Dominic

Four months later

Presley, Francine, and I are in the kitchen, taking turns cooking and diverting the twins away from the myriad hot and pointy objects in play, when the doorbell rings.

“Go ahead. I’ve got things under control here,” Francine says.

I glance up from tending my potful of bubbling potatoes. “You sure?”

“Of course—you’re the hosts. Now shoo, dearies.” She flicks her hand at us with a smile.

We answer the door to a young man I recognize from photos as Presley’s brother, and an affable-looking guy with brown eyes and a mop of unruly black curls.

“Thank you for coming. I’m Dominic.”

Michael shakes my hand, and when he smiles, I can see the resemblance between him and Presley right away. They share the same curious blue eyes and high cheekbones. “Thanks for the invite. This is Elijah.”

“Make yourselves at home,” I say, stepping aside to let them in.

Presley hugs Michael and pecks him on the cheek. “I’m so glad you could make it.”

“I wouldn’t miss Thanksgiving with my big sister,” he replies with a grin.

“And Elijah,” she says, smiling. “It’s so nice to meet you. I’ve heard good things.”

“Then they’re all true,” Elijah says.

Michael shoots a grin at the other boy that’s so adoring, I almost expect cartoon hearts to float up around their heads.

Ah, young love . . . wait, did I really just think that? Dammit, being a dad has made me prematurely old.

Her eyes sparkling, Presley leans toward Michael. “Are you two exclusive yet?”

“Sis . . .” Michael groans, like the teenager he so recently was.

I say. Everyone smiles and the awkwardness dissolves, which is what I was hoping for. I

you for having me, Mr. Aspen,” he

me Dominic. Dinner should be ready in

from the kitchen. “It’s a big old

said. But you can have some appetizers while you

I’m hoping she didn’t just chop off her finger or

to the dining room

whole dining room in your apartment?” Michael

This place is huge,”

because her gravy is perfect), I bring in a plate of appetizers to set on the table. Lacey and Emilia follow me, but at the sight of strangers, they hide behind my legs, too shy to come forward, yet too curious to scurry back

my daughters, Emilia and Lacey.” I point to each twin as

to

to meet you. I’m Presley’s brother,

Lacey says, poking her

nods.

“Why?” Emilia asks.

question.” Elijah chuckles. “Guess

explains. “Sometimes love just works like that. Anybody can love

think about that for a moment, then nod, apparently

that easy

his eyes with a derisive

insist she doesn’t need any help, but

prepping the pumpkin pie for baking. Through the doorway leading into the dining room, we can catch glimpses of my

nice,” Presley murmurs. “Having the apartment full and busy, I mean. I

her forehead. “Yeah, it really feels like a

the door, I scramble

this well, but now

never seen him in person before. I can tell where Presley gets her

“And you must be Dominic.

him into the dining room, Presley stops in midsentence and goes as rigid as a statue. Michael takes a step back, and Elijah grabs his hand. At everyone else’s reactions, Francine stands up protectively, and the girls

we were?” Presley says in the

offers an uncertain, placating half

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255