Page 16 of Evading Exodus
I gave a little shrug. “I guess it’ll come out eventually.”
“Dare told me the first time he ever kissed a boy was at his friend’s sweet sixteen party. They were playing Truth or Dare, and hisgirl-friend, suspecting, dared him into the closet with another guy. When they didn’t come out for ten minutes…the truth came out.” They all roared with glee as I blushed.
Poppa Lark placed a hand on the shoulders of his sons. He took one look at my beet red complexion and gave me a tight-lipped smile. “Darren, can I steal you away a moment?” It was the first time he’d spoken to me since I’d arrived.
I shot a quick glance towards Ace and found him frowning. Seemed he was still holding a grudge against his father. “Sure,” I told Poppa Lark, “just give me a sec.” He nodded and stepped back. I turned to Ace and placed my hand over his heart.
“Let it go, Ace. He didn’t know.”
Ace’s eyes blinked slowly in acknowledgement, then he nodded. “You’re right. I’m sorry.”
I rolled my eyes. “What did I tell you about the apologies?” He grinned, and I patted his cheek, then joined his father.
Poppa Lark gestured for me to enter the home office, complete with a small desk, computer, and a comfy sofa covered in a pile of coats. “Darren, I just wanted to say I’m sorry.” He extended his hand to shake, but when I unintentionally snorted, he dropped it.
I quickly covered my mouth. “Excuse me.” I quickly added with a smile, “Like father, like son.” His eyebrows went up, and I stifled another snicker. “Ace apologized to me, too, and really, it’s not necessary, but thank you all the same."
“I think I bear some fault.” Poppa Lark’s contrite expression stirred the bitterness brewing. If Seth hadn’t come, or at least left when he said he would, I wouldn’t be having this uncomfortable discussion with my new beau’s dad.
“No, sir. You really don’t. You didn’t know what was going on; the only one at fault here is me and Se—.”
“Oh no you don’t,” Ace said from the doorway, leaning against the frame, his arms crossed over his chest. “Don’t even think about blaming yourself.” The bad boy stance looked good on him. “Now, c’mon. Mr. and Mrs. B. are here, and you haven’t said hello to everyone yet.”
We exited the room, right into the waiting path of two baby-carrying women.
“There you are, Uncle Ronnie,” one of them said. I knew they were Melody and Josey, but I didn’t know who was who. Luckily, the babies supplied me with the answer.
“You must be Josey,” I said to one, tickling the little girl in her arms. “Hi, Bunny.” Finn’s little girl was adorable dressed in a frilly pink outfit.
“God,” Josey replied. “He’s got you saying it already.”
I chuckled. “Well, you can’t blame me; as far as I know Bunny is her real name.” That had her shaking her head. “And if you’re Josey, you must be Melody, Jack’s wife.”
“I am, and this is James Junior,”
“Ah, the infamous JJ.” I ran my hand over his soft baby hair. “Such a cutie.”
“Thank you. You must be Darren.” She leaned closer, lowering her voice. “I can tell because Ace is hovering.” We smiled conspiratorially.
“Well, Melody, I’ll have you know, that I happen to have a niece and nephew back home, so feel free to call on us for babysitting duty.”
“If only,” she pouted, adjusting JJ on her shoulder. “We live over two hours away.”
“Then you’d better let me get my fill now.” I held out my hands.
“Pushy, aren’t you?” she teased, but she still handed JJ over quick as a wink and shook out her arms.
“Lucky,” Josey whined.
“Give Bunny to Ace,” I told her. She turned and held her baby girl out. Ace was forced to give the bottles in his hands over to Melody. He looked after them wistfully before sweeping Bunny high into the air, eliciting a burst of giggles from the pretty girl.
“Quick, Mel, let’s go and get a drink while we’re free.” She held up the bottles.
“Uh huh,” Melody replied while Ace faked crying.
? ? ? ?
“I can’t believe you stuck us with the babies. My family’s like locusts—all the appetizers will be gone before we get any.”
