“You're gonna break something, Plum,” Abby tells her.
Thankfully, my parents have a pretty big living room. But Plumisgoing to break something, I can tell. Abby's eyes widen as Plum does a somersault.
Reuben lifts her up in the air, throwing her over her shoulder. “That is enough, you crazy animal,” he tells his daughter. “Dinner almost ready? This monkey needs a banana or something,” he says to Mom, walking toward the kitchen.
“When did she learn to somersault?” I ask Abby.
“She’s been coming to my studio. Pretty cute, right? The five-year-old class is adorable.”
“Dinner’s ready,” Dad calls. “Your favorite, Lemon. Extra capers.” My dad carries a platter of chicken piccata and pasta to the big table in the dining room where everyone finds a seat.
“Thanks, Dad,” I say, coming up beside him.
“For what?” he asks. “I didn't do any of this; it’s all your mother's work.”
“I was gonna say thank you for giving me the week off. I know it's a lot to ask for.”
Dad smiles, putting the platter down. Then he wraps an arm around my shoulder. “You never ask for anything. You work way too many hours in that office. You need time off. Besides, you've gotten us more work this year than we've had in a decade. I don't know what you're doing to get so many clients but it's magic. So you need a break. And we have enough work as it is.”
Everyone sits at the table, napkins moving to laps. “So, when are you and Fig leaving for your flight, Mom?” I ask.
Fig grins. “We’re leaving tomorrow at 8 am for our flight at four. Ireallyneed to stop at a mall to grab a few things.”
Mom rolls her eyes. “We do not need to go shopping before we go to California, Fig.”
Fig smirks. “I know but—”
“No buts,” Mom says. “We’re not going shopping before we go on a vacation. It’s just not happening. Your dad and I will check the itinerary tonight.”
I smile. “Well, I’m leaving bright and early, too, for the lake house.”
Dad makes sure everyone has a beverage before raising a glass. “Speaking of your birthday trip, let’s make a toast to our Lemon.”
I feel heat rise to my cheeks as I look around the table at my family.
Everyone is being so kind and warm, and I appreciate that no one’s making any jabs.
“To Lemon,” Dad says. “For being so loyal, committed, and putting her family first.”
“Thanks, Dad.”
Graham grins. “Yeah. And maybe this year you’ll find yourself a husband.”
I frown. “I don't need a man,” I say.
Graham looks over at Mac, my youngest brother, and grins. “Sure you don't.”
Mom gives them both a pointed look. “Boys, don't start. You're the reason she doesn't have a boyfriend in the first place.”
All the boys start laughing at that.
“It's not funny,” Fig says.
“You're only saying that,” Rye says, “because you're scared.”
“Yeah right,” Fig tosses back. “I'm not scared of anything.”
“Well, you should be,” Bartlett adds. “You should be scared because you're never going to fall in love. Not in this town. There's no man here good enough for either of you.”