Page 36 of Made of Steele
The salad came back to her dad, and he took a modest helping, but added several pieces of the bread and started slathering it with butter. He was a meat and potatoes kind of guy, and despite her mother’s coaxing, he didn’t willingly eat healthy foods.
“Let’s pray.” He reached out for Bristol’s hand, but couldn’t reach Drew.
She clasped Drew’s hand. Warm and no perspiration at all. Of course not. He’d lived undercover for a year. When your life had been on the line twenty-four/seven for a year, a surly father wouldn’t be a challenge at all.
She listened to her father’s genuine prayer, thanking God for their many blessings, and the group joined in on the Amen.
Teagan glanced around the table. Around the room. She didn’t often take enough time to appreciate the richness of their lives. Troubles often assailed them, but they had everything. Basic needs of food on the table. A roof over their heads. A beautiful family, even if they did lose her cousin Thomas in a violent stabbing. They also had their wants of nice clothing, cars, and hobbies they could afford.
It took concerted effort to provide this lifestyle for everyone by keeping the company running, but seeing her family thrive because of her work blessed her beyond anything else. What would it feel like to provide for her own children? To bring them into this loving family?
She could only imagine and was starting to want to see it happen.
Drew dug into the stew and savored the bite. “Good. So good. Thank you for inviting me.”
“You’re welcome.” Her mother smiled, looking quite happy to have Drew at the table. She’d been hinting since Teagan’s recent birthday, that she might slow down and start dating. A potential husband at the table? Score for her mom.
“So, Dylan,” her mother said. “Tell us about yourself.”
Drew finished chewing slowly and swallowed, as if buying time to decide what to say.
“Don’t put him on the spot, Mom,” Teagan said. “Let him enjoy his meal and let everyone else update us on what’s going on in their lives.” She looked at her older cousin. “Like you, Londyn. How are the wedding plans coming along?”
Londyn shared a knowing look with Teagan and shook her head. “Maybe you should ask Mom about that. She’s busy coming up with so many ideas my head is spinning.”
“That’s what mothers are for,” Teagan’s mom said. “Let her have this time.”
“I’m doing my best, but some things like releasing doves at the ceremony are way beyond my wish list.”
Peyton snorted. “She really wants doves?”
“I’m not sure if she really wants them, but she did suggest it. Gran helped me veto it. She told Mom if God wanted doves at a wedding it would be in the Bible.” Londyn laughed. “So now I mention that for things like ice sculptures too, and Mom backs down.”
Bristol shook her head. “I’m glad you’re paving the way for Peyton and me so we don’t have as many things to veto. Jared says he wants a simple wedding, so we’ll have to work extra hard to keep it that way.”
“If I promise not to be a pushy mother-of-the-bride.” Teagan’s mom shared a desperate glance between Ryleigh and Teagan. “Would that help one of you get engaged?”
Teagan looked at her sister, and they both groaned.
“Um, Aunt Ruby,” Londyn said. “If you wanted to scare Dylan off, that might’ve been the right thing to say.”
“I don’t have a problem with that.” Teagan’s dad set down his bread. “I’m not ready for my girls to get hitched. I’m simply not old enough to be father-of-the-bride.”
That brought a laugh from everyone and a discussion with many voices fighting to be heard over the other.
Drew looked at Teagan and leaned closer to whisper, “I like your family, but seems like it’ll be hard for them, especially your mother, when they find out who I am and that we’re not dating.”
Teagan started to reply when the front door opened. Mackenzie rushed into the room in jeans and sneakers with rain dripping from her already soaked jacket. She tore it off as she came charging in, sending water flying in all directions.
“Sorry I’m late. Teagan, I—” Mackenzie searched the room, and her gaze landed on Drew. “Oh, you. You’re the guy Teagan told me about, right?”
“Right,” Teagan said.
“Then you’llbothbe interested in what I have to say.” She jerked a thumb over her shoulder. “In private.”
“If it’s about the business, you can say it right here.” Her dad clamped his hands on the edge of the table.
“Sorry, Dad.” Mackenzie kissed their dad on the head. “Not this time.”
