Page 104 of Wicked Love

Becca’s eyes widen. “Yes,” she says, delighted. “First lunch, then meet your dog!”

“Excellent.”

Bowie glances at me and gives me a relieved smile.

“There you are!” Marley cries, rushing toward me. We hug forever and I hear Eric introducing himself to Bowie and Becca before coming over and hugging me and Marley.

“I’ve missed you guys so much,” I say, feeling my eyeswell up. I slowly let go of Marley’s hand and look at my parents. “All of you.”

“We’ve missed you too,” Mom says. “Now that our traveling has slowed down and you’re getting settled in Silver Hills, we need to get over there more often than a quick dinner here and there.”

“Agreed. And I’ll do better about coming home too,” Marley says.

“Me too,” I say.

Becca sees my dad’s shadow, Alex, the Yorkie, and goes to pet him. Marley turns to Bowie and crosses her arms.

“So you’re the guy,” she says. “I hear you’re some big NFL star.” Her tone is casual like she’s half-impressed, half-amused. “I guess you’ll do.” She doesn’t wait for his reaction before leaning in, her hand dramatically slicing across her throat. “Don’t be a dick to my sister or I’ll end you,” she whispers, eyes sparkling.

I cover my mouth with my hand when Bowie nods, completely serious.

“That’s fair,” he says. “I’m trying to amend my dickish ways.”

That makes me crack up.

“Ignore my wife,” Eric tells Bowie. “She’s mostly bark, very little bite. I’m thrilled you’re here. Huge fan.”

Marley winks at me as she leans against Eric’s chest, and Bowie relaxes another notch. We move into the family room and Becca sits next to my dad, studying his face. I think they’re talking about dinosaurs, but I’m not positive. And then they’re onto football because Dad pretends to be a quarterback, lifting an imaginary ball and calling, “Hut, hut!” which makes Becca laugh. Bowie looks on, a soft smile tugging at his mouth.

Our house has an open floor plan, so the family roomflows into the kitchen. My mom flits in and out, refusing my offer to help. I had told her very little about Bowie…until I got pregnant…and then I wasn’t sure what to say. But now that we’re spending time together, I’ve let her know I like him…a lot. And that we’re…hanging out. Yeah, I’ve got some explaining to do.

She tilts her head toward Bowie and Becca as if to say,Make sure they’re having a good time.

“He’s so handsome,” she mouths.

The house smells like ham and fresh bread, and I get a warm rush of love for my family.

“When are Grammy and Granddad getting here?” I ask.

“Did someone say Granddad?” My grandparents walk in and there’s a whole new rush of hugs and introductions.

“What a wicked stellar day,” Granddad says, mostly to make Marley and me laugh.

I exchange a look with Bowie and he’s grinning wide.

“Told ya,” I whisper.

“You’rewicked stella,” he whispers, saying it the way Granddad does, but the look he gives me makes me hot all over. He reaches out and threads his fingers through mine and my heart turns over.

When I look up, everyone is staring at us, but in the next second, they pretend not to be.

Bowie chuckles and leans closer. “Your family’s pretty incredible too.”

“Dinner is ready,” Mom calls and we all move toward the long table.

Granddad says grace, thanking God for this wicked stellar spread, and then food gets passed around. My family is never short on opinions, and somehow, the hot topic becomes corn while we dollop corn casserole on our plates.

“Corn has its virtues,” Dad says.

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