Page 145 of Until I Have You

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Bonnie’s arrival was timed with her spring break.The three of us have spent two amazing weeks in Ireland together.

During the day, I do work for my fellowship while Theo and Bonnie get to sightsee.In the evenings and weekends, we are like a family.

No.We are a family.And in moments, I think I don’t need my dad.I don’t need my family.I have the one I’m building right here.My mom, too, of course.

She’s taken an immediate shine to Bonnie.And likes to give Theo a hard time, but all out of love.Because my mother has always trusted my judgment.Always seen me as an independent, powerful person.

Evidently, my mom and Theo get too close because one day, we’re having dinner at the pub, and my mom says, “So, when are you going to talk to your dad?”

I nearly choke on my fish and chips.“Sorry?”

“Theo and I think you should talk to your dad.”

I throw a glare toward Theo.He holds up his hands.“I told her not to say anything.”

“Yes, because you don’t like when he meddles, but I’m your mother, and I think I’ve been very good about not meddling most of your life.”

“Do we have to do this now?”

Mom smiles.“Yes.We do.Because–” She stands up and walks past our table toward the front door of the pub.

I watch her as she goes.The blood drains from my face when I realize who has just walked in.

My dad.AndSonia.Oh my god.”

Theo touches my shoulder.“I promise, I hadnothingto do withthis.”

“She’s ambushing me.”

“What’s ambushing?”Bonnie asks loudly from her spot across the table from us.

Theo and I look at her.“Um…” I try to come up with an answer but run out of time because my mom and dad are standing at the end of the table staring at me.

“Look who it is!”Mom exclaims, patting my dad on the arm.

I don’t say anything, overwhelmed not only by the surprise but also because I haven’t seen my mom and dad standing side by side from this vantage point since I was little.They’ve been cordial as I’ve grown up.After the initial breakup, of course.But never have they been a united, chummy front.

Until now, apparently.

Theo stands from his seat and goes to greet my father.

I want to kiss him for stepping to deal with what I don’t want to.“Good to see you, mate.”Then, he goes to Sonia who is a few steps behind my parents.“And Sonia!Looking well.How are the twins?”

The tone of his voice immediately calms me down.He’s at ease, even if he’s taken off-guard.I can be at ease too.

“You look stressed,” Bonnie whispers to me across the table.

I grimace.“Is it obvious?”

Theo touches the back of my neck, tender and attentive.

“You want me to stay?”he murmurs.

I glance at my dad and Sonia.They both look like puppies with their tails between their legs.As they should.“No, I’ll be fine.”

Theo raises his brows, a silent communication that he’s here for me if I change my mind.He turns his attention to Bonnie.“Bonnie, love, why don’t you and I go check out the jukebox and pick out some songs, hm?”

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