Page 100 of Fourteen of a Kind

Graham

Nathan walked over and handed me another beer. “Have you heard from your aunt yet?”

“Nah. I figured she wouldn’t come to the wedding. I didn’t even want to invite her, but Ella said it was the right thing to do.”

“It’s probably best she doesn’t come,” Nathan said. “Sometimes, we need to distance ourselves from the triggers that threaten our well-being. Listen, Graham. I know what you went through growing up was tough. We’ve all had a rough past, some rougher than others. But it’s how you move forward in life that matters. You’re doing a great job, and we’re all here for you.” He placed his hand on my shoulder.

“Thanks, Nathan. I never thought I’d be able to have a relationship with anyone. Your daughter changed everything for me.” I smiled.

“I can relate to that, son.” A grin crossed his face.

“Can I ask you something, Nathan?”

“Of course.” He tipped the bottle to his lips.

“How did Ella know that Grady was a Kind?” I looked over at Grady talking to Sam and Simon.

“I could never figure that out.” He chuckled. “She just knows somehow. I’ve learned over the years not to question it but to believe it.”

“What’s going on over here? You’re not scaring my future brother-in-law, are you, Dad?” Nicholas walked over and hooked his arm around Nathan.

“No, son. By the way. Is Brielle coming to the wedding?”

“Nah. I cut her loose. I’m keeping my options open. There’s going to be a lot of single ladies at the wedding.” He grinned. “What if someone catches my attention? I can’t be tied down.”

Nathan shook his head, and I laughed.

“Thank you, Nathan,” I said.

“For what?”

“For welcoming me into your family. It means a lot, and I wanted you to know.”

CHAPTER 32

Ella

I woke up and looked out the window at the beach transformed into a wedding oasis. Today was the day that I’d become Dr. Ella Kind-Malone. I spent the night at my parents’ while Graham stayed at our house.

“There’s our bride.” My mom smiled when I walked into the kitchen.

“Morning, Mom.” I made a cup of coffee.

“Hey, sis. Are you nervous?” Willow asked.

“Not at all. Where’s Dad?”

“Surfing. I think he’s trying to clear his head,” my mom said.

“Clear his head?”

“He’s giving his little girl away to another man today.” She smiled.

“Ah. He’s having a hard time with it?”

“He’d never admit it, but I think so.”

After slipping into my wedding dress, I stared at myself in the mirror. Glancing at my mom, tears filled her eyes.

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