Page 206 of They Are Mine

Elliot was deeply exasperated. “Should I be concerned that we’re celebrating avoiding a murder charge like it’s a promotion?”

And Noah?

Sweet, darling Noah?

Noah suggested we have a picnic.

My new minivan is pink.

PINK.

Elliot had it special ordered.

Because of course he did.

And Callum and Orion? They doubled down.

They found the cutest seat covers, black and pink, covered in tiny, grinning Cheshire Cats.

And the floor mats?

“We’re All A Little Mad Here.”

Because they get me.

And Noah, my precious sunshine, took it a step further.

He handmade a stick-figure decal for the back window.

A full-blown family portrait in vinyl sticker form.

Me: tiny dress, a knife in one hand, a heart in the other.

Orion: crossed arms, little dumbbells in each hand.

Noah: a music note, a little heart floating above his head.

Elliot: a book, the smug aura of superiority.

Callum: a cigarette, middle finger up.

And beneath them?

“Room for More.”

Because my men are all smartasses.

The picnic basket is packed to perfection.

Crusts off for Noah.

Cut diagonally for Orion.

Perfect squares for Elliot.

Not cut at all for me and Callum, because we are not civilized.

Some are egg salad. Some are ham and Swiss.

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