Page 55 of When Love Is Unexpected

"We want to paint some plates with the new babies on them," says Tori.

"I think that's a great idea," says Katherine. "How about if Loren and I take the kids to paint a project while you two go to lunch with Eric?"

"Make that three," Dad says, "I'm going with you."

I glance at Mom, who gives me a look that says, "Don't contradict your father," so I don't say anything.

"Are you and Sam still planning on faking a relationship?" asks Adam.

"Faking a relationship?" Dad asks.

Oh boy.

I spend the next half hour explaining the situation to Dad while trying to field everyone else's questions and opinions.

"Laila," Aaron begins, "if Sam is in love with you and you're not feeling it, you should be completely honest with him before you go on this trip."

"I don't know what I'm feeling," I say.

"You were miserable without him," says Katherine.

"Sam has been in love with you since the day he met you," says Loren.

"When in doubt, kiss him to find out," says Adam.

"Kiss him, Auntie Laila," exclaims Tori.

That makes everyone at the table laugh out loud.

"With all joking aside, Princess," Dad says, "whatever your feelings for Sam are, just be honest and open with him."

"Don't give him mixed signals," says Katherine.

"You guys all think the situation with Eric is my fault," I say defensively.

"That's not what we're saying, Sweetheart," says Mom.

"Let's be mindful of the baby ears in the room," Loren says. "How about if we table this conversation for a later time?"

"You're talking about us," says Holly, chuckling and showing everyone her new smile, missing a front tooth.

"Holly," I say, "did the tooth fairy leave you a dollar on your pillow?"

"She left me five dollars," says Holly.

"I only got a dollar!" I say, looking from Dad to Mom and back again.

"That was twenty years ago," says Mom, smiling.

"It's called inflation," says Aaron.

"I'm gonna miss you all so much," I say, getting a little teary-eyed.

"Don't get me started," says Loren. "I've been getting emotional lately, and—."

"Nooo!" we all exclaim together.

"It's part of your charm, Babe," Aaron says, leaning over to kiss my sister.

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