dancing like no one was there, and I just wanted to watch them. Even when the music stopped, they didn’t. It was as if no one existed but them. It reminds me of how Ryan and I are.
Wait? Does he love me?
No. That’s insane.
I glance down at Ryan’s hand holding my thigh, his thumb stroking the fabric of my leggings while he stuffs his mouth like it’s his last meal. He’s always touching me. Even when we run, he reaches out and touches my shorts or my hand. He also grabs my butt all the damn time. And my breasts.
