Page 83 of Mail Order Splash

“No, save that for Saturday.”

“Boo, just kiss the girl, already.” Murphy appeared from somewhere in the back. “What? You thought I’d miss this little scene?”

“Thanks for coming.” Kleine hugged her. “Are you our photographer?”

“Someone had to do it. Now stand together, then I want shots with the dolphins. Aw, look how little that one is.” She paused with her hands up in the air. “It’s fine, I can hear it, I’m all over the place.”

“We wouldn’t like you any other way, cous’.” Bobby, can you get a picture with Murphy in it, too?”

“I dressed like you guys.” She pointed to her bling sneakers. “I thought it was the dress code for today.”

“I told you we’re going to make this a fashion thing.” Kleine boasted.

“Murphy, do me a favor and don’t post that until after the city meeting.”

“Wouldn’t dream of it. I’ll be at the meeting with you.” She snapped another few pics. “We’re all going. Kellan wants a united Hawthorne front.”

“Just the four of us won’t be that big of a front, but it’s better than none.”

“No way, everyone flew in for this. The twins are already bickering and Trey and Parker had their heads together on some medical thing when I blanked out.”

“You are about to meet too many Hawthornes at once.”

“I can’t believe they’d travel here for me. That is amazing.”

“For us, you’re my wife now.” I kissed her squeezed her hand.

“Boss, Kellan has arrived. He asked that the family meet at your aunt’s place for a pre- meeting.”

We loaded into the waiting cars then whisked away.

“I forgot our bags so we could change.” Kleine sat forward, panicked.

“They put everything in the car already. You’ll get used to these guys, they don’t forget anything.”

“I don’t need to be taken care of like that, though.”

“No one needs it, Kleine, but we could all use it now and again.” I squeezed her hand in mine. “It doesn’t make you weak. Just relax and breathe. We have the worst part ahead.”

“Aunt Victoria, I know Murphy must have sent you pictures by now, but I wanted you to see it in person.” We both spun in circles.

“You look fabulous.” She hugged both of us.

“Dude, what’s with the get-up? Let me tell ya now, I’m not wearing that.”

“I don’t see why not, it’s all the rage.” We clapped hands then hugged. “Kleine, meet my cousins Asher and August. One of them is a troublemaker. You’ll figure it out pretty quick.”

“I think I tell that already.” She put her hand out to shake.

“We hug in this family.” Asher pulled her into a big hug. “Our wives will be thrilled to have another girl in the family.”

“I can’t wait. I’ve heard about a few of them from Murphy.” She pointed to her bag on the table. “I’ll let you visit, I’m going to get changed.”

“Kleine, Sydney dropped off a suit for you for today along with shoes. I hope you don’t mind.” Aunt Victoria followed her. “You don’t have to wear it, dear. I didn’t want you to feel underdressed standing with all of these suits.”

“I appreciate the gesture. It will feel better.” She glanced my way then disappeared into a room.

“Don’t worry. It takes time to adjust to this family. I like her.” August took a seat.

---