Page 173 of Delicate Storm

“Wow. I bet it’s delicious.”

“Elisish,” he repeats and I laugh. I have never thought about having my own kids… Actually I’ve never given much thought to kids in general. And now I know why. I was saving my heart for Isaac, because I couldn’t imagine not having him in my life.

We spend the afternoon like a family—or at least what I assume a family would act like, because our holidays were always over-the-top and staged. Perfectly curated for a magazine. Yes, we shared a meal. But there wasn’t laughter and teasing. People talking over one another. Banter.

I always felt love in my home, but this is different. And I like it.

Easton’s more relaxed than I’ve seen him lately, but he still has an edge to him. He hasn’t lost his grumpy nature, and I wouldn’t want him to. I fell in love with that part of him, just as much as I fell in love with his serious and sensitive side. And maybe even his alpha bedroom persona. Maybe. Just a little bit.

When dinner’s finished, I offer to wash the dishes and Rochelle chuckles. “We are a rinse-and-throw-in-the-dishwasher kind of family. Time is precious and shouldn’t be wasted on dishes.”

I laugh along with her. I like the way she thinks. We had a dishwasher at home. Two of them, in fact. But mom insisted all dishes were to be hand-washed, so we also had someone for that. “Can I rinse then?” I ask, needing to do something since I basically imposed on them and ate all their delicious food.

“How about we do it together?”

Easton watches me as I follow his mom into the kitchen, and when she notices, she shoots him a wicked smile, making me laugh out loud. “How can that man be so grouchy when you’re all so bubbly and kind?” I mean for my comment to be lighthearted, but Rochelle sighs.

“Has he told you about his dad?”

“A little. Yes.”

“He left when Easton was young. It hit him hard.” She frowns while my mind spins. Here’s yet another reason for me to not believe in true love, but with the way I’m feeling right now, it’s hard to deny it. “He’s happier with you in his life. And that makes me happy. On top of knowing that he’s out there panicking about what I’m going to say to you.”

I laugh again when I instantly picture his scowl. “What does he think you’re going to say?”

“That I’ll either give you ‘the talk’ or embarrass him somehow.”

“But you’re not?”

“No, I don’t think I have anything to stress about when it comes to you. He mentioned that you were worried about him and Isaac. The fact that he voiced his feelings was already a big deal, but when he said you were putting them first, a sense of ease washed through me. Like they’d be okay, even if I…” She trails off and tears prick my eyes. I can’t think about her health and not get choked up.

“I’d like you to stay around for a while, please. I think I might need backup in the future.” I keep things light and Rochelle laughs, but it’s easy to see that the future is playing on her mind. And why wouldn’t it be. I couldn’t imagine knowing my body was giving up on me and not being able to stop it. “I’m here, Rochelle,” I add, needing to put her mind at ease. “I’m here for anything you and your family need.”

“That’s enough for me, but if you could get rid of Macy before I go, I’ll bless you from above. Or maybe below—I’m not sure yet.”

She chuckles to herself while an unease settles inside me. I have no idea what to do about Macy. But if we need to share custody, I’m going to be there to make it work. And to make sure Isaac knows that he’s loved, even if his mother doesn’t show it.

Isaac falls asleep on the couch while watching a movie, so Easton decides to stay at his mom’s house, making the assumption that I’ll stay too.

“The spare bedroom is at the other end of the house,” he says in a whisper and my eyes dart to his. “I still expect my second dinner.”

“That’s not happening. I was planning to go home.”

“Believe it or not, Mom knows we’re having sex.”

“It’s still a no.” I cringe, shaking my head.

“Fine,” Easton grumbles. “But you’re staying. That’s nonnegotiable.” He raises an eyebrow in challenge, and I immediately give in. I’m done fighting, and if I’m honest, I don’t really want to be alone tonight. If I’m here, I can pretend I’m not thinking about my own family problems. Dad called me earlier tonight, letting me know he’s still busy, when he promised he’d changed.

“Okay, I’ll stay. But only because you asked so nicely.”

Easton smirks, and like always, it makes me giddy. I love everything about this man. And I’ve got to believe that’s enough to get us through the next few months. Because with Macy and my crap with the Mikkleson family, life is going to be challenging.

But no matter what happens, I won’t let him down again. We’re a team.

Dad texts to say he’ll be in New York for business on Friday and Saturday, but I refuse to let it get to me. If I’m going to make San Francisco my home, I need to feel that way without my dad, so I’m looking at this as practice.

On Sunday morning, Isaac and I are eating breakfast while Easton gets ready for his game, and a feeling of déjà vu hits me. As though I’ve been here in another life. Or perhaps, it’s the universe telling me I’m where I’m meant to be.

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