Page 77 of Family Bonds- Kelsey & Van

“Like you think I’ve got any control over her?” he asked.

“You’ve got more than you think,” she said to him and walked over to kiss his cheek. “But we can let it drop for now. How much longer, Duke?”

“It’s probably done and can sit and rest.” He opened his oven and pulled the two dishes out. Then went to the fridge and came back with a few platters. Looked like an antipasto and some kind of dip with crackers.

“Artichoke dip and fresh crackers,” Kelsey said, doing a fist pump. “Yes.”

“Is everything here your favorite?” Van asked.

“It normally is,” Duke said. “We’ve learned to give Kelsey what she wants.”

“Hey,” she said. “You’re making me out to be this spoiled princess and we know I’m not.”

When he saw her going or coming straight from work, she looked high maintenance to him. He liked her clothing choices and the heels she wore. The fitted pants and skirts.

She was classy.

He never thought he’d end up with a classy woman in his life.

Though looking at the pictures of his mother before he was born, she looked classy to him and he wondered once again what the hell had happened.

But the minute Kelsey got home, she was in her room and changing into clothes that suited more his style.

She was in jean shorts, as it was still pretty warm outside, and a T-shirt with flip flops on her feet and her hair in a ponytail.

She might look different from night and day, but her tongue hadn’t changed.

“You’ll always be spoiled,” Kyle said. “Even a brat. And we know you’re the queen because we’ve called you that before. Not sure why you’re denying it now.”

She crossed her arms. “I don’t want Van to think I’m too much to handle.”

Everyone broke out laughing. “I’m pretty sure I know what I’m getting with you,” he said. “I would have been long gone by now if I couldn’t handle it.”

“I’m not sure I like that smirk. Part of me doesn’t want to be handled, but the other part is happy you can do it. And because I’m confused, I think we need to change the subject. Hadley, how are you feeling?”

“I feel great,” Hadley said. “Not even like I’m pregnant.”

“That’s wonderful,” Karen said. “I was the same way with these two. Are you going to find out the baby’s gender?”

“Of course she is,” Kelsey said. “Duke would want to be prepared.”

“Yes,” Hadley said. “Duke was the first one to bring it up. I don’t mind either way. It’s a surprise whenever you find out.”

“I’m going to start buying things the minute I know,” Kelsey said.

“So am I,” Karen said.

“Women,” Kyle said to him. “My girls, they love to shop.”

“I buy what I need,” Van said. “I’m pretty basic.”

“Says the guy with a massive house and a wine cellar that will take me years to get through.”

“I doubt years,” he said. “You’ve put away three bottles already.”

“Kelsey!” Kyle said. “Barry has been filling that cellar for years.”

“Hey,” she said. “It’s not my fault. Van brings up a bottle whenever I’m there. I don’t drink it all in one night. Don’t get me in trouble, Van.”

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