“I was getting there, you big baby.” Snow laughs, swatting his arm playfully. “You’ll be an awesome dad.”
“Hear that?” Memphis grins at Ever, hiking a thumb at his chest. “Awesome Dad.”
“I heard. Now, get me food, Mr. Awesomeness,” Ever tells him, and he leads her away to a table, Timber and Dayton following.
“I like your family,” Afton says, crossing his arms as he leans against the front porch railing.
“Thank you,” I tell him. “You’ll meet my brother tomorrow.”
“Real brother?” he asks, curiosity lacing his tone.
“Yes. He raised Timber for me. Long story. The others were chosen. Some I’ve known all their lives, like Ralston, Linc’s dad. And I’ve known Skye and Linc most of their lives, as well as Memphis.”
“Perks of living in a small town.” Afton shifts to the side, studying everyone.
“If you stay, you’ll get used to it,” I tell him, shutting off the grill.
Snow approaches us, tapping me on the shoulder. “Your steak is probably cold.”
“I can warm it up inside for you.” I meet Afton’s eyes to gauge his mood.
“Please.” He follows me and Snow into the kitchen.
I take his plate from him. “I’ll put it in the oven to warm for a bit.”
“You didn’t eat,” he observes, stuffing his hands in his pockets.
“Snow picks all day when we cook,” I say, winking at her. “I’ll eat when everyone leaves.”
“Can you put this in the fridge for later and I’ll eat with you?”
“Umm, yeah, sure.” I wrap it and place it in the fridge.
“You aren’t out there with your family?” Afton addresses Snow.
“It gets overwhelming for me,” she admits, staring at her hands for a moment.
“She’s working on it, though.” I rub a few soothing circles along her back, hoping it helps.
“What do you do while waiting for them to leave?” he asks us.
“Honestly, we take a nap.” Snow shrugs, glancing at me with something that seems like desire in her eyes. That’s if I’m reading her right, and I usually do.
“Let’s take a nap then.” Afton gestures to the stairs.
“I get the soft pillow.” Snow takes off running, racing us to my room.
“I don’t know why she’s running—all the pillows are soft.” I snort and follow, with Afton on my heels.
This should feel like cheating, but it doesn’t. It’s a nap. And, London left.
Is he even coming back?