Page 101 of Shelter from the Storm

Theo smiled at her, lifting her hand up to kiss. “I’m thankful for Nora’s OCD.”

While most of his family gave him curious, confused looks, he, Gretchen, and Nora laughed.

“Because without her compulsions?—”

“Quirks,” Nora interjected with a grin. “We’re calling them quirks now.”

“Without her quirks, I never would have scheduled a fifth interview, never would have met you,” he said to Gretchen. Leaning closer, he whispered, “I love you.”

From there, Maverick went next, but Theo heard very little of the rest of the thank-yous, soaking in the way Gretchen leaned toward him, her hand resting on his knee.

After nearly two hours at the table, they finally rose, everyone pitching in with cleanup.

“I’ve never been this full in my life,” Grayson groaned. “Why is Mom’s gravy so damn good, and why do I feel the need to cover my entire plate in it?”

Theo tried to laugh, but he was feeling the same pain.

Once the dishes were done, the leftovers packed up and distributed, Edith reached for her purse and jacket.

“Manny and I are going to head home,” she said to Theo, Gretchen, and Shaw.

“Aw,” Remi complained, walking up behind them. “We were going to play Charades.”

“I can drive you two home after the game,” Theo offered Gretchen and Shaw, not wanting to say good night to her yet. The hopeful look Gretchen gave her brother proved she felt the same.

Shaw bent toward her, giving her a kiss on the forehead. “My jet lag is kicking in hard. I’ll ride back with Edith.”

“Oh,” Gretchen said. “I can go too, then.”

Shaw shook his head. “Don’t cut your night short because of me. My only plan is to fall face down on the bed and sleep until morning, so stay here and have fun.”

“Are you sure?” Gretchen asked.

“We have the rest of the weekend to hang out and catch up,” her brother reassured her. “Theo can bring you home later.”

Theo didn’t state that his idea of “later” was actually tomorrow morning. He missed sharing a bed with Gretchen, and he was hoping to convince her to sleep over. Their cabin was still empty until the New Year.

“Okay.” Shaw and Gretchen hugged goodbye.

Shaw gave Theo a look he easily interpreted.

“Let me walk them out, and I’ll meet you in the living room,” Theo said to Gretchen.

She shot her brother a warning glance that Shaw completely ignored, then went to the living room with Remi.

“Catch you on the flipside, Hotshot,” Remi said to Shaw as she walked away.

Shaw shook his head, the combination grimace/grin most people wore when dealing with Remi appearing.

Edith and Manny were loading the car with leftovers and her now-empty casserole dish, chatting with his parents, when Theo and Shaw stepped out on the front porch.

“Thank you again for the invitation to dinner,” Shaw said, turning to face him.

“I’m glad you could make it. Not sure Gretchen’s feet are touching the ground yet. Having you here meant the world to her.”

Shaw acknowledged that with a brief nod, then he looked back at the house when loud laughter erupted from the living room. “I think this is a good place for her. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen her so…”

Theo expected Shaw to say happy.

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