Page 48 of Into the Shadows

“Aha!” Caro points her finger at him. “You did it on purpose.”

He rolls his eyes. “Of course, I did. They weren’t even loaded. I just got out a polishing rag and pretended like I was doing something very serious.” He mimics a stern expression as if he’s focusing on something of consequence.

“As much as it drove me crazy, I am glad you weeded out the idiots. I learned how to spot them a mile away in college,” I tell him.

“And now look at you. You’ve found a solid man who wouldn’t flinch if I was posturing at him.”

I turn to Teddy. His cheeks have a slight blush blooming, and I’m pretty sure I saw a flash of pride in his eyes. I grab his hand that’s resting on his knee. Tonight has been even better than I ever imagined.

Mom made her famous lasagna with cheesy garlic bread. Teddy and Dad had a silent competition of who could eat more of it, with Teddy winning by one piece of bread. They were laughing at each other by the end of it. It made me all gooey inside.

“Who’s ready for dessert?” Mom asks, grabbing our plates from the table.

Caroline’s and my childhood art still hangs on the walls of the dining room, Caro’s being leaps and bounds better than mine. She always had an eye for it, and now she sells her art around the world for mind-boggling amounts.

Teddy stands to help clear the table, the rest of us following his lead. When Mom pulls out an ice cream cake, Caroline loses it. She makes grabby hands at the dessert while snapping her jaw as if she’s taking large bites out of the air.

“How did you know I’ve been craaaaaving this?”

Mom laughs at her outlandish behavior. “I didn’t even know you were coming home, lovie. I made this for Teddy.”

Caroline grabs the dish and pulls it to her chest. Her glare could stop a grown man in his tracks, and it does. Teddy freezes in place as if he’s not sure what to do. “Mine.”

“You will share,” I tell her, pointing my finger.

“Mooooom. Lottie’s being mean.”

“You won’t get any, Caroline Amelia, if you continue acting like a brat.” Dad frowns at her.

I put my hands on my hips and smirk at her. She sticks her tongue out at me in return.

Mom shoos Caro away from the dessert while I look for Teddy. He’s standing by the dining room table, watching my family as if we’re a zoo exhibit.

I slide next to him, my arm wrapping around his waist. He gazes down at me with a sort of puzzled look on his face.

“Are you okay?”

“Yeah, just… I’ve never seen a family like yours before.”

I grimace. “We’re a little much. And a lot crazy. I hope we didn’t overwhelm you or anything.”

He laughs and shakes his head. “No, not at all. I like it.” My eyes close when he kisses my forehead. Happiness bubbles in my stomach. I never let myself hope for this. As much as I dreamed of finding a man to bring home, I didn’t think it would happen any time soon.

“Awwww. Aren’t they so cute?” Caroline squeals. She has her hands clasped under her chin as she bats her eyelashes.

“Do you need some love, too?” I ask her with my arms stretched out.

She straightens. “No, I’m good.”

I step toward her. “Are you sure?”

“Stay away!” She holds her hands out in a stop gesture. I ignore it and chase after her into the living room, tackling her onto the couch and squeezing the life out of her. We both fall into a fit of giggles while we share a cuddle.

Mom laughs in the background, telling Teddy to ignore our antics.

“I’m really happy for you, Lottie.” Caro’s tone turns serious. “You deserve to find the kind of love Mom and Dad have.”

“So do you,” I remind her.

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