His mom gave him a hug and said, “See you downstairs.”
Chandler used the bathroom, brushed his teeth, and splashed on some cologne. He headed down the stairs to find most of the family assembled outside on Papa’s back patio overlooking the lake. It was chilly even in early September in the mountains with the sun already down at seven, but it would’ve been too crowded inside, even though each of their houses were spacious.
A cheer went up. “Chandler!”
Family members surged toward him. Besides his cousin Maddie being off on some assignment, only his brother Greer, his cousin Alivia, and her fiancé Klein were gone. They were on guard duty until Thor, Esther, and her boyfriend Sheriff Reed went to relieve them after they ate dinner and had their meeting. Greer’s new wife Emery was there too. They’d eloped shortly after Thor and Shelly’s wedding. Nobody was surprised Greer opted for no fuss with his wedding, though their mom had been a little disappointed.
Emery was adorable and happy as ever. Chandler got hugs from everyone and was thrilled to see them all but itching to get to Kylee’s side. She was seated at the outside dining table with a full plate in front of her, talking to Shelly and Melene.
Apparently he’d missed the prayer as everyone was either already eating or busy assembling their hamburgers and piling salads and side dishes on their plates. His family knew how to cook and enjoy delicious food.
Chandler took a plate and a long hug from Aunt Holly, laughing at her comment of, “Wow, you just get more handsome every time I see you.”
If only Kylee agreed.
“And you get more beautiful,” he told his aunt.
“Oh, go on, you.” She pushed a hand at him but beamed all the same.
He hurried to get salad, salsa, and chips and pile toppings on his hamburger bun, then went to see Papa at the grill for a double cheeseburger, bacon, and grilled onions. “Thanks, Papa.”
“Of course.” Papa stopped him with a hand on his arm and a serious look. “I have an idea of what exactly needs to happen, but … I’m not sure about Kylee being involved.”
Chandler’s stomach turned over. That meant they were considering sending Kylee into extreme danger. He suddenly wasn’t as hungry as he’d thought.
“It will have to be her choice,” Papa said, his blue eyes somber.
“She’s too brave to tell you no.” Chandler wanted her to say no to whatever they were scheming.
“We’ll see. She’s the only clear option we can see.” He was obviously struggling with his idea but knew it needed to happen.
Papa turned back to flipping hamburgers and Chandler wandered past. His neck prickled and his insides felt tied in knots. He didn’t want Kylee anywhere close to danger. Yet if she could prevent nuclear winter and World War III, how could he selfishly keep her sheltered in his arms?
He walked up to where she was sitting on the end of a patio table. She smiled up at him, but it seemed guarded. Was she remembering how she’d pulled away from their almost-kiss? Did she even want to be in his arms?
Melene was seated between Kylee and Aiden. She pushed at Aiden. “Scoot down so Chandler can fit.”
“He can sit on the ground,” Aiden groused, but he moved over at her request. Chandler didn’t know that any of his brothers could tell their better halves no.
“Thank you, Melene.” Chandler slid in next to Kylee. They were pressed tight. He liked it. Her arm and leg pressed against his while he tried to eat the messy hamburger and tease with his siblings and laugh at Shelly’s funny quips. Kylee was wearing a long, fitted knit dress that hugged her curves. His mom had done well finding her clothes.
The happy atmosphere and Kylee’s warmth and appeal almost made him forget about the danger that was pressing in on their family, the secret, and most especially on Kylee. Why did she have to be related to that awful Olivet Seamons? Why was she the only option Papa could see? Any of the well-trained Delta family members would happily go into danger, especially if it kept Kylee safe and stopped Frederick.
Kylee didn’t say much during the meal, mostly observed and laughed. She didn’t seem detached, but he could sense the huge family and his loud, obnoxious brothers overwhelmed her a little. Her grandpa and grandma were her only family, and they’d betrayed her. He knew she had no siblings, but did she not have any cousins either? That would be rough.
He looked around at his family. They were loud, intense, and sometimes too much but they were also loyal, fun, talented, hard-working, and he loved each of them deeply. His only regret playing professional lacrosse was missing out on times like these. Not being here enough for the people he loved.
As if Kylee sensed his gaze, she leaned closer to him and said, “You’re very lucky. Your family is the best.”
He looked down at her. As always, her dark eyes captivated him. “They are,” he agreed. “You know who else is the best?”
She smiled sweetly up at him and his heart rate picked up. Maybe he did have a chance with her. “Who’s that?”
“Thor!” Thor called from across the table. “The leader of the universe. That’s who’s the best.” He stood and punched a fist in the air, then brought it to his chest.
Chandler shook his head. Leave it to his annoying brother to interrupt their moment.
Thor winked at him. “Sorry, bro. When you set me up for a slam dunk, I have to swing at it.”