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“Come on, of course. But how are you two going to make a relationship work once both of your seasons start?” she asks.
I’ve thought about the same thing. Our seasons are at the same time. We’ll be traveling to the different SEC schools as well as out of conference. I sigh. “Hap, we’ll work it out. She’s the most genuine person I know.”
“Okay. I like her. It just took so long for you to get back to beingyouafter Julia. You were great at acting like you weren’t in pain with others. Do you know how many times I had to tell Tackett you weren’t interested in Talynn, and that you were just trying to survive a breakup? I don’t want you to get your heartbroken again.”
“I know. My feelings hit hard and quick.”
She stands and wraps her arms around my waist and asks, “Do you love her?” I nod. “Have you told her?”
“Not using those three words, but I do. I’ve known for a long time. Something inside me knew she’d be the last woman I would ever kiss.”
My sister springs into my arms. “Am I the first person you’ve told?”
“Yeah.”
“You need to tell her. You should have told her before me.”
“I’m waiting for the perfect time. Let’s go before mom sends Megan after us.” We laugh, noting that Megan’s a perfectionist, never late. It’s no wonder she fits in nicely.
Everyone draws numbers to select the teams. Number one is Mom’s team, and number two is Dad’s. And that’s exactly how it is in our family. What Mom says is the final word. Sometimes, my parents will come to conclusions together, but my dad always says, “I married your mother not only because I love her, but I also trust her with my heart and my children.”
Harper and Adalee end up on Dad’s team and I end up on Mom’s. Although Mom is sitting the guessing out because she baked the cookies.
I watch Adalee interact with Hap, Dad, Megan, and Lorenzo, working with them flawlessly. Sometimes I’m not even concentrating on what my team is acting out. Instead, I’m looking at my future—the future of my family.
When one of us brings a person into this family, it affects us all. The dynamics shift with each new member. Of course, Megan had known the family since she and Sarah Jane were in college together. But still, Sarah Jane had to find her new normal with her brother marrying her friend. I hope Harper and Adalee can be as close as Megan and Sarah Jane.
Adalee bounces on her toes as Harper guessesThe Old Man & the Seacorrectly.
“So easy,” I say laughing. It’s hilarious because Adalee walked like an old man then pointed to her eye. Harper’s room is filled with books of all genres. She loves to read so it’s no wonder she guessed it so easily.
Adalee makes a comeback. “Oh yeah. I’ll pull another cookie, and if you get it right before your twin, I’ll give you ten dollars and drive to class next week.”
I stalk toward her, “I always win, Adalee. And we’re going to raise the stakes.”
She pops her hip, folding her arms across her chest. Then she cocks her head. “I don’t have more than ten dollars to spare.”
The air crackles between us and a rare hush blankets the room. I move in, touching her arm then her hair. I cup her jaws with both hands. “If Hap guesses correctly first, I’ll give you fifty dollars, and I’ll do your dishes every day. But If I win, you have to kiss me. Right here in front of my family.”
Hap leaps off the floor. “Take the deal, Adalee.”
“Deal.” Adalee sticks out her hand for me to shake.
I slip my hand into hers, caressing her palm with one finger. An almost hidden smile twitches on her lips. If I was her, I’d want to lose just so we could kiss, but I know better. We’re collegiate athletes and competitiveness courses through our veins. “Deal.”
She draws a cookie then my girlfriend runs around the living room. Damn, I love this side of her—a happy little spark plug. The women root for Harper and the men for me. Suddenly, Adalee stops and walks slowly down the center of the room. She glances to the left and right when Hap shouts, “Runaway Bride.”
“Yes. Yes.” Adalee shouts as they hug, bouncing around. The room is roaring with laughter. Yep, at my expense. I’m fifty dollars down with more dish duty in my future.
Hap squeezes her tightly and yaps, “We’re keeping you. Even if you break up, I’m keeping you.” She holds her pinky up and Adalee follows. “Soul sisters.”
My best friend and twin sister just chose my girlfriend over me. I don’t know whether to be happy or sad. Hap has never chosen someone over me. On the other hand, I want Hap to love Adalee as much as I do.
Archer puts is hand on my shoulder. “You did good. She fits us perfectly.”
He’s right. She does. This is a glimpse of how I want my life to be.
The rest of the night my sister and my girlfriend are inseparable. One thing is clear—I’m going to need to find my sister a boyfriend.
