Page 139 of Sin With Me

“Daddy said if I say anyphing he will phake away myiPad.”

“Don’t you know that Auntie Emma would give you our secret one?” I patted my over-sized purse.

“But Auntie Emma’s not at my home and I can’t use it if youw not phere.”

“What if we find a secret place to hide it in yourroom?”

“And what if I take away your gadgets, too?” Julian’s deeper voice sounded.

Shit!

“I didn’t say anyphing,” Jack said defensively, before running into the house.

“I’m not five anymore, Julian.”

“You sure act like it sometimes.”

“That’s because you choose to see me as a child.” I rolled my eyes and pushed past him, desperately trying to find one of my sister-in-laws who I knew would save me from Julian’s grilling.

“Don’t roll your eyes, Emma,” I heard behindme.

“Hi Mom, hi Dad,” I hugged my parents. “What’s with the mid-week dinner?”

“Ask your brothers. They set itup.”

Great! I should have known.

I made my way over to hug Kendra and Allie, both of whom sported seven-month tummies. “Please tell me you’re going on a vacation somewhere and taking my brothers away withyou.”

“Oh Emma, I’m so sorry they’re over-protective,” Alliesaid.

“Believe us, we feel your pain,” Kendra added.

“I wish they could fixate on something else. Where are Raleigh andAmme?”

“They’re in the family room,” Alliesaid.

“I’m just gonna sayhi.”

I hurried over to the couch, where my niece and nephew were sitting, listening to music with earphones glued on. I removed one ear-bud from each child’s ear and stuck my head between theirs so they could hearme.

“I need double agents. Find out what this dinner is about, and I’ll add an extra ten for each of you.” I placed a five-dollar bill in the hands of each twin. Next to Jack, they were clever little spies, just as I’d been at their age. And they could work their parents better than anyone.

Raleigh and Amme shot off the couch and went two different ways, so nonchalantly and without drawing attention I could swear they were professionals.

“Emma, stop bribing your niece and nephew, and for once act yourage.”

“I’m not the one organizing family dinners mid-week. What’s this, an intervention of some sort? What are you up to?” I asked Tristan, resting my hands on myhips.

My brother came closer and took me into his arms. The gesture was so welcome. I hated how much I loved it when he hugged me with so much care. He held me like that for a moment before whispering, “There’s no intervention, Emma. But your instinct is, as always, spot on. There is something we need to talk to you about. We love you more than you know, and I’m sorry we gave you such shitty cases that made you question everything inlife.”

Julian’s voice sounded from behind, and Tristan let go of me. “We should have realized sooner that dealing with cheaters on a daily basis could have consequences. I just hope you haven’t lost faith and hope and trust. And perhaps this new case you’re being so secretive about will bring some of that back. Maybe it will open your heart to new possibilities, so that you can finally grieve properly and moveon.”

My heart ached. Julian and Tristan knew how much I’d loved David, and how I never spoke about him. I couldn’t. Letting go wasn’t something I wanted to do – notyet.

“Thank you. I really appreciate that. But to call a family meeting mid-week…”

Julian led me toward the dining room as he continued. “You’re flying out in less than forty-eight hours, aren’t you? We couldn’t wait until the weekend, and wanted to get to know the man you’ll be stayingwith.”

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