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Chapter Three
Athena
My parents and Kris’ dad are the last people we say goodbye to. Mr. Livingston has tears in his eyes as he embraces me.
“Ahh, Dad, she’smywife,” teases Kris.
Mr. Livingston holds me at arm’s length, frowning at his son. “I know that, and you’re damn lucky to have caught her.” He kisses my cheek and releases me back into Kris’ waiting arms.
“I know.”
Shaking my head at them, I say, “I’m the lucky one.”
“Oh, hush!” my mom chastises as she throws her arms around us. “Make sure you have a good time and don’t you two worry about a thing. We’ll take good care of Lulu and your home.”
“Betty, let them go. They’ve said their goodbyes, and they’ll be back before you know it,” says Dad as he eases Mom back.
“I know, I know.” Mom has tears in her eyes. “We didn’t lose a daughter. We finally got the papers through making you, Kris, legally part of our family, but you know you always were, don’t you?”
Kris’ dad had a hard time after his wife died. He wasn’t the best father, and, as a result, Kris spent more time at our house than his own growing up. Mom and Dad have always thought of him as a son.
Mr. Livingston reaches out and touches my arm. “That goes for me too, honey.”
Leaning in, I kiss his cheek. “Thank you, Dad.”
The tears that were threatening to fall spill down the older man’s cheeks, and he nods many times with a radiant smile creasing his face.
“Are you two leaving or just upsetting the parentals?” asks TB as he throws an arm over our shoulders, wedging himself between us.
“Leaving,” states Kris.
“Well, get,” says TB with a southern accent.
Laughing, I kiss his cheek. “Thanks, brother, for coming and making our day special.”
TB straightens up and holds a hand over his heart. “It was my honor. Now, go. Have a great time. Ashlea and I will keep the oldies from having too many parties, and we promise they’ll pay for all breakage.”
“Parties?” says Kris.
“TB!” yells Mom and Dad.
“What?” asks TB, trying to look innocent.
Giggling, I grab Kris’ hand, tug on it, and we move toward the house.
“They aren’t really going to have parties, are they?” whispers Kris.
“They probably will, but it’ll be just family. They don’t know anyone out here.”
When we get to the front door, Todd and Shannon are standing there. She has an overnight bag in her arms, and Todd has Lulu. I immediately go to Lulu and take her out of Todd’s arms.
“I’m going to miss you, fluff ball. You be good for Uncle Todd. He’s going to take good care of you.”
Lulu barks and licks my face.
Todd takes her back. “She’ll be fine. Have fun.”
Shannon holds out the bag, and Kris takes it, then she throws her arms around me. “Have the best time, and I want photos! Lots of photos.”
