Page 77 of Almost Home
But what came next? How to move forward without everything blowing up in our faces? The Doc’s words came back—"Consider that perhaps, after challenging years for you and for Sarah, the ease between you is a blessing.”Maybe itwasthis easy and good and right. Maybe because of that, I could simply step toward what seemed logical in my own mind and we could be together.
“Come to the family dinner tonight.”
She swallowed and tucked her lips together, gaze serious. Coming to a family dinner with my siblings and mother was undoubtedly a big step. My stomach clutched in this pause, fear she might say no and I wouldn’t know what to do with that creeping in like gasoline into water.
“You don’t have to. I know it’s a bit more overtlytogetherthan we’ve been, but—”
“I’d say we were fairly overtlytogetherlast night.”
I couldn’t help the smile that flashed at her playful comment. “And I am very,veryhappy about that. But truly, there’s no pressure to come today if it’s too soon.”
“No. It’s good. It’ll be good.”
Hand threaded into the hair at her nape, I ducked my forehead to touch hers and looked into her bright blue eyes at point-blank range.
“Don’t be nervous,” I said, easing off the more commanding tone I naturally used at times like this.
When she nodded, I could swear stars burst inside my chest.
Hours later, after a lazy morning and one of the best days of my life to date, I echoed the same sentiment as I stopped the car next to Warrick’s in Wyatt’s driveaway.
“Don’t be nervous,” I said again, less commanding this time.
Instead of shaking off my words, I watched the tension winding around her like a rope.
“Hard not to be. It’s like a crazy combination of déjà vu and unfamiliar terror.” Her gaze slid to the side and took in the large farmhouse just outside the car.
“Terror?” I tilted her chin toward me with my free hand and kissed her soft, sweet lips. “You know everyone in there.”
She leaned back and took in the view. The modest farmhouse stood tall and proud in front of us, pastures stretching out behind it before the sharp peaks of the mountains climbed into the sky. The small barn Warrick had refurbished, and where Wyatt and Calla’s story had begun last year, sat to our right, vacant of guests for now.
“I know. I just…” She bit her lower lip again, heedless of how it lit my match.
“We can go. I don’t want you to feel stuck since we drove together.” The forty-five-minute drive back to Silverton made driving separate cars insane. Plus, she was here with me. And I with her. Why would we drive separately?
“No. Let’s just get in there and get it over with.” She shoved the truck door open and climbed out before I’d started to move.
She’d relax inside. Calla and Sadie would be in her corner, and she’d realize there was nothing to fear here. And if not, I’d make an excuse and we’d leave.
Just before we reached the front door, I said as much. “Say the word, and we’re gone. Any reason, any time.”
She nodded, then squared her shoulders just as Mom pulled open the door and flung her arms around Sarah.
“My darlings! You’re here. We’re just about ready to sit down. Come on in,” she said, releasing Sarah and pulling us both by the hand inside.
Sarah’s eyes met mine, and I gave her a small smile. She beamed a nervous one back at me, and in seconds, we were enveloped in shouted greetings.
“There they are!” Warrick hollered from where he stood dropping rolls into a bread basket.
“Almost ready to eat,” Wyatt said, not looking up from his focus on carving what looked like a roast chicken. Wait,tworoast chickens. With Warrick in attendance tonight, the second was absolutely necessary.
“Sarah! Yay! Come sit with us and talk about my ever-growing diameter,” Calla said, waving her toward the living room where Sadie also sat.
“You help the boys finish up, and I’ll keep your woman entertained.” Mom nudged me toward the kitchen, wherethe boyswere apparently on full meal duty.
My woman.I wouldn’t even pretend I didn’t love that.
In the kitchen, my brothers were busily finishing the meal. Wyatt had learned to cook right alongside our mom and Grandma Tilda. I’d never had much interest, but had learned sufficient skills to keep myself fed when not at work and using the upscale dining facility for breakfast and lunch.
