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“We really appreciate it,” she told Laura.“I'll be in touch.”
Lauren nodded, ever the professional, and took her leave.
“Since this ended early, how about I take you out to lunch?”Lux asked.
“Only if it's at the diner,” I said, knowing Bella was probably waiting for us at home.
“Deal.”She was about to pull me away but paused when she caught sight of Lucas.He was standing not too far away from us.“Yes, you can come too.Family lunch.”
A blinding smile spread across his face.
“Let's go get our girl, hm?”Lucas asked.“I need to hear the newest school gossip.It’s like a soap opera I can’t get enough of.”
Lux laughed.“She's already waiting outside for us.”
Over the last year, Lucas had become closer with all of us.It was awkward at first—and a bit painful if I was being honest—but slowly he began to warm up to us.To the idea of me and Lux.
And, of course, to Bella.No one could resist her for long, but especially Lucas.She became the little sister he never had, and she helped him explore his inner child.The one that had been forced to grow up too fast after our parents’ death.
Playdates.Arts and crafts.He did it all, any chance he got.He even bought matching aprons for when they took baking lessons from Gina.
It was everything I could have asked for and more.
Sure enough, Marci was waiting with a very impatient Bella.Lux met her first, trying to coax her back into the car, as Lucas came to my side, nudging my arm with his.
I looked up at him with a raised brow.
“This looks good on you,” he said, side-eyeing me.
“What?”I asked and looked down on my bland court clothes, which consisted of a cardigan and a white blouse.
“Don't be stupid,” he said with a huff.“Happiness.It looks good on you.”
The air rushed out of my lungs, and I looked back at Lux and Bella, who were bickering playfully.
Warmth blossomed in my chest.
“So cheesy,” I teased, leaning against him.“I didn't know you had it in you.”
He cleared his throat and pushed me away.
“I am human, you know?I’m allowed to care about my sister.”There was a small smile on his face.“Just make sure I'm the best man at the wedding.”
Heat sprouted all over my body, and I struggled for a reply, but he was already gone and dipping into the car before I could stop him.Bella went in with him, and Lux was just… there.
She was always there.Wanting me.Loving me.And now waiting for me with a smile so wide it had to hurt her cheeks.
She held out a hand for me.
“Coming, Angel?”
Butterflies unleashed in my stomach.
This is what love is supposed to feel like.
I giggled as I placed my hands in hers.
“Yes, sir.”