Page 97 of Above All Else

She dipped her spoon into the cardamom, sugar, and rice concoction. “This...” she pointed to the bowl with her spoon and her mouth half full, “this is amazing. I need to make it.”

James chuckled. Placing coffee cups in front of everyone, I poured half a cup into each and then took my seat.

“You know. This reminds me of my grandmama’s rice pudding, but she’d put raisins inside.” Susan ate another spoonful.

I cocked my head to the side. “Is that right?”

Is this my life now?

Domesticated with family gatherings...

A warmth flooded my chest as I stared at the filled table, June’s laughter bubbling up as I rinsed a plate in the sink. It opened a window I hadn’t seen before, a possibility that once seemed elusive.

A full family.

June stood up from the table and made her way to the kitchen sink, and I stood, following her, my need evident against my pants. She dipped her dish in the warm water with a smile radiating across her face.

“What’s that smile for?” Heat blazed across my hands as I rinsed the dirty dishes and loaded them into the dishwasher.

She shrugged—blush striking her cheeks. “I wonder why?”

I raised a brow and flicked my sudsy fingers at her, sprinkling her in the face.

June’s mouth hung open, her body frozen, her eyes pinched closed.

“I think I know.” I leaned into her and blew a bubble off her forehead, and then grabbed her hand and pressed it against my erection.

Her eyes fluttered open and dropped to my crotch, grinning. “Rude.” Her fingers squeezed me gently as her other hand cupped into the dishwater and tossed it my way.

Warm water soaked into my button-down shirt, dripped onto the floor and down my stomach, seeping into my waistband, her hand pulling from mine. “Now you’ve done it.”

June squealed and ran as though recreating our savage triste in the woods. She paused behind her dad, her hands braced against his shoulders.

“What in the world is going on?” Mom’s wide eyes flashed at me in my periphery while I focused on June’s swaying body.

Which way is she going to go?

“He started it, Linda.”

“Oh, what lies.”

June dropped to all fours below view, the table giving her the perfect cover.

“Don’t believe a word she says, Mom. I’minnocent.”

“HA.” June’s voice trailed from the end of the table, and I bolted, my heart racing in my chest.

She popped up like a rabbit from a hole right into my arms, and I snagged her. Squealing like a helpless schoolgirl, I wrapped my arms around her waist, lifted her off her feet, and dragged her into the living room.

“I give in.” She heaved against me. Her legs punting against my shins. “Carter. I give up.”

“Not that easily.” I dropped her onto the couch and climbed on top of her, my fingers digging into her soft flesh and wiggling them around.

“Is this normal? I’ve never seen him act this way?” Susan asked.

“No. No.” She squirmed with ear-piercing, barking laughter. “I give. I give.” Her face turned crimson as she fought for breath.

“Alright, you two. I never thought I’d have to break up something like this between a couple.” Mom stood with her hands on her hips. “Give the girl a rest. She’s going to burst a blood vessel.”

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