Chapter Thirty-One
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
Weston
" D o you have everything?" I ask Melanie as we get into my truck.
"Yeah," she replies, looking around her. "I got the dessert. Which I don't really feel qualified to bring since Val's bringing a dessert. And Gabby too, but... it's what was asked of me. And I grabbed the game to play."
In the past two months, we've really found our footing. And today is family dinner. She's never been to one, and I'm excited to introduce her to the tradition.
"I'm nervous," she admits, wiping her palms against her leggings.
"I understand. Almost everyone is the first time they come. But it's really laid back. Just know that there are some babies there. And there are some pregnant women, as you know. And it gets a little loud, especially when we play the game."
She cuts her eyes over to me. "What, y'all are competitive? Say less."
I flip her the finger playfully. She likes it when I got a little spicy.
When we pull up, we're one of the last ones to get here, so we have to park on the street. It rained last night, and there were puddles everywhere. I get out, but before I shut the door, I look over at her pointedly. "Don't touch that damn door."
She gives me an impish grin as I jog over to her side, open her door and hold my hand out to her.
"Come on, hop over," I tell her so she could avoid the puddles.
"Are you sure you can catch me?" she giggles.
I level her with a gaze and flatten my lips into a straight line. Lowering my voice, I say, "Did I not catch you last night? Do I not hold you up against the wall every time I fuck you? I think you're fine. Don't worry about how strong I am when it comes to you. You're never going to fall with me."
Her cheeks heat, glowing pink, and I love that I can affect her like this. This is everything I've ever wanted.
We hold hands as we walk up to Boone's house. When we enter, the sound of family greets me, and I know that nothing else can ever sound as good as this.
Abel is the first to notice us. “Weston, and Melanie, are here,” he yells, his grin as wide as the Grand Canyon. We haven't been out a huge amount while she's been recovering. His energy, though, is infectious, the chaos in the room momentarily focusing on us as everyone turns to greet the newcomers.
Jasper waves from across the room, holding Ashlynn on his lap while talking to Val, who is proudly showing off her latest cake creation. The warmth and ease among them is palpable, and I can see Melanie visibly relax.
“Welcome to the madness,” Kara jokes, sidling up beside us with Alexis, who is nodding enthusiastically.
“Another brave soul invited into the fold,” Alexis teases, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Better watch out. The food’s just a distraction. The real challenge is surviving the game afterward.”
Melanie laughs, her nervousness evaporating under the comfort of their welcome. “I’ve heard. I brought a game that might spice things up a bit. See how well you all really know each other.”
Boone claps a hand on my shoulder as I slide the dessert onto the table. “Good to see you, Wes. You two hungry?”
“We could eat,” I reply, feeling my stomach grumble at the familiar smells wafting from the kitchen.
Just then, Daisy rushes over. “Did you bring a pie? I was offered pie."
“Not just any pie. Chocolate mousse pie,” I announce, her eyes lighting up at the mention of chocolate.
“Alright, everybody come eat.” Boone calls, herding everyone into the dining room.
We all find our seats around the oversized table that Alexis had convinced Boone was a necessary purchase for occasions just like this. Melanie sits beside me, and I reach out, holding her hand in mine.
As we dig into the meal, stories and laughter bounce off the walls, and Melanie, catching me watching her, leans over. “You didn’t lie. It’s loud, chaotic, and,I have to say, pretty damn wonderful.”
I smile back at her, our fingers finding and tangling together under the table. “Told you,” I whisper.
Barrett lets out a loud chuckle that seems to echo my sentiment. This is exactly where I want to be: wrapped in the comfort of family, surrounded by people I love, sharing it all with Melanie beside me.
For the briefest moment, I close my eyes and just breathe it all in. The scent of warm food, the sound of laughter and clinking cutlery, the feel of Melanie’s hand in mine.
These people are my home.