AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Andrew laughed and shook his head. “He invited himself.”
Patrick clutched his heart. “All of you want me here.”
“Especially my sister,” Holt said, squeezing Marlow’s shoulders. She flipped him off.
“Could we limit obscene gestures to the confines of our homes?” Mr. Dixon stood. He bent and kissed my cheek. “Hello, love. Glad you could make it.”
“I wouldn’t miss this for anything.”
I grinned at him, and a satisfied smile spread across his face.
“Son.” He reached around me to shake Holt’s hand, so much meaning in just that one word.
I looked back at Holt, who gave nothing away. “Dad.” He pulled him in for a hug. “I thought you might’ve invited Mrs. Quinn. Maybe patched things up.”
Mr. Dixon scowled.
“Don’t start,” Marlow said. “I already asked, and he won’t say a thing.”
I had no idea what was going on, only that Mrs. Quinn and Mr. Dixon both seemed miserable now that they weren’t speaking. Her absence was notable, and I missed her in general. I’d promised Holt I’d go by the shelter to rally some help with the garage, but I hoped to catch Mrs. Quinn too.
I dropped into the empty seat next to Patrick, and Holt took the one beside me.
“Sandwiched between two beautiful women. Life doesn’t get any better.” Patrick flashed me a disarming grin. One I found myself mirroring back. I tried to wipe it off my face, but couldn’t.
“Hands to yourself,” Holt warned.
He held his up in surrender. “I see she’s your woman.”
“I am not his woman,” I blurted out, instantly wishing I could take it back.
A flash of hurt crossed Holt’s face, but he quickly smoothed it over. “She’s her own woman.”
Everyone around the table relaxed as if they’d braced themselves for a fight between us.
“No. She’s yours. Even if she doesn’t know it yet.” Marlow took a healthy swig of wine and stared at both of us unapologetically.
“How many glasses have you had? Cause you’re veering into territory that isn’t your business,” Holt said as if he barely had control of his temper.
His sister snorted. “Please. There’s no such thing as privacy in this family.”
“Then why don’t we talk about Jack?”
“Holt.” Andrew gave him a look to shut his mouth.
Marlow pushed up from the table, her chair scraping as she did. “You’re an asshole.”
She stormed toward the bathroom.
“Should I go check on her?” Trish asked.
“No. I will.” Patrick bolted from the chair and followed the same path as Marlow.
“You crossed a line,” Mr. Dixon said, leveling Holt with a look.
“She keeps it all bottled in. Like if she doesn’t talk about it, nothing happened.” Holt straightened in his chair, his tone defensive.
“That’s her choice.”
