Page 101 of Only Fate

“Remind me to put an extra mattress cover on my bed tonight.”

“Does that mean I’m invited over for another sleepover?”

She chews on the edge of her lip. “Possibly.”

“Tucker too? Because we come as a package deal.”

“Tucker is a definite yes. You? We’ll have to see what many secrets I hear about you today.”

“My abuela likes you. I have faith she’ll want you to stick around, so she’ll take it easy on me.”

The aroma of pineapples, essential oils, and mixed spices welcomes us when we walk through the front door. Essie holds it open wider, allowing me extra space to carry Tucker inside.

He’s already up to his old ways. As soon as I opened the car door minutes ago, he spotted a squirrel and attempted to chase it. Luckily, I stopped him.

We’ll be having a seriousno chasing squirrelsconversation later.

Essie helps me settle Tucker on the couch, and then we follow the sound of laughter to the kitchen. My abuela is at the stove, and Terrance is washing dishes.

I’m grateful my abuela found Terrance.

Anytime he’s at home, he’s always helping her.

Teamwork is important in relationships, and sometimes, it’s one of the first things overlooked.

“There you are!” She rests her spoon on the counter, wipes her hands on a towel, and circles the island. “I’m making your favorite—carne guisada.” She smacks a kiss on my cheek, hugs Essie, and then glances behind me.

“He’s on the couch, resting,” I reply, reading her mind.

“Be right back,” she sings out. “My poor guy needs some grandma love.”

“I’m surprised she hasn’t dognapped him from me,” I comment to Terrance.

Terrance turns off the water and waves us over. “I’m buying her a dog next week.” He places his finger to his lips in ashhgesture.

“She’ll love that. Though, heads-up, she’ll probably have it sleeping in bed with you two.”

He pushes his glasses up his nose. “That’s why I’m getting her a small one—a teacup. One of those she can carry around in that big ole purseof hers.”

I can already picture her doing that now.

We stop our conversation when my abuela returns to the kitchen.

“I just love that little guy,” she comments.

“What can I help with?” Essie asks.

My abuela peers at me. “How about you open a bottle of wine for us?” Her attention moves to Essie. “And you just relax.”

I open the wine cooler and pull out a deep red.

“Hello,” Foster calls from the living room. He says something to Tucker about napping and resting before coming into the kitchen.

Terrance collects glasses from the cabinet. I open the wine and start pouring our drinks.

“Everyone is almost here,” my abuela says, removing a tray of biscuits from the oven. “Fingers crossed your mom is on time.”

I jerk forward, spilling wine on the counter. Essie hurriedly grabs a towel to help clean it up.

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