Page 342 of Redeemed

“Yeah, butafterthat. What if you stayed?”

“We can’t, but we’ll be back. Xander is already planning on another quick trip before Thanksgiving.”

“Good. Dad is happier when you guys are here.” She grins. “And so am I.”

I smile back. “I think we all are.”

When we head back outside with everything we need, Colton has gotten up from the picnic blanket and is on the patio. He drops a kiss to the top of my head and steals the paper plates from my hand.

“I’ve got it, angel. You relax.”

I know better than to fight him. The boys still barely let me do any housework at home, and apparently that extends to trips, too. It’s sweet of them, and it makes me feel understood.

Since I don’t have anything to do, I take everyone in. I’ll always love my mother and siblings, and one day I hope to get my brothers and sisters out of Cornerstone, butthisis my family. They’ve supported me at every turn, especially the boys.

Even Phil and Rachel seem to be protective of me. Just yesterday, when Rachel had friends over, one of the girls asked me why my hair was different lengths. Rachel got so mad that I had to step in and calm her down.

My focus turns to Lucas just as he pulls Xander into his side. His expression turns sincere as he whispers something I can’t make out.

A smile takes over Xander’s face, one that shows every little thing he’s feeling. “Love you, too, Ace.”

Lucas kisses him, and while it’s only for a split second, I know the weight it holds for both of them. They’ve been through hell and back for each other, but it’s only brought them closer. Everything they do for each other is intentional.

When the food is ready, we all sit at the table. There’s no prayer before we eat, and there’s no parent scolding us for using incomplete sentences. I can relax and laugh as loudly as I want.

And when it’s time to clean up, the boys insist on doing all the work while Rachel, Phil, and I build a fire. Apparently, it’s a requirement in the Eldridge family to have s’mores whenever they have a cookout.

Xander makes mine for me because I’m too afraid of burning my marshmallow, and I have to wash my hands after I finish eating because my hands are too sticky.

“How was your first-ever s’more?” Xander asks when I come back out.

“Perfect.” I kiss him. “You should make me another.”

He grins. “Your wish is my command, doll.”

Lucas pulls me into his lap, and I sigh happily. This is the perfect end to the perfect day.

“All right,” Phil says, glancing at Rachel. “It’s time for you to go to bed, kiddo.”

“What?” she exclaims. “But it’s only eight-thirty!”

“And you’ve got a big day tomorrow. You need to rest so you can spend all day running from one roller coaster to the next.”

We offered to take Rachel to a nearby amusement park tomorrow. I’m a little nervous—I’ve never been to an amusement park before—but mostly, I’m excited.

“If you go to bed now,” Colton says, “then tomorrow will get here faster.”

“Hmm.” Rachel frowns, thinking. “I suppose that’s a good point.”

“Besides, we’re just gonna hang out and talk,” Xander adds. “You’ll be bored to death.”

“Aww, but can’t we watch a movie or something? Please, Daddy? I can fall asleep while we’re watching it so I’ll still go to bed early!”

“Yeah, I’ve fallen for that trick one too many times.” Phil stands. “Let’s go, hon.”

With a dramatic sigh, Rachel gets up from her camping chair and begrudgingly drags herself inside. Phil follows with an amused smile.

“All right, we’re moving,” Xander says as he gets to his feet. “I love s’mores, but it’s way too hot out to be sitting around a fire.”

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