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“Besides, the line for beer and popcorn was out the door when I checked,” Elizabeth adds.
“We should probably get in line then.” If everyone’s having beer and popcorn, who am I to say no?
Ashlyn’s nose wrinkles. “She’s not wrong.”
“We’ll continue this discussion later,” Elizabeth says as she charges out of the bathroom with Gabrielle and Ashlyn on her heels.
“What discussion?” I still haven’t figured out what the purpose of the bathroom visit was.
When I enter the hallway, Cedar is leaning against the wall waiting for me. He looks sexy as hell with his feet crossed at his ankles. Of course, the beer and popcorn in his hands helps.
“For me?”
I reach for one of the beers but he holds them above his head.
I stomp my foot. “What the hell?”
“Tell me you’re okay first.”
My stomach warms at his obvious concern for me, but I can’t let him see any weakness. He can’t know how much I’m coming to depend on him. It will give him too much power over me.
“Why wouldn’t I be okay?” I sass to hide the barrage of feelings fighting for control in my stomach.
“Your sisters and Ashlyn just cornered you in the bathroom.”
I don’t need the reminder. I was there after all.
“Not all of my sisters,” I hedge. “Olivia wasn’t there.”
“Neither was I,” Lilac announces as she nears.
“You’re not my sister.”
“I am your soon-to-be sister-in-law and it’s been pointed out to me how sister-in-law and sister are the same as far as familial obligations are concerned.”
Cedar chuckles. “Ruby read you the riot act, huh?”
Lilac sighs. “Mom is determined to adopt all of the Dempsey sisters. Five girls are not enough for her?”
My eyes itch and I drop my gaze to the floor. Ruby wants to adopt us? I haven’t had a mother since I was thirteen. I would love for Mrs. West to be my adoptive mom. But I don’t deserve a mom any more than I deserve love.
Lyric pokes his head out of the meeting room. “They’re starting.”
“We’ll chat later,” Lilac says as she hurries off.
I’m not sure if I’m relieved she’s gone or disappointed. I hate all these mushy feelings.
Cedar pinches my chin and forces me to meet his gaze.
“It’s okay.”
I feign ignorance. It’s my go-to response. “What are you talking about?”
Of course, he doesn’t drop it. “It’s okay to show your feelings.”
I frown. “What feelings?”
“It can’t have been easy growing up without a mom.”
