Page 112 of Fall With Me (Sugarland Creek)

“So any chance I could talk you into comin' over tonight? I was gonna attempt to make some chicken pasta recipe Noah found.”

I smile at how sweet he is for wanting to cook for me when neither of us seems to excel in that area but at least he's willing to try. I've learned quite a bit from Gramma Grace, but I'm only confident when she's next to me to watch and make sure I'm not screwing up anything.

Frowning, I say, “I wish I could but my parents want to talk to me about something tonight.”

He arches a brow. “About what?”

“I'm not sure. They just said we needed a family meeting. Whatever that means.”

“You don't sound too worried about it?”

Shrugging, I continue brushing Ranger. “It's probably about racing or the fake engagement. They were a little skeptical that it wasn't real when they saw I was wearin' a ring, but who knows? Either way, I'd love to stay tomorrow night?”

He grins and then kisses my forehead again. “It's a date.”

When I walk into my house, I'm hit with the aromas of lasagna and breadsticks. One of my favorites. What's not to love about pasta and cheese?

“Hi, sweetheart.” Mom greets me with a warm smile. “How was your day?”

I tell her all about it and how excited I am about getting back into regular training. The only symptom I'm still struggling with is the occasional headache and minor vision blurriness. It usually only bothers me when I'm watching TV but the doctor was optimistic that it'll eventually go away.

“That's wonderful. I bet Ranger is excited, too.”

“I'm gonna clean up and then I'll help set the table,” I tell her.

I give Dad and Aunt Phoebe drive-by hellos and then go change my clothes.

When I set my phone down on my desk, I notice there are ten missed calls from an unknown number. They were sent right to voicemail but whoever it was didn't leave any.

Probably another journalist who wants to ask me only God knows what.

After I've freshened up with more deodorant and body spray, and fix my braids, I go back out into the living room.

Dad and Aunt Phoebe are gone.

It's close to five, which means they should still be in here watching Seinfeld.

I walk to the kitchen to help Mom but she's not in here either.

What the hell is going on?

“Hello?” I call out. “Where'd everyone go?”

“You can't be here! You're only gonna confuse her!”I hear Mom yelling outside and rush to look out of the window above the sink.

Who is she talking to?

Dad stands next to Mom with Aunt Phoebe hiding behind them. But I can't see who they're talking to from this angle.

Instead of waiting, I walk outside.

“She has my money! I need it so I can start over no thanks to herfiancé!”

My fiancé?Are they talking about Landen and me?

“Mom?” I shout.

The three of them spin around. Mom's clearly upset, tears welling in her eyes, and Dad looks pissed.

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