Page 67 of The Linebacker

Epilogue

“The cat tree should go over there, in front of that window,” Diana’s mother said, pointing in that direction.

Wordlessly, Amil carried the heavy contraption as if it weighed nothing, which should not surprise Diana.

He carried her like she weighed nothing, and she definitely weighed more than that pile of wood and carpet.

Diana tried to walk by with a box in her arms, but Mom caught her by the elbow and whispered, “He’s definitely a keeper.”

Yeah, she was aware. She smiled and continued toward the kitchen, where her sister was unpacking dishes and stacking them in the cupboard. Amil’s dishes he had trucked up here from California, because hers were secondhand and not nearly as cute.

Who knew the guy was secretly into matching dishes?

Diana placed the box on the table and tugged the cardboard lid free. Toaster, knife block, silverware. Check.

Her sister touched her sleeve. Diana glanced over and arched a brow.

“I’m proud of you, sis,” she said. “You broke the curse.”

She couldn’t help the grin that curled into her cheeks.

Yeah, she had.

Impulsively, she pulled her sister into a hug, then pushed her to arm’s length. This smile was smaller, more personal. “You can too. Just listen to your heart. I mean really listen.”

Kendra nodded. “I want to. I really do.”

They hugged again. A knock on the door made them pull apart, and Diana headed to see who was here.

Patches and Lazlo darted past, racing toward the cat tree.

She and Amil met at the tiny entry. “Hey, beautiful,” he said.

She scoffed and blew an errant curl off her forehead.

“Trust me,” he said, pressing a kiss to her temple. “You’re beautiful.”

She decided to believe him. He generally didn’t steer her wrong.

He tugged the door open. His parents stood on the threshold.

“Hi,” Diana said brightly. “It’s so nice to see you again.”

His mother arched a single brow, one side of her lips lifting. “It certainly is.” She offered the aluminum container in her hands. “Baklava. Turkish baklava.”

“Thank you.” Diana accepted the gift while Amil hugged his parents.

“You too,” his dad said, waggling his fingers.

Diana obligingly handed off the baking dish to Amil so she could hug first his father and then his mother. “I knew you were special when we met you,” his mother proclaimed, holding her face for a few extra moments before finally freeing her.

Diana cleared her throat. “Um, my mom is here too. And my sister.”

Amil’s mother clapped her hands. “Oh, good. I can’t wait to meet them. Oh, wait.” She slipped an insulated bag off her husband’s shoulder. “We brought wine. Rosé. It should still be cold.”

Diana was reasonably certain she was going to like Amil’s parents. Very much.

Two guys from the moving company darkened the doorway, carrying a gigantic television between them. Diana and Amil’s parents edged out of the way while Amil said, “Over here, guys,” and led them into the living room.