Page 39 of Someday You Learn

“Then where’s your ring?” she asks smugly, pleased with herself and reminding me more and more of slimy Seth the longer we sit here.

“I proposed on a whim. We’re picking one out this week,” I say casually, even though the one I have in my pocket will be on Cashlynn’s finger before the night’s over. “Anyway, how’s business, Penn?” I ask, trying to get the focus off of me and Cashlynn.

Mybrother wipes his mouth with his napkin. “Couldn’t be better.”

“What is it that you do?” Cashlynn asks.

“I’m a contractor. Mostly, I flip houses and turn them into rental properties.”

Cashlynn leans forward in her seat, eyes lighting up. “So you know your way around a hammer and some nails?”

Everyone around the table chuckles. “You could say that.”

“Then apparently, I’m marrying into the right family. I might just need your services soon.”

Penn nods. “I’m sure we could work something out. What do you need?”

“Well, I’m not exactly sure yet, but I have a business venture I’m pursuing. Once I find the right space, I’m sure I’m going to need some renovations.”

Willow pipes up. “A business venture? Do tell.”

“I was actually going to suggest you talk to Willow about your plans, babe,” I say to Cashlynn, reaching my arm around her shoulders and stroking her skin as if I do it all the time.

Babe? Where the hell did that come from?

My sister’s eyes dart to my hand and then back to me, a hint of intrigue on her face. I slowly drop my arm and return back to my plate.

Cashlynn turns to face me. “Really?”

“Yeah. She owns her own advertising business, so I’m sure she could give you some advice.”

Willow chimes in, “Let’s talk after dinner. I want to hear all about your plans.”

“I would love that, thank you.”

The rest of dinner is filled with updates on everyone’s lives, including making some last minute decisions for Dallas and Willow’s baby shower next month.

Once the plates are cleared, my mom stands up and claps her hands. “Who wants s’mores?”

The kids cheer, and then my mom turns to Cashlynn. “Would you mind helping me grab the supplies?”

“Of course,” Cashlynn says, rising from her chair.

Hazel hangs back with me to help clean up while everyone else heads outside to the deck, gathering around the propane fire pit. By the time my mom and Cashlynn join them with the graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate, the laughter is already in full swing.

I’m standing at the sink, washing the dishes as I stare out the window that overlooks the backyard, observing my family all smiling and laughing, looking perfectly content in their lives while mine feels like it’s unraveling, one lie at a time.

“So,” my sister says, breaking my thoughts, “are you ready to tell me what the hell is going on?”

I stare down at the dishes, scrubbing the same pot for another minute. “What do you mean?”

She places her hand on my shoulder. “Give me more credit please, Parker. You expect me to believe that you’re engaged to Dr. O’Neil’s daughter when none of us even knew you were seeing anyone?”

Damn. I should have known that Hazel wouldn’t buy it.

“We told you. It was long distance.”

Hazel huffs out a laugh. “You must think I’m stupid.”

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