“Jeez, Kels, he’s just going down the street,” Chase teases. “And as he said, most of those boxes were never even unpacked.”
“I know. I know. Ignore me; I’m just a big—”
“Softie?” Finn interrupts his sister by using her own words against her.
Kels sticks her tongue out at Finn, and he does it back.
“Real mature, guys.” Chase laughs. The banter between the three of them reminds me of our little group. “Now come on, let’s go get your shit.”
I begin to rise to follow them, and Finn spins around, holding his hand up, stopping me. “Oh no, babe, you and Kelsey stay down here. Chase and I have it.”
Why is he acting weird? Is there something in his room that he doesn’t want me to see? Is he going to hide porn or something? I shake off the odd feeling as he leans over and kisses my cheek, and he and Chase walk up the stairs but stop when he notices Kelsey take a seat next to Liam and me on the couch. “Umm, you two behave, okay?”
I smile big while Kelsey dramatically holds her hand to her chest. “Who, us? Of course we will.” She then winks and waves him off.
“Are you sure you’re okay about this?” I ask nervously. I don’t know why I ask it like that. Finn is an adult and doesn’t need his sister’s permission, but does she think we’re moving too fast? I haven’t even told my siblings yet. I know that Finn being here has helped Kelsey a lot around the house when Chase is at work, and I don’t want her to think I’m taking that away from her.
She places her hand on my leg. “Lauren, I am so happy for you two for this. If two people deserve a second chance, it’s you and my brother. I know I don’t have to tell you how much he really missed you and beat himself up over losing you.” I gulp loudly, wanting to fight the emotion. What is it about the Reynolds siblings that bring out the emotions in me? “But he loves you, Lauren, don’t you ever doubt it. And we love you too. I hope one day we get to welcome you officially into the family and get you one of those of your own.” She nods toward Liam, who is now playing with my necklace.
I look down at Liam and smile. Married with a house full of kids sounds perfect to me, but for now, I will settle for this. We haven’t even talked about that stuff since being back together. Honestly, as much as I love Finn, I’m not in a rush. I am just savoring this time with him. “Maybe one day.”
Less than an hour later, we’re unloading the last of the boxes in the living room. “Wow, you weren’t kidding that you hadn’t unpacked most of your stuff.”
Finn shrugs, looking the boxes over. “I guess I just always knew I was meant to live somewhere else permanently.” I walk over and grab his hand, linking our fingers. “What are you doing?”
I give him a sly smile as I begin to lead him toward the stairs. I have other plans for us tonight.
“Come on, we can unpack these tomorrow, but tonight I want to welcome you home properly.”
When there’s a knock at the door, I hop up from the couch. Lauren is still upstairs in the shower. My sweatpants hang low on my hips. I look around for a shirt but come up empty. Whatever.
I open the door to find Kyler and Dani standing there, having a quiet conversation.
“Do you typically answer the door shirtless?” Kyler asks, quirking an eyebrow at my lack of clothes.
Dani coughs beside him. “Now, I feel like that’s the pot calling the kettle black.” She gives him a strange look that I’m a little confused about, but he just shrugs her off.
“That was different. That was my house.”
I don’t miss the way he says “my,” so I interject. “And this is mine.” I like the way that sounds—mine and Lauren’s house.
Both of their heads turn quickly to me. I hope neither got whiplash from that movement.
I smile sheepishly, and it’s my turn to shrug. Oops, maybe Lauren wanted to be the one to tell him that I moved in. It all happened pretty fast, not that I regret a single moment of it.
“I’m sorry. Come again?” Kyler’s eyes widen, ready to jump out of his head.
I open the door farther and extend my hand for them to enter. They walk by me just as Lauren is walking down the stairs pulling her wet hair up. “Hey, baby, I invited my siblings over tonight. They should be here soon.” Yeah, a little heads-up would have been nice.
“Oh, hey, guys, you’re here already.” She smiles when she sees part of the Lawson clan standing with me.
She pulls her sister-in-law into an embrace and rests her hand on Dani’s stomach before moving on to hug her brother. I swear Dani’s belly gets bigger every time I see her. I keep forgetting that there are two babies in there.
Lauren joins me by my side and wraps her arms around my naked waist. I don’t miss the way she eyes my torso up and down, clearly enjoying her view. She then turns her attention from me to Dani and Kyler, amused by the looks on their faces. I can’t hide my smile—one, because of Lauren’s proximity, but two, because Kyler seems to be somewhat confused that he was left out of the loop.
Kyler crosses his arms over his chest and puts his shoulders back. Wow, it’s like he’s channeling Kate or something. “Well, Griffin here—” Kyler extends his hand in my direction.
Lauren twists and looks up at me, mouthing, “Griffin?” along with a goofy face. I have to cover my teeth with my lips to hide my laughter. I must really be in trouble if I’m getting the full first-name treatment.