Page 46 of All Along

“I can cover you while you flee.”

She’s cute. She thinks she can cover me. I kiss her nose. “I’m staying. Being around my family doesn’t make me as anxious as crowds do.”

It costs me to admit to the weakness but Maya’s smile makes it worthwhile. “If you get panicky, give me a signal.”

“Panicky? A signal?”

“Tug on your ear three times and I’ll whisk you away.”

I chuckle. My Maya is cute and adorable. Have I mentioned what an idiot I was for staying away from her?

“I knew it!” Willow shouts.

“Knew what?” I ask as we step onto the porch.

“You two are a couple.”

My brow wrinkles. “Of course, we’re a couple. We had dinner together for you to meet her.”

Abigail rolls her eyes. “You were faking it. We all knew it.”

“You did?” Maya asks. “How?”

Clara sighs. “I’m glad you’re not faking it now. You two are adorable together.”

“Can you imagine how their babies will look?” Eliza asks. “They’ll be beautiful.”

“B-b-babies?” Maya asks. Her grip on my hand tightens.

“Now, you’ve done it.” Willow frowns. “You’re scaring her.”

“I’m sorry,” Eliza says. “I didn’t mean to scare you.”

“I’m not scared,” Maya claims.

Abigail points to my hand. “Which is why big brother no longer has any blood circulating in his hand.”

Maya glances down at our hands. When she notices mine is white, she releases it and steps back. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean…”

I wrap an arm around her. “You can’t hurt me, Maya.”

She narrows her eyes at me. “Are you saying I’m a wimp? I’ll have you know I took self-defense classes in college.”

I kiss her hair. “I’ve officially been warned, Bunny.”

Clara claps. “He calls her bunny.”

“I warned you my sisters are troublemakers.”

Maya giggles. “I can handle troublemakers. Have you met my friends?”

“Come inside and shut the door! There’s no need to warm the outside,” Dad yells and Maya jumps.

I frown down at her. “Are you sure you’re okay? We can go back home.”

“I’m okay.” Her wide eyes and soft voice contradict her words but I don’t get a chance to question her further before Mom arrives.

“Come in. Come in.” Mom herds everyone inside. “What’s this I hear about the two of you being a couple?”

---