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Skyla’s face lit up. “Why, yes? Yes, there is.”
After a few more questions, Leona said it was time to make dinner. The four of them went into the kitchen and helped with the side dishes while Emmett manned the barbeque. When they sat down, Leona reached for Kiel’s hand and gripped it.
“I think it’s sweet that you’ve found someone. I’d like to meet her.”
As much as he wanted to, Kiel also didn’t want to bring Eloise over, out of fear Skyla would give her the fifth degree. Ciara would be chill and likely ask Eloise a ton of questions about her craft. However, because his mom asked, he’d extend the invite to Eloise.
“I’ll talk to her,” he told his mom. “I’m sure she’d love to meet you.”
He at least hoped.
“Leona, leave the boy alone,” Emmett said.
“It’s okay, Dad.”
“Yeah, Dad. If Kiel is living my favorite romance novel, he has to give us the details,” Skyla proclaimed with a shrug.
“No, I don’t.”
Skyla glared at her brother.
“Details? What kind of details?” Leona asked.
Kiel kicked his sister under the table and snarled at her. She smiled in return.
“Surely, you’re not . . .” His mother’s eyes widened, and she gasped. “Kiel Collier, I taught you better than that.”
Everyone at the table laughed except Kiel and his mom.
“Leona, my love,” Emmett said. “Don’t chastise our son for the same things we did when we were his age.”
If it were at all possible, Leona’s mouth dropped open even more.
“Mom!” the twins said at the same time.
“Why, I . . .” Leona picked up her glass of water and drank. “I think we should change the subject.”
Kiel agreed and couldn’t hold back his laughter. He lifted his hand to his dad and gave him a high-five. He took in the moment. The surroundings. His family, at the dinner table, laughing. This was why his parents wanted everyone together, for one last summer vacation. Soon, everyone would start going their own ways and something like this would be impossible.
“I can’t believe this is the topic of conversation at dinner,” Ciara said, with disdain. “What is wrong with my family?”
Emmett laughed loudly. “It’s okay, sweetie. Maybe Eloise has some friends you can hang with.”
“Oh, God,” she said as she covered her face.
Skyla didn’t miss a beat. “Does she?”
Kiel shrugged. “I’m not sure.”
“Yeah, I suppose you don’t do much talking when you’re together.”
Kiel kicked his sister again and then glanced at his mom.
“Neither did I,” Leona said with a sigh.
Everyone waited a beat before they choked with laughter.
thirteen
