Page 98 of Delinquent Daddy (Banks/Kincaid Family 2)

Lincoln Kincaid seemed equally pleased to meet her. "It's an honor to officially meet you, Ellie," he said, looking like the patriarch he was. He had pitch-black hair and tanned skin.

There was just something about him that screamed money and power. But he certainly didn't act like any famous, retired astronaut she'd seen on television. As soon as Diane stopped hugging her, he stepped forward for his turn. Enveloped in another hug, Ellie had to bite back the urge to cry.

Why in God's name were they hugging her like she was a long-lost daughter? She wasn't with Boston anymore. In fact, she'd lied to him and kept his child from him. By rights, these people should hate her.

Not hug her.

As if sensing her slipping control, Boston put a hand on her back. His solid, protective presence, however, only made everything that much harder to handle.

"Is it time to eat yet?" he asked loudly to the room in general. "I'm starving."

His question turned out to be the tension-breaker Ellie needed. Within minutes, people had stepped away from her and given her the space she'd been craving. Food was serious business in this family, she soon learned. The room shifted toward the two long tables that were set out and piled with tasty delights, from turkey to ham, stuffing, vegetables, mashed potatoes, gravy, and so much more. Then to add to that, there was a smaller table set up to the side holding desserts.

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Delinquent Daddy

by Linda Kage

Ellie glanced around for Cassidy, but when she spotted her daughter, the girl was ensconced by other children her age and didn't look to want or need Ellie around. To her relief, Helena once again appeared at her side and hooked their arms together, escorting her into line behind the others.

Helena chatted about motherhood until it was their turn at the three-table buffet, where they dished up their meal.

"Let's go sit over by Cheyenne," Helena said, leading the way. "You remember being introduced to Cheyenne, right?"

"Ah..." No.

But that question had obviously been rhetorical too. Ellie meekly followed Boston's sister and eased into a seat next to Helena, who sat across from Cheyenne.

"Try the cheesy hash browns." Cheyenne moaned as she broke a roll in half and coated it with butter. "They're divine."

"Already on it," Helena answered, picking up a fork and diving in.

For a moment, Ellie could only watch the two women tuck into their meals like a pair of hearty athletes. Boston's family was so different from what she'd expected. They were so...normal.

Hesitating briefly, she tasted a small mouthful of the potatoes Cheyenne had recommended. As the flavor melted against her tongue, she almost moaned in delight. Within seconds, she was diving in as energetically as Helena and Cheyenne.

"Beware of the yams," Cameron advised as he plopped a plate down at the end of the table and seated himself. "Livy made them."

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Delinquent Daddy

by Linda Kage

"Hey," his wife snapped, slipping into the seat adjacent his. "I think they turned out great."

There was only one other chair left at their table, directly next to her, and Ellie had a sinking sensation she knew exactly who was going to fill it.

"Yeah, but great in your cooking world is when you manage not to burn a Caesar salad," Cameron told Olivia with an ornery grin.

"Oh, that's it," Olivia snapped, reaching for his plate. "You can't have any of my yams."

"Hey, woman," he yelped, blocking his plate with his forearm. "Keep your hands off my food."

"No yams for you," she said determinedly.

Ellie was so busy watching them wrestle for the yams, she didn't even notice Boston's arrival until he settled into the chair next to her and said, "I bet Olivia will let me eat her yams." He sent Cameron a taunting smirk as he scooped up a spoonful and filled his mouth.

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