Page 133 of Somehow You Knew

It’s a usual Sunday afternoon dinner in the Sheppard household, except it feels different too.

Thepast three years have been full of so much change. Losing my dad was one of the most painful moments of my life, but I also feel that through his death, all of us discovered things about ourselves.

Dallas opened himself up to love thanks to our father and was able to find peace in their tumultuous relationship while he grew up.

Penn finally started to live his life for himself and go after the woman he’d always wanted.

Parker let go of his need for perfection and realized that being alone wasn’t the best thing for him.

And I found Gage, but my dad also had his hand in that as well.

“This is really good, Catherine,” Gage says from beside me. “I swear, nothing you make disappoints.”

My mother smiles proudly. “Glad to hear it.”

“Look at this guy trying to be the new favorite son,” Parker says, gesturing to Gage with his fork.

Gage flips him the bird. “I’ll remember that when you want a discount on your tattoo.”

Penn wipes his mouth with his napkin. “Remember, I bought your aunt’s house, okay?”

Dallas clears his throat. “I…”

I point my knife at my oldest brother. “You meddled in my relationship, so don’t even bother trying to kiss my husband’s ass.”

All of the women laugh. “So is this what Gage has to look forward to now that he’s taken over CC Ink?” Willow asks.

Gage nods. “Apparently so.”

“Axel already left you the keys, huh?” Astrid asks, lifting her glass of water to her lips.

“He did. The paperwork for transfer of ownership is being drawn up and Timothy said we can sign in a few weeks. But he was ready.”

I reach over and rub Gage’s shoulder. “A lot has changed in the past few weeks, but in the best way.”

Gage wipes his mouth with his napkin and lifts his glass, holding his gaze on mine. “I know we’ve already started eating, but I’d like to propose a toast.”

Everyone grows silent as they reach for their glasses as well. I stare at my husband, curious with what he’s about to say.

He drifts his gaze to my family. “I just want to thank you, all of you, for welcoming me into your family.” His throat bobs as he swallows. “As you know, mine is gone. But marrying Hazel has changed so much for me. Not only did I find the most incredible woman who puts up with my shit…” Everyone laughs. “But through her I was given all of you. The Sheppard family—a group of people that love hard and protect each other no matter what. I’m proud to be a part of you now.” He raises his glass. “So thank you.”

My mother wipes away her tears. “We’re honored to have you in our family too, Gage.”

“Here, here,” Penn says, smiling at Gage and me from the across the table.

“Well, now I feel like I need to say something,” Dallas chimes in.

I groan. “Do you really?”

“Come on, Hazelnut. You know it’s my duty as the oldest brother.”

“No one gave you that job except for you.”

Willow laughs, rubbing her growing belly. “Oh, Hazel. Just humor him.” She winks at me.

“Fine.”

Dallas raises his beer. “You know, I always knew that when Hazel got married I was going to have a hard time with it. I honestly never thought she’d find a man good enough for her.” My eyes start to water. “But somehow, Dad knew what she needed.” He turns to Willow. “What I needed too.”

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