“So are these all cousins?” I point to the nearest group.
“No. They’re adopted Bennetts.”
”What?” I chuckle.
“Friends of ours. From college or high school. They like to stick around, because we’re a cool bunch.”
I wonder if I can apply to become an adopted Bennett. I’d totally do it. After drinking a third glass of Mrs. Bennett’s wonderful lemonade, I need to pee badly.
“Where are the restrooms?” I ask.
Sebastian gives me precise instructions before leaving to find Summer, and I hurry across the garden and inside the house.
The interior of the house is pleasantly cool. With my bladder threatening to explode, I don’t pay much attention to anything until I get to the bathroom. After I exit, I take my time to look around. The house is decorated with dark furniture with a reddish tint, and paintings hang on almost every wall. It looks cozy and warm, exactly the way I always imagined a home should.
I’m inspecting one of the paintings—with kittens and a dress—when Mrs. Bennett appears at my side.
“Are you enjoying the party, dear?” she asks.
“Yes. There are so many of you, though.”
“I miss those days, having the kids home. They visit often, but it’s not the same. We’ve been blessed with great children.”
“You are,” I agree, hoping the jealousy isn’t too thick in my voice.
“Family is the most important thing. Other things come and go, but family stays.”
“I suppose so.” Upon seeing her confused glance, I add, “I don’t have any family left.”
“You poor thing.”
“I’m quite self-sufficient,” I assure her.
She rolls her eyes. “I can understand why Sebastian took a liking to you. My son likes to think he’s self-sufficient too.”
I don’t hide my surprise. “But he’s got all of you.”
“Ah, yes, but my son feels responsible for us. He’s so adamant to look after everyone around him.” She’s right. I remember all the times he’s done little, nice things for me. “He doesn’t look after himself anymore. Even after all these years, after he gave us all of this, he still doesn’t let himself relax and enjoy life. Though I hear this has started to change with your arrival.”
Heat rises in my cheeks. “Well, I wouldn’t say it’s on my behalf.”
“A little bird told me he took you on a tour of the city.”
I grin. “He did.”
“Any more tours planned?”
I open my mouth, then clamp it shut. Now I see what Sebastian meant about his mother’s ability to make one talk. I decide to keep it vague. “There’s nothing planned.”
Mrs. Bennett looks at me suspiciously. “You’re welcome in our home whenever you want. To tell you a secret, I always wished to have more daughters. Alas, I only got three. And six boys. They drove me mad.”
“I can imagine.”
“I can’t wait for them to get married and give me grandkids. The house will be full again.”
I laugh softly, following her dreamy gaze to one of the paintings.
“That’s a beautiful painting.”