Page 3 of When Love Is Unexpected

"Speaking of a hectic schedule," I say, wanting to change the subject, "when is baby Adam due again?"

"He's due in November," Katherine says. "So, you have some time, little sister."

"Finally!" I exclaim, "I've been waiting patiently for my turn as birthing coach."

Adam is chewing on a piece of steak, but his eyes are fixed on Katherine. And there it is— that unspoken but tangible spark between them. He puts the fork down and leans over to kiss her. My sister's smile widens when he puts his hand on her belly.

Adam grew up as part of our family. He was a foster kid and a freshman in high school when he met my dad, a teacher and coach at the time. We all loved him like a brother and a son, but his love for Katherine eventually changed. He left for college and was gone for years before returning to Cold Spring. The sparks between him and Katherine flew the moment they reconnected. What they have is something right out of a romance novel. They're soulmates. It's clear they live to make each other happy.

Laura and Charles leave shortly after dinner. Dad, Adam, and I pick up the dishes while Mom and Katherine sit in the living room with the kids. I can hear Tori telling Mom how excited she is about Holly moving back to Cold Spring.

When we join them in the living room, Dad sits beside Mom, who's holding Tori on her lap. Adam sits next to Katherine and puts his arm around her before leaning over and whispering something in her ear. It must be something romantic because it makes her smile from ear to ear. I walk over to Jon, who's sitting on the floor, busily working on a numbers puzzle. He's such a funny little guy. He's intelligent and sweet. I'm convinced that his love language is tickling. As soon as I sit next to him on the floor, he climbs on my lap and starts tickling me on my side. I tickle him back until he giggles and arches his back with delight. This is how we say hello. It never fails; if Jon and I are together, there's going to be tickling.

These are the moments I live for. Looking around the room, I realize just how much I love my family. Moving to Boston will be a bittersweet chapter in my life.

Later, when the kids are passed out on the couch and the rest of us are drinking coffee in the kitchen, I decide to broach the subject.

"Dad," I begin. "Have you heard from Sam?"

"Yes, I spoke to him last night."

"Why hasn't he called me?" I ask. "I haven't talked to him in two weeks."

"Has it been that long?"

"Come on, Dad. You know it has. What's going on? Why is he giving me the cold shoulder?"

"You're imagining things, Princess," he says. "But if you think he's ignoring you, why don't you call him?"

"He's been gone for a year, and I've never had to call him because he always calls me."

"Well, maybe that needs to change," Adam says.

I glare at him.

"I'm just saying," he says. "Why should he be the one to always call you?"

I met Sam two and a half years ago when he started working for my sister, Loren, in her art studio. We became good friends. Sam is fun and easygoing. He challenges me intellectually and makes me laugh.

After Loren got engaged to Aaron, she sold the studio to Sam. A year later, he moved to Athens. I didn't even have time to process the fact that he was leaving. One day, he was here, and then he was gone.

We've kept in touch. We talk on the phone, text, and video chat several times a week, but it's not the same. I miss him.

"Earth to Laila," I hear Adam say.

"I'm sorry," I say. "I was deep in thought."

"I was asking if you're ready for your move."

"Of course," I say. "You know how much of a planner I am. I have almost everything packed.

"I'm glad you agreed to stay with Lily and Lisa in Aaron's condo. It gives me peace of mind to know you won't be living there alone."

"Adam," I say, smiling. "The brother I never had."

"The three of you will get along great," says Mom. "Lisa is like part of the family, and the few times I've met Lily, she seems like a sweet girl with a good head on her shoulders."

"We have our living arrangements all figured out," I say. "The fact that we all get along so well is an added bonus."

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