Page 22 of Fourteen of a Kind

A few moments later, Alex walked over. “What is going on, Stefan?”

“Tell her, Ella. Tell her what you told me.”

“Lily met a French man who’s an artist. They’re in love, and he’s moving in with her.”

“Did you say he’s moving in with her?”

“Yes. She was too scared to tell you and Stefan.”

“I see. Well, when you know, you know. Right? A French man. I bet his accent is sexy.” She grinned.

“Alex!” Stefan shouted. “Really?”

“Oh, relax, Stefan. She’s a grown woman who has always made good decisions. She wouldn’t be bringing him home if this guy wasn’t right and the one. I’m sure you’ll love him as much as she does.” She cupped his chin and kissed his lips. “I have to finish cleaning up. We’ll talk about this later.”

“No. We’re talking about this now.” He stood up from his seat. “Simon, get that gun ready.”

“I got you, bro.” Simon grinned.

“Ha! I love it.” My Uncle Conner laughed. “Did you see the vein in his neck pulsating? He’s so pissed.”

“He’ll get over it,” Sam sighed.

“I just hope this guy isn’t using her,” my dad said. “Those French men can be brutally charming if they want something.”

“And how many French men do you know?” I narrowed my eyes at him.

“I’m just saying.”

“Well, I can’t wait to meet him.” My Uncle Conner grinned.

“You all better be nice.” I pointed to each of them.

“We’re always nice, Ella.” Shaun grinned.

“No, you’re not. You’re all intimidating when one of us brings a guy to meet the family. But it's a whole different story when the boys bring a girl home.”

“If you’re referring to Landon, sweetheart. We knew right off the bat he wasn’t any good,” my dad said.

“Yeah. That guy had shifty eyes,” my Uncle Conner said.

“I’m referring to all the guys.”

“That is not true. We all like Riley’s fiancé, Colby,” Sam said.

“Now there’s a great guy,” Shaun said. “I knew hiring him was the right decision. Claire loves him too.”

“I like Nicholas’s girlfriend, Gretchen,” my dad said. “She’s a sweet girl.”

“Sorry, Dad.” I patted his shoulder. “Your son broke it off with her.”

“What? When?”

“I don’t know. He told me today. He said she demanded more of him, and he didn’t like it.”

“Chip off the old block.” My Uncle Conner chuckled.

“Shut up, bro.”

---