AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“It’s the tattoos, isn’t it?” Everleigh teases Owen. “They make him look badass, amiright?”
“Ev…” Katie shoots her a glare as she returns with a baby in her arms. “Language.”
“Mom, it’s okay. The babies don’t understand bad words,” Owen innocently explains, and everyone bursts out laughing.
We finish eating, and most of us are groaning about how full we are. But I can’t deny my desire to try Everleigh’s cake.
“Belinda, that was absolutely delicious,” Gemma says, and we agree in unison.
“Sure was,” Jerry says, kissing her cheek.
“Thank you for letting me join you,” I say. “Even though I’m basically a stranger.”
“Oh, don’t be silly. You’re one of our kids now,” Jerry states.
I can’t hold back my gratitude. He has no idea what that means to me. My own father didn’t even want me around.
“Thank you. I appreciate being included.”
Everleigh stands and grabs her plate, and I do the same. Together, we clear the table while the others chat. Tyler meets me in the kitchen, carrying more dishes.
“How ya holdin’ up?” he asks.
“Just fine. Better than my previous accommodations.” I chuckle.
“You mean I only have to provide better housing than a prison cell?” Everleigh taunts. “Hope I’ve exceeded all your expectations.”
“You were in prison?” Owen gasps from the doorway.
Shit.
I’m not sure how much he knows about Tyler and Noah being in prison too, so I stay quiet.
“Owen, sweetie. Let’s go check on your brothers. I think I hear Finn crying,” Everleigh says, guiding him back toward the dining room.
“Guess I should anticipate that reaction,” I mumble when it’s only Tyler and me.
“It gets easier.” He shrugs. “People will talk. You can’t stop that, but you also didn’t do what you went there for. Just gotta shake it off.”
Easier said than done, but I don’t tell him that.
“I’m glad you’re fitting in with everyone. I was hesitant to have you live with my sister, but I see y’all are getting along just fine.”
“Yeah, we are. I can’t imagine rooming with anyone else,” I say with a grin, not giving any more details. Everleigh’s a spitfire with high energy and a bubbly personality, which is opposite from me, but she’s entertaining nonetheless. I already see myself liking her more than I should. Right now, I’m forcing myself to only think of her as a roommate and friend.
“Alright, who’s ready for my Better than S—”
“Cuddling,” Katie quickly interrupts as Everleigh brings it to the table. Katie gives her a look and nods her head toward Owen.
Everleigh forces a smile. “Better than Cuddling cake, yes.”
“What’s in it?” Jerry asks.
“Chocolate, caramel, and toffee.” She places it down. “With whipped cream and chopped candies on top.”
“Oh my God…” Noah groans with a smirk. “I wish I would’ve saved more room.”
“Especially since you have to wait five more weeks...tocuddle,” Everleigh taunts, and the room fills with laughter.
