“That’s funny,” Parker replied.
“You know you’re supposed to actually laugh if something is funny.” I stood from the couch to get my bunny head.
“That was me laughing. Besides, it wasn’t that funny.” Parker picked up the bunny head first.
“Where is our Mia?” I asked, looking toward the hallway. “We love you, little brother, but we like her better.”
“Love you, too, big brother.” Parker placed the bunny head on me. “It’s a good look for you.”
“Where is everyone?” Mia called out.
“Ah, that has to be Mia in the foyer talking.” I pushed Parker out of the way.
As if on cue, Mia rounded the corner and walked through the door with her guests in tow.
“Hey guys, I’d like you to meet my wonderful baby sister, Chloe, and my very special and favorite niece, Sophie. They’re visiting us from Down Under for a few weeks. I hope you don’t mind.”
Wow!was all I could think when Chloe stepped into the room next to Mia.
They were almost twins. Her hair was different than Mia’s. It was still a warm blonde, but instead of the long, lush hair Mia had, Chloe’s was a thick, full, blonde bob just above her shoulders. Otherwise, she was Mia but not Mia. They were almost twins. She stood there, shy and smiling.
“Welcome,” Mom stood, “come on in.”
I regained my composure, happy to have a bunny head on to cover the jaw drop at the sight of Chloe. I slowly passed by my mother and whispered, “you owe me for this, Mother.”
I could hear her soft laughter as I moved closer to Mia and her niece Sophie.
Chapter 2
Chloe
“Crickey, Mia. Seriously with this house?”
I knew the Hawthorne family was beyond rich and definitely powerful, but Mia had insisted they were all down to earth and great. I hadn’t believed her, but then she’d brought Parker to Australia to meet Sophie. Parker didn’t hesitate to step in on her treatment after her heart surgery. He was so kind and patient, explaining it all. I liked him right away.
“Is this foyer an indication of what the rest of it looks like? Because if so, I’m seriously underdressed.” I straightened my jacket and tried smoothing out wrinkles from being in the car too long. “You could have told me to dress better.”
“Oh, don’t believe the John Dory in those magazines,” Mia scoffed. “Where is everyone?”
“I’ve read things about them. I should have known better.” Chloe fussed with her shirt.
“Knock it off. That suit looks amazing on you and very schmick,” Mia scolded. “Let’s go inside and meet everyone.”
“Mummy, are we going to sleep in this hotel tonight?” Sophie squeezed my hand tight. “Is Aunt Mia staying here too?”
“Baby girl, this is not a hotel. It’s the home of Uncle Parker’s family.” I squatted down to look her in the eyes. “I need you to be a good girl and be very polite, okay?”
“Chloe, she’s always polite. Stop worrying so much and trust me.” Mia put her purse on a side table. “Let’s go meet the Hawthornes. They’ve been waiting to meet my family.”
Before walking into Hawthorne Manor, I’d expected to feel overwhelmed and nervous to meet the famous Hawthorne Family, but all of my nervousness washed away within minutes of meeting them. Their smiles were so warm and welcoming.
“This is my wonderful baby sister, Chloe, and my very special, favorite niece Sophie.” Mia introduced us to the room. “They’re here visiting for a few weeks.”
My eyes went immediately to a giant bunny standing in the center of the room. I hadn’t expected them to do anything special for us, but a giant bunny was probably not the norm in this house.
“Chloe, this is the Hawthorne Family.” Mia gestured around the room. “I’ll let you all exchange names on your own.”
“Good arvo,” I said, so low it was almost a whisper.