Page 72 of Under the Influence

“Edith is good with kids,” Val shares, now standing next to Lola. “She’ll do a fine job helping you raise Lola and Clover.”

Laughing at his bullshit, Lola says, “Today’s big news saves me a lot of work. I had wanted to find someone for Edith and you. With that taken care of, I’ll focus on finding a man for Erin.”

My mom stops fussing over my love life and instantly perks up at the thought of her own. “I want someone who has fun hobbies. No boring crap like watching sports or sitting inside. I need a man who likes fresh air.”

“Anything else?” Val asks. “Because I know a lot of dudes. Only a few of them are gross. That leaves a lot who aren’t.”

Erin frowns at Val, but he smiles until she relents and grins back at him. I roll my eyes at how he maneuvers the women in my family. Though I was a cocky, good-looking kid back in the day, I never strutted around like Val does.

Did growing up at the homestead make him that way? Will my grandkids also be aggressively confident?

The Mooneys’ back door opens, sending Justice and Poppy scurrying away from the windows. Donovan and Journey step out. While the three sisters huddle, Edith exits with her brothers and sisters-in-law. She smiles at her father like he’s great and nothing is wrong in the world.

Feeling restless away from Edith, I announce, “I’m going to go check on her.”

“Aw,” Lola coos while Val snickers. “My dad’s in love.”

Though I smile at her teasing, I’m not sure what comes next. As I approach the Mooney family’s home, Edith takes off running toward me. She looks so beautiful with her hair bouncing and a lovely smile on her face.

“It’s okay,” she says, grabbing for me. “My parents aren’t upset. How did your girls take it?”

Edith leans around me to smile at an approaching Lola, Clover, and Val.

“They’re supportive,” Val announces. “Everyone is happy.”

Edith finds my gaze and searches for reassurance.

“My mom isn’t sold on the younger woman thing, but it’s fine otherwise,” I say, and Edith grins. “Are you okay? Why were you so upset earlier?”

“I didn’t want to lie to my family anymore.”

“Well, our secret is out,” I say, cupping her head and kissing her temple. “Are we good here? I’m not getting a sense of the homestead’s mood.”

“Everything is okay,” Edith says and wraps her body against mine. “My pa already knew. He’ll explain things to my uncles.”

“Knew how?”

Edith looks up at me with bright eyes. I’ve rarely seen her so happy.

“He followed me to Dunphey to make sure I was safe with my mystery guy. He was in the hotel that first night.”

My dad brain can’t deny the wisdom of Donovan’s move, yet the guy part of me is worried about what such a protective nature might mean for my future.

EDITH, AKA NO MORE SWEET LITTLE LIES

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After we exit our house, the homestead is abuzz with excitement. Pa-Donovan walks over to talk to Court and Emmett at King Peepaw Jared’s back deck. Meanwhile, Ma-Journey soothes her very hyper sisters.

Tuesday is bouncing around, too, explaining things to Alexis, Roxie, Oana, and Betty. Based on her hand gestures, she’s explaining something sexual.

Lola and Clover smile warmly at me. Erin looks less certain. If she thinks I’m bad news now, wait until she finds out I botched my birth control.

Duke takes my hand and walks away from the others. I feel like we’re about to have one of those relationship talks. After flipping out repeatedly during the day, I’m reluctant to face more drama.

“You look tired,” he says softly, sounding sexy yet commanding.

“I’ve been emotional today.”

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