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Pushing out any thought that settled in my brain, I nodded. “We can leave the suitcases for now, let’s have dinner and then we can get settled into the room.”
Closing the door, he rounded the car to meet me in front. He instantly grasped my hand, linking our fingers together and I embraced it, feeling as natural as if he really was my boyfriend.
“Ready when you are,Dax.”
My eyes met his as he pulled me closer to his body. His warmth enveloping me as his hand lifted free from mine and his arm draped around my shoulders.
I’ll wrap my arm around you and pull you close to kiss your temple.
“Jamie, we see you two out there! Get in here!” I heard Jillian’s voice through the door, and less than a second later the wooden door flung open and there was my sister. “Why are you just standing out here, it’s freezing.”
“Hi, Jilly.” I smiled, leaving Elliot’s warmth to give my sister a hug.
“Auntie Jamie!!!” a loud screech came from the living room followed by the trampling of feet. Within moments my youngest nephews, Phillip and Killian, had their little arms wrapped around my legs. They squeezed, their cheeks pressed against my thighs as they let out the cutest squeals.
“Boys, boys!” Jillian laughed, trying to pull them away from me, “Sorry Jamie, they’ve been asking for you all day.”
“Oh Jilly, you know I love it.”
“Auntie Jamie, who’s the man you brought with you?” Phillip asked me as he backed away.
I smiled at him and reached back for Elliot. “This is my friend, Daxton.” I grabbed hold of Elliot’s arm and yanked him forward.
“That’s a funny name.” Killian walked up to Elliot and looked straight up.
“Oh yea,” Elliot responded, “What’s your name?”
“Killian. Mommy named me after a TV Show.” Killian’s face didn’t change as he stared at Elliot. “How did your mommy name you?”
“My dad named me actually. He loved the name so much he gave it to me.”
“Just like mommy loved that pirate so much.” Killian turned away, giving me another hug before he went to join his cousins.
“The pirate?” Elliot asked, raising an eyebrow to my sister.
Jillian rolled her eyes and shook her head quickly. “Once Upon a Timewas my comfort show while on bed rest.” She waved a hand as if to erase the entire conversation. “I’m Jillian, nice to finally meet you.”
Elliot took her hand and shook it, giving her the most irresistible smile. He reached for me again, pulling me back into the arm. “Nice to meet you as well, Jamie’s told me so much.”
“Jamie!” My mother’s voice came from the kitchen.
“Hi, Mama.”
My mother, radiant and as beautiful as ever, came from the kitchen. Her smile filled the room as she opened her arms and wrapped Elliot and me in a large hug.
“Oh, you’re here!” she said into our necks. “Daxton, welcome! We are so thrilled you could join us!”
“I'm happy to be here, thank you for inviting me,” Elliot replied. “It’s wonderful to meet you, Mrs. Gaines.”
“Daxton,” my mom held him at arm’s length, “please don't call me Mrs. Gaines, no matter what my daughter has told you, you can call me Janet.”
Elliot’s lips curled into a smirk as he gave her a quick nod. “Thank you, Janet.”
“Where’s dad? And Holden and Harrison?”
“Oh, they’re getting the rooms set up. They’ll be down for dinner, which is almost done, I’m just waiting on the rolls.” Rubbing my arm, my mom turned and left for the kitchen again, “I hope you like ribs Daxton.”
“I do, Mrs. Gaines,” Elliot replied sweetly.
