Page 103 of The Edge Of Us

Everyone laughed. Even Mr. Ashford. "That's... a fair point."

Brittany leaned over to me and whispered, "See? They're warming up."

"I hope so," I whispered back.

Not long after the main course was served, Brittany excused herself to the restroom. I didn't think much of it. But when Acestood up a minute later and said, "Excuse me," heading the same direction, my eyebrow twitched.

Oh no.

Half an hour passed. The kids were chatting with Jasper's mom about their favorite cartoons. The table was lively again. Then Brittany returned. Face flushed, lips a little too pink. She took her seat quietly. Ace came back a moment later. Also flushed. Jacket slightly unbuttoned. Not even trying to hide the fact that his tie was a little looser than before.

I looked at Brit. She looked everywhere except at me.

I gave her the look. You know the one.

She mouthed, Don't you dare.

I smirked. Already dared.

"You okay?" I asked sweetly.

"Y-yeah," she stammered. "Washroom line was long."

"Uh-huh.This is your parents'home girl"

Jasper leaned toward me, whispering, "What's going on?"

"Your sister might have a big crush on your best friend ."

He choked on his wine.

"What?!"

"Shhh," I grinned.

He looked from Ace to Brittany. Then back again. "Oh, hell no."

I giggled for the first time in days. Watching Jasper's face morph into protective brother mode was oddly comforting.

Mr. Ashford raised a glass. "To family. Unpredictable as they may be."

Jasper looked at me, then the kids who were now cuddled beside Mrs. Ashford, and he raised his own.

"To family. And to love."

I met his eyes. My heart squeezed. Because through the tension, scrutiny, and sudden surprises in the guest bathroom, I realized one thing:

We were becoming one.

Even if it was messy.

Even if the world didn't approve.

This was our family.

Chapter 57

Corinne

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