Thomas turns to her with a smile. “You must be Adeline, Cora’s sister. I’ve heard a lot about you.”
Adeline smiles and offers him her hand. She’s smitten. I don’t blame her. When Thomas turns on the charm, he’s irresistible. Unless, like me, you know the real Thomas. Then resisting becomes easier.
“I hope all of it was good. And you are?”
“Thomas. Doctor Clarkson.” He takes her hand.
Adeline is impressed. “Welcome to our mother’s home, Doctor Clarkson.” She turns to me, and I know exactly what she’s wondering. How did I ever hook up with a doctor?
People in my family have this thing they don’t go to the trouble of hiding, where they are sure that gym owners have nothing between the ears. So what would a doctor and I have to say to each other?
“He was just dropping me off,” I quickly interject. “Didn’t you say you had to go somewhere?” I stare at him pointedly.
Thomas flashes me a smile. “No way. I’ve texted to cancel. I can’t miss a chance to meet your family, darling. Besides, we have to tell them the news together.”
“News?” Adeline says.
“Mom! You left us!”
My nephews come tearing past us and run to the house. John Mathews joins us on the path, looking harassed. Adeline introduces him to Thomas, and we all move toward the front door, which the boys have left open and swinging on its hinges.
I lag behind, hoping that Thomas does too. He doesn’t and keeps up a conversation with John. I’m going to kill him. You can’t force your way into a family dinner.
We all burst into the house at the same time and find my mom hugging my nephews in the living room. Caleb, Laura, and their little girl Kelsie are already there. Hugs are exchanged all around, and Adeline takes it upon herself to introduce Thomas.
I hug the twins and Kelsie a little tighter than normal. I can’t wait until I give them a little cousin. All along, I feel Thomas’s glance on me, and I do my best not to look at him.
I was so distracted by Thomas that I had not noticed my mom. My jaw drops when I take in her hair. She has dyed it a bright screaming strawberry blonde. Adeline notices it at the same time.
“I love your hair, Mom,” she says.
“So do I,” Laura, Caleb’s wife says.
Caleb and I exchange a look, and then he shrugs and looks away.
“Dinner is ready; let’s all go to the dining room,” Mom says, a grin splitting her face.
I relax then as it dawns on me that we, her family, give her the most joy, but now we’re adults and have our own lives. If dyeing her hair makes her happy, then so be it.
The adults troop to the dining room while the kids are shepherded to a small adjoining room that acts as their little dining room. I help my mom carry dinner to the table.
“Smells delicious,” I say, peering into one of the dishes.
“I get so excited when you’re all coming for dinner that I tend to go overboard,” Mom says. She’s cooked roast potatoes, grilled chicken, pot roast, and a variety of vegetables.
My stomach growls. I’m so hungry; I can’t wait to sit down and sample the food. Laura and Adeline come in to help too, and in minutes, we are all settled around the dining table.
“We’re all surprised by you,” Adeline says, addressing Thomas. “We’ve never heard any mention of you.”
My sister has no filter. What her brain thinks is what comes out of her mouth.
“That’s because I keep my private life private.” I glare at her hoping to shut her up.
“No, you don’t,” Adeline says.
“She does, and I should know,” Thomas says.
“Did I hear someone say you’re a doctor?” Caleb asks. “What’s your specialty?”
“Caleb is an ER doctor,” Adeline tells Thomas. She’s appointed herself his tour guide to navigate dinner. A dinner that he was not invited to.
My brother and Thomas engage in a discussion regarding the state of the county hospitals.
I stuff myself, which turns out to be a huge mistake. I start to feel as if there are men playing baseball in my tummy. I sit back in my chair, hoping the extra space will make me feel better. It doesn’t. Without warning, the dinner I’ve just eaten heaves in my belly. I push my chair back, jump to my feet and run out of the dining room.
I make it to the toilet just in time. As I’m heaving, someone enters the bathroom, rubs my back, and holds my hair back. It doesn’t take long to figure out that it’s Thomas.
Even after flushing the toilet, it still stinks, and I’m sure that my face is pink with embarrassment. Thomas helps me to the sink, and I feel marginally better after brushing my teeth and washing my face. I make a mental note never to throw away the spare toothbrush I keep in my mother’s bathroom.