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“I didn’t know the whole family would be here,” Mr. Dixon said as Marlow trailed Holt into the kitchen. “I’ve missed my grandson.”
Without hesitation, he pushed off the counter and moved toward his daughter. He planted a kiss on both her and Blake’s head. She stiffened, and Mr. Dixon flinched, but quickly recovered.
“I’ve missed you too.”
Marlow glanced away and clutched her son at her father’s admission.
“It’s awkward as hell being the unexpected guest.” The attempt at humor fell flat.
I cleared my throat. “We’re glad you could make it. You’re just in time.” I smoothed the surprise into something I hoped resembled pleasantry. “Wine?”
“Please.” Her shoulders rounded even as she shot me a grateful look.
Once everyone had settledin around the table, Mr. Dixon looked at his three children.
“I see I wasn’t invited strictly for my dazzling company,” he said, though a line of worry creased his forehead.
“Dad—”
“That’s exactly why you’re here.” Holt cut off Andrew and discreetly dug into Marlow’s thigh under the table.
They both appeared caught off guard, but Marlow covered quickly. “We’re trying to work things out.” She touched Holt’s arm, genuine remorse in her eyes.
“I figured if everyone was coming over for dinner, it wouldn’t be right to exclude my sister just because we got into a little argument.” Holt bumped shoulders with her and flashed a disarming grin.
Mr. Dixon appeared uncertain, but hope beat out his skepticism. “I’m glad to see you two working past your differences.”
“I didn’t even have to referee,” Andrew said, pointing his fork at his siblings.
What was happening? I thought we were here to deliver the bad news. In the last thirty seconds, we’d made an abrupt U-turn from that plan.
Holt nudged my hand. “You went to all this trouble to make dinner and now you’re not going to eat?”
I glanced at my untouched plate. “I was letting you go first. You know, in case something happened.”
“You trying to get rid of me, Easy?”
“Maybe. It shouldn’t be too hard to find a new roommate.”
“You can’t replace me.”
“Looks like the living arrangements are working out.” Marlow slugged back a swallow of wine as she eyed Holt and me.
“Better than I imagined.” Holt threw his arm around my shoulders.
“You didn’t think it would?” I wriggled out of his grasp.
“I sure as hell didn’t.” Andrew pointed at his brother. “I’ve lived with the guy.”
“Just because he’s a slob doesn’t make him a bad roommate,” Marlow argued.
“I’m not a slob,” Holt protested. “Tell them I’m not.”
His eyes bored into me.
“Not a slob, just . . . untidy.” I winked at him, and he scowled.
Marlow snorted. “She really likes you, little brother. You better figure out a way to keep her around.”
