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“Where did you even come from?” I question as he pushes by me, pressing a kiss to the side of my ma’s head.
“The kitchen,” he responds quickly as my mom smacks his hand while somehow managing to keep the large plate balanced in her hand.
“I wasn’t talking to you, Campbell,” she snaps. “I know you haven’t been over in years, but you know the rules.”
“Yes, ma’am,” he mumbles. “No one eats until everyone arrives.”
“That’s right.” She turns her face slightly, baring her cheek to Campbell. “Now, go and wash your hands. Your parents and the Buckleys should be here any minute.”
“She told you.” I giggle as Campbell leans down to plant a kiss on her cheek before heading toward the bathroom.
“Do you know where your sister is? She and Colt weren’t at service this morning, and I’m worried.”
“I have no idea, Momma. I haven’t talked to her or Colt in a couple of days. I bet she wanted to sleep in.”
“Oh, that girl. I’m going to put this plate down and then give her a call. Those two have had enough time alone together. It’s time for them to get back into the swing of things.”
“I couldn’t agree more, Momma.” I stifle a giggle as I reach into my pocket and shoot off a warning text to my sister. Either way, she’s going to get a good scolding from Mom for missing service. Serves her right.
“Make sure you go help Peyton finish setting the table after you wash your hands, as well.”
“Yes, Momma,” I respond before heading down the hall toward the bathroom. I wait patiently for Campbell to finish before sliding inside and washing my hands quickly.
Once I’m finished, I head back down the hall and head right into the dining room to find Peyton. Her eyebrows are pulled down in concentration as she moves around the large oak table sitting in the center of the room, with light gray tufted dining room chairs surrounding it. Her mouth is moving as she counts the place settings before she lets out a frustrated shriek, causing me to laugh loudly.
“Laugh it up. I’ve been trying to make everyone fit at this table since I came inside, but no matter how hard I try, I can’t make everyone fit.”
“That’s because this is the grown-up table.” I motion my head toward the buffet table on the opposite wall piled with food. “Behind the buffet table is a large folding table. That’s where we will all sit.”
“You seriously have a kids’ table still?” She eyes me skeptically.
“We will always have a kids’ table,” I respond before striding toward the buffet. “Now, help me move this so we can finish setting the tables. My mom said everyone should be here soon.”
Peyton and I work together to move the buffet, careful not to send the food tumbling to the floor, and slide the table from behind it. Now that there are enough chairs for everyone, we finish in no time. Peyton takes a seat at the table, pulling out her phone.
“We should probably go make sure my mom doesn’t need any more help.”
Her grip tightens around her phone slightly before she flashes me a fake smile.
“You go ahead. I’ll be here catching up on some emails. Just holler if you need my help.”
“Are you hiding from Campbell?” I question, glancing quickly into the other room.
She opens her mouth to comment, but I raise my hand.
“It’s okay. Your secret is safe with me. However, just putting it out there that Campbell is a decent guy. You should give him a chance. One date. That’s all he’s asking for,” I respond, glancing into the other room once again.
This time, Peyton catches me.
“Finn isn’t here. I checked around the kitchen before I came in here.” She smirks. “When are you going to read the note he gave you?”
My body tenses with anticipation at the mere mention of his name. My cheeks heat in embarrassment as I quickly stand and head for the opposite side of the room.
“What happened to chicks before dicks?” I fidget with my hands, nervously glancing toward the kitchen.
“I always have your back, Marissa, and you know it. But sometimes you need a shove in the right direction. This is one of those times.”
Now that I’ve made up my mind to tell Finn how I feel, my nerves are going haywire. I’ve barely been able to resist his charms when he’s near me. What happens when I want to demand answers for his behavior? Who knows what will happen if we are alone in a room together again? Although my mind is made up, I know I’m not ready for him to get down on one knee and propose or anything, but getting married in the future isn’t off the table either. He said I was it for him. I need to ensure he knows he’s it for me, too.
