Page 33 of Choosing Us

“Maybe you can come show me sometime. I have a really nice kitchen, and an oven that’s sad I’m terrible at baking.” He gives me what I think is supposed to be a sad puppy dog look, but it really is just adorable.

I laugh at his expression. “Yeah? Okay, we can do that.”

“It’s a date.” The man winks with a smile, making that damn adorable dimple pop, and there goes my heart, soaring away again.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Dad

I would appreciate it if you could all come to the house for dinner tonight. I need to talk to you.

Finn

Whoa, who’s in trouble? I didn’t do it. Christmas is nine days away and I’m NOT going back on the naughty list this year!

Vivian

Sav already called me and Eloise will be with Walker so I can come solo.

Sav

Stacy is watching my kids. See you there.

Me

Wait... this really does sound serious. Is everything ok?

Jack

It will be.

Liam

We’ll make sure of it.

Finn

WHAT IS HAPPENING?

Dad

Just come to dinner, alright? I’ll have pizzas delivered.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

The last time we received a text like that from my dad was when Mama decided to stop pursuing treatment for the aggressive cancer that stole her from us far too soon. My hackles are fully extended as I park in front of my childhood home. We have family dinners weekly, but Dad doesn’t plan them and never requests that we all attend.

Something happened—and I don’t know what, but it has to be big.

As I close the door to my black GMC Yukon, I take a deep breath before walking up the front steps as the sense of dread intensifies in my gut.

I walk in to find Savannah and Vivian buzzing around the kitchen, getting plates, and quietly discussing something between the two of them. The scene is entirely normal, until they both freeze when they notice me in the doorway. “Okay, you two are not helping my nerves. What is going on?”

Vivian shoots a look at Savannah. “I don’t know, Ryan, and she won’t give me anything.”

Savannah shakes her head. “I promised Daddy I would wait. It’s going to be okay, I promise.”

“Jack said the same thing, and Liam did, too. So, you three all know what’s going on? What is this, an oldest versus youngest situation?” Jack is the oldest sibling, followed by Liam, then Savannah, me, Finn, and Vivian. It wasn’t often that Jack, Liam, and Savannah battled it out versus me, Finn, and Vivian—but it has been known to happen.