Page 58 of Unraveling Rain
I look back at her, confused.
Miles chuckles. “This is going to be good.”
“Well—I mean, yes.” Rain sighs. “We’re spending time together.”
She bites her lip, her eyes bright with mischief.
“Exactly, we’re getting to know each other. We’re dating,” I clarify, kissing the top of her head.
Someone clears their throat. Everyone seems satisfied, except River, who still looks like he’s chewing glass.
“I believe I owe you an apology,” he says, stepping forward. “I’m sorry for the way I spoke to you the other night. I’m looking forward to getting to know you.”
We shake hands. His grip is firm but not threatening.
“No apology needed. You were only looking after your sister. I respect that.”
Joss looks confused, but Rain gives a subtle shake of her head before her mom can speak. Joss presses her lips together and mimes zipping them.
“Hello!” Ruin sing-songs, entering with a baby in her arms. Chaos resumes.
Rain hurries over, kisses her sister’s cheek, then scoops the baby into her arms.
“Oh, my baby. This is Sage, the most beautiful girl in all Azalea Creek.”
“Hi, Sage. So good to meet you,” I say, smiling as she beams up at me.
“Oh look—she smiled at Xander,” Rain gushes.
Joss swoops in and takes Sage away with mock authority.
“Mama, I was getting my baby fix,” Rain pouts.
“I’m sorry, dear, but I’m the grandma. I’ve got VIP privileges,” Joss says, nuzzling the baby.
“You see them every day. Not fair,” Rain protests.
“You could see them daily too, if you wanted to,” her mom tosses over her shoulder.
Rain huffs, and Joss disappears into the living room with Granny in tow.
Ruin walks over to me. “Hi, Xander. Good to see you here. I take it, you’re okay?”
“Yeah, I’m good.”
She nods, then gestures to a tall blond guy approaching with another baby.
“This is my husband, Gio.”
“Xander González. Nice to meet you.”
“Gio Bianchi. Welcome to the MacAllister shenanigans,” he says with a grin.
Ruin swats his arm playfully.
“Am I lying?” he asks.
Ruin chuckles. “No, you’re not.” She jerks her chin toward the door. “Come on, let’s go grab the stuff from the car.”
