Page 150 of Unraveling Rain
“Hi, Mama. I’m sorry I didn’t give you more warning, but what I have to say is important.”
I hug her, and she studies me with worried eyes.
“Everything is okay, Joss. Rain is a strong woman,” Xander says.
Mama smiles, but it doesn’t quite reach her eyes.
“I’ll bake the biscuits I prepped last night. Why don’t you cook the eggs and the hashbrowns, and I’ll take care of the bacon? Xander, could you cut up some fruit?”
He nods and heads to the sinks to wash his hands.
I take a deep breath and start pulling out all the ingredients. I need something to focus on while we wait.
One by one, my siblings arrive. My heart thunders in my chest, and my hands are cold and clammy. I’m a mess.
“You got this,” Xander whispers as we fill our plates and sit at the table. “I’m with you every step of the way.”
“Looks like we’ll have to invest in a bigger table,” River says, taking Merlin’s spot so Xander can sit beside me.
I mouththank you, and he nods.
“Maybe that’s something I can build,” Miles says. “By the time all of us find our forever person, there’ll be twelve adults at this table—and if everyone keeps popping out twins…”
Ruin punches him playfully in the arm.
“Maybe I should build a twenty-seater to be safe.”
Mama’s eyes light up.
“Give us an estimate first. We might have to go with a more affordable option,” River says.
Everyone laughs as Miles tries to toss a biscuit at him, but River catches it mid-air and takes a bite.
“No horseplay at the dining table,” Mama warns, her voice slipping into full-on Mama tone.
Feeling a little lighter after watching my siblings banter, I take a deep breath.
“As all of you know, Xander and I hit it off soon after we met. These past couple of months have been nothing short of amazing.”
I glance at him. He’s smiling, and I’m so grateful I have his support.
I’m about to continue when Granny cuts in.
“I called it. These two are waiting on the stork to deliver their bundle of joy.”
The table lights up with smiles and surprised looks.
I raise my hand, palm out.
“Granny, I love your candor, but this isn’t that. I really need you all to listen, please.”
She nods, lips pressed tight, and the mood shifts.
“As amazing as this time with Xander has been, it’s also brought unexpected consequences. He’s a public figure, anda video of us went viral after a yoga class. And someone from my past saw it.”
The room quiets. Ruin stills. She knows what’s coming.
“This person hurt me many years ago. I’d made peace with it, moved on—thanks in large part to Xander.”
