Page 36 of Bound By Love

“They’ve been looking forward to meeting you, and my brothers will be there too. I talk about you all the time.”

Her older brothers will be there too? This might turn out to be a riveting evening.

Three words came to mind as I watched Brea interact with her parents: love, fun, and respect. They chatted playfully, and no one was snarky. Love abounded in this home. It reminded me of my childhood. It was the kind of environment I wanted for my baby.

“Well, let’s eat.” Mrs. Watson directed us to the kitchen table. “Derek texted he and Owen are running late.”

I took a seat beside Brea. Dinner was served family style, and the simplicity and hominess appealed to me. Whenever I had dinner with Will’s family, a servant had presented a plate to each of us. It didn’t bother me. I rather enjoyed it. I liked being pampered and had embraced the luxurious lifestyle that one day I’d believed would be my future after we married—sans the servants. I enjoyed cooking and didn’t need servers, but I did appreciate our cleaning service immensely.

Stupid fantasies.

“How are you liking Spokane?” Mr. Watson asked before biting into a breadstick.

“So far, I like it. I’m enjoying watching the leaves change.”

“Oh, we should go to Green Bluff next month.” Brea clapped excitedly. “There are pumpkin patches, and apple orchards, and kettle corn.”

“Oh yes. Green Bluff would be lots of fun,” Mrs. Watson said with a kind smile.

“It sounds wonderful. I’ve never been to a pumpkin patch before.”

“Seriously? We are so going.” Brea nudged me playfully.

“Where did you move in from?” Mr. Watson asked.

“Um…” I couldn’t lie. Not to these lovely people. “California.” I smiled, lifting a glass of water to my lips.

“Oh, which part?” Mrs. Watson asked.

“Southern California.”

“Spokane is really different then,” Brea said.

“Mmhmm.” I nodded.

“What brought you up north?” Mr. Watson reached for another breadstick, and I hadn’t even tasted mine.

“Just looking for a change.” I shoved a bite of lasagna into my mouth, a little larger than I’d usually do. I didn’t want to be able to talk for several seconds.

I was relieved when Mr. Watson changed the subject and talked about the Seahawks playing the 49ers tomorrow afternoon. Football wasn’t anything I was interested in, but I’d happily listen, nod, and make little noises to show interest if it meant the spotlight was off me.

We’d been eating a short while when two men entered the kitchen. Both were tall with muscular physiques. I immediately felt unnerved.

“It smells delicious in here as always, Mom,” one of the men said, kissing Mrs. Watson on the forehead. The other said nothing but kissed her as well. The quiet one sat in front of me, and the other across from Brea.

“Owen and Derek, this is my new manager, Anna Gordon. She just moved here from California. Anna, my brothers.” Brea smiled proudly.

I flitted my eyes from one man to the other, issuing a small friendly smile. Derek, across from me, dropped his gaze to his empty plate.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Anna,” Owen said. He must be the talkative one. “How do you like Spokane?”

Great, here we go again…

Derek didn’t show any interest as he focused on filling his plate. It surprised me, given how talkative the rest of the family seemed to be. I guessed he was an introvert.

“I like it. I’m not much of a cold-weather person, so I’m a little worried. Probably more about driving in the snow and all the hills here on the South Hill. Then again, my house isn’t too far from Radiance. I can just walk.” I shrugged a shoulder.

All eyes were on me. Well, except for Derek’s. I felt like an idiot. Me and my damn mouth, always rambling on when nervous.

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