Page 53 of Always Be Mine

“Don’t tell me you were waiting for me?”

He shrugged. “Truthfully, I was getting some air after an epic Nerf gun fight.” He ran his hands through his hair in an effort to straighten it, but it was a lost cause.

Lucy reached out and brushed a lock from his forehead before snatching her hand away. “Well, it’s good timing then.”

“It sure is.”

His smile was so warm and welcoming, that any unease she was feeling about the dinner quickly slid away.

“Are you ready for this? My family is kind of a lot.”

“I’m sure they’re nothing I can’t handle. I’m used to dealing with hundreds of restaurant patrons every night. Most of whom have had too much to drink.”

Craig laughed. “Well, then I’m sure you’ll do just fine.” He offered her his arm. “Shall we?”

There were at least half a dozen reasons she shouldn’t take his arm as they walked into the house, but Lucy ignored all of them, and they headed in to meet the Carlson clan.

“Lucy!” Meri greeted her first, by running headfirst at full speed into her legs.

Lucy quickly released Craig’s arm to bend down and scoop up the little girl in a hug. “Hey, kiddo. How was your day?”

“So boring.” She rolled her eyes dramatically and dropped her head back.

“Boring? What are you talking about?” Craig pretended to look offended. “We just had an epic Nerf gun fight and?—”

“Just kidding!” She straightened up and her eyes gleamed with mischief. “It was awesome,” Meri declared. “But I’m so glad you’re here now.”

“Me too.” She gave the little girl a kiss on the cheek and set her on her feet before straightening to greet everyone else.

“I’m Charli.”

A tall, blonde woman pulled her in for a hug before she had a chance to catch her breath. She smelled like a garden and her embrace was strong.

“It’s so nice to finally meet you,” she said as she released Lucy. “Meri and Craig won’t stop talking about you.”

“Is that right?” Lucy shot Craig a look, but he only shrugged.

“Apparently you’ve made quite an impact on their lives in such a short time.” Charli raised her eyebrows and gave her brother a knowing look before winking at Lucy. “Thank you for that.”

Lucy chuckled and took an immediate liking to the woman.

“I’m so glad you came, Lucy.” Kat appeared next by her side and wrapped her arm around her. “Don’t let my brothers and sister scare you off. We’re all harmless, I swear.”

“You all seem quite lovely.”

“That’s because you don’t know us very well yet.”

Lucy turned at the voice to see a tall, dark-haired man who could only be the eldest brother, Chase. His introduction confirmed it.

“It’s nice to meet you, Lucy. I’m Chase and this is Annie. Grady is around here somewhere. I’m sure you’ll meet him soon.”

Lucy accepted a hug from Annie, too. “It’s really nice to meet you all.” She met Asher’s gaze from across the room and nodded. “And to see you again, Asher.”

“The pleasure is very much mine,” he said. “I assure you.”

He moved toward her, but Craig deftly stepped in front of his older brother. “Don’t even think about it, bro.”

Asher pretended to look disappointed, but Craig wasn’t smiling and the minute he looked away, Asher winked in her direction.

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