Page 41 of Wanted

"We were all unofficially adopted."

"How does that work?"

"He means it wasn't through the traditional avenue," Jack says. My attention pulls to him, where he regards us with contemplative eyes. Something about his expression conveys a lack of trust, and his tone shuts down any further questioning.

I move a step back, only to bump into Jude's broad chest. My spine snaps straight as I return out of touching distance.

"The two in the corner are Lincoln and Ollie. Lincoln is Juniper's brother, and Ollie belongs to Courtney." Whitney points at a stunning woman sitting on the floor between the legs of a man with a bored expression. She pushes her shiny black hair behind her ear and waves kindly. "The guy behind her is Sebastian."

"Are you two dating?" I ask.

"We'reengaged," Sebastian answers. A silence envelops the room. The untold story hangs heavily.

“It’s new.” Cortney grins and flashes her ring. Her eyes move behind me to Jude. “He popped the question on vacation.”

“Congratulations,” Jude rumbles.

"And this is Nancy! She raised the entire brood." Whitney resumes control of the conversation.

"It's really nice to meet you." I speak directly to Nancy but also to the room at large. Despite my minor freak-out, they do appear to be a welcoming bunch.

Mostly.

Sebastian seems like he'd rather be anywhere else, and Jack is obviously protective over his twin.

I can't blame him.

"We're thrilled you're here," Nancy says. "Now, if only one of my sons could get up out of their chair so you could sit down. Jude told us about your accident."

"Oh, that's okay." My words fall on deaf ears as three Powell siblings vacate their seats.

"Sit by me." Juniper pats the spot on her right. I settle in beside her and force my muscles to relax. "That top looks great on you."

"It's really close to something I would have picked for myself." I fiddle with the lacy hem.

"It was mine, but a little too dressy for my tastes."

"Well, thank you."

She lays her hand carefully over my casted arm. "Really, you don't need to thank us. We packed that bag full, and I don't want you to feel like you need to say thank you every time you step out of the house in a new outfit. We get it, and we're happy to help."

Her words wash over me like a balm.

"I'm just not used to all this attention and support. It's a bit overwhelming."

Juniper grins. "You'll get used to us."She says it as if she expects me to stick around.

Isn't that what I wanted? A fresh start would require me not to up and leave at the first sign of discomfort. And really, the timing couldn't have been better. I already quit all my obligations and packed up to move with Dillon, so this could become my new normal if I let it.

Post introductions, everyone settles in. Almost as if they were all waiting for me, and now that that's over, they can continue to mingle. The girls surround Juniper and me on the couch.

"How's Jude?"

"Is he being his grumpy self?"

"You'll tell us if he needs a talking-to, right? I have no problem setting him straight."

The rapid-fire questions come from people whose names I'm still learning. "He's fine. He's been really helpful the past few days." A cup of something hot is shoved into my hands.

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