Page 25 of Reclaimed Roots

"The more the merrier," we all chorused.

Marie laughed and pulled me into a loving sideways hug.

I told myself I had to come. I wasn't very well going to let Chase have dinner with Natalie and her mother alone.

I gave Marie a little squeeze. She was like a second mother to me, just as Ed was like a second father.

And I missed him. So fucking much.

I could only imagine how the Choi women were doing.

Maybe it was the residual buzz from the beers, but suddenly I wanted nothing more than to pull Natalie into that hug and just hold them both for a few minutes. Or hours—maybe even days—if it was just Nat.

Chase gave me an appraising look then turned and addressed Elliot in an overly cheerful voice. "Hey, El, didn'tyou say you needed to swing by the hardware store before it closes to pick up that, uh, that thing for your project?"

Elliot looked confused for a split second before nodding vigorously. "Oh, yeah, that's right! The, um, the doohickey for my woodworking thingy. Slipped my mind completely." He glanced down at his non-existent watch. "We better jet if we wanna make it in time."

Marie smiled warmly at them. "Of course, boys. You two run along now. But take some burgers for later."

"Thanks, Marie. You're the best!" Chase grabbed the proffered bag and flashed her a disarming grin before grabbing Elliot by the elbow and practically dragging him out the door.

The door shut behind them with a soft click, leaving me standing awkwardly in the Choi's cozy living room with Marie and Natalie. I shifted my weight from foot to foot, suddenly hyper-aware of every move I made.

Fucking Chase.I should've known he was up to something when he offered to buy dinner. Damn him and his scheming.

Marie, bless her heart, either didn't notice the tension in the room or chose to ignore it. She patted my arm fondly. "I'm so glad you could join us, Jasper, honey. It's been too long since we had a nice family dinner like this."

Family.The word sent a pang through my chest. Because that was exactly what the Chois had been to me for as long as I could remember—my second family.

Marie bustled off to the kitchen, leaving Natalie and me alone in the living room. I stole a glance at her, drinking inthe delicate features I knew so well yet hadn't truly seen in years.

"So," Natalie began, tucking a strand of dark hair behind her ear, "this is... weird, right?"

I let out a soft huff of laughter. This whole situation was surreal. It was oddly comforting to hear it acknowledged out loud. "You could say that."

She worried her bottom lip between her teeth, and I could practically see the thoughts swirling behind those chocolatey eyes. After a long pause, she blurted, "I'm sorry I never called, Jasper. Or wrote, or... anything."

I considered brushing her apology off, but something stopped me—maybe it was the sadness lacing her voice or the weariness etched into the lines around her eyes. She looked so fucking tired. In the end, I simply nodded.

"I know," I murmured. "Doesn't make it suck any less, but... I know."

Her lips quirked in a rueful smile.

"You gotta stop apologizing to me, though, if we're ever going to be normal," I said. "You're making me uncomfortable, Natalie."

Her smile broadened when she registered my teasing tone.

"Oh, geez. So sorry, Jas. Wouldn't want you to be uncomfortable."

Before I knew it, my face was twisting itself into the mock glare that always made her giggle. This easy back-and-forth felt irresistibly natural, like slipping into a favorite oldhoodie. For a moment, it was almost as if no time had passed at all.

"Come on," Natalie said, nodding toward the kitchen. "We better go claim our burgers before mom decides we're taking too long and eats them all herself."

"Ah yes, I seem to recall your mom's notorious burger-snatching habits. Remember that summer barbecue when we were like, twelve? I swear she inhaled three cheeseburgers in the time it took me to put ketchup on my bun."

Natalie threw her head back and laughed. The sound triggered a warm flutter in my stomach.

"Oh god, I'd forgotten about that! Though in her defense, Dad had just perfected his 'secret spice blend' for the patties. I think everyone inhaled those burgers."

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