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I let her go reluctantly and sat up. My phone chimed, and I picked it just as the bathroom door closed shut behind her. I saw several texts, most from my family. I groaned, remembering the family picnic was today, and I’d stupidly agreed to go this year.
Gianni: Did you ask her?
Zoey: Hey, I like your girl. Ask her to the picnic!
Dragging a hand down my face, I considered the idea. Gianni had been nagging me all week, and Zoey had hinted at it. I’d been noncommittal.
Tina slipped out of the door behind me, buttoning my dress shirt from the previous night. I cocked a brow at her. “Stealing my clothes?”
She stuck her tongue out at me. “You fled with me and wouldn’t let me return home to get spare clothes. It’s only fair. Formal gowns aren’t exactly comfy to sleep inorlounge around in.”
“Since I’ve never worn one, I submit to your superior knowledge.” I glanced at my phone once more, eyed the message from Zoey, then looked at Tina. “Are you doing anything today?”
As she dropped into a nearby armchair, she shrugged. “I was hoping you would order room service for us. I’m starving. Besides that, I have no other plans.”
“I guess I can feed you since Ifledwith you.” I searched for a menu. “If you want to order two breakfasts—just whatever you’re in the mood for—I’ll feed you.”
I leaned back onto my elbows as I watched her think. Her expressive face was one I could see myself watching, with pleasure, for years to come.
I wondered where that thought had come from, even as I was thinking it.
Years?
I didn’t doyearswith relationships.
“You want to go to a family picnic with me?”
Her head jerked up, eyes locking on mine. “What?”
“A family picnic. Gianni mentioned it, and I thought you might have fun.” Keeping my voice casual, I added, “I already agreed to go, so I can’t back out. But if you’re there, it won’t be so bad.”
“You make it sound like you’re walking the plank.”
“Big family things aren’t my style.” I grimaced. “And considering how many siblings I have, all family events are a big thing.”
She cocked a brow.
But I didn’t elaborate.
After a few more seconds of study, Tina’s lips curved. “I’d love to go.”
* * *
“You weren’t kidding….”
Tina sounded a bit overwhelmed after Scot left us to grab another beer.
We found some chairs, and I waited for her to take a seat before I asked, “About?”
“What you said this morning—how every family gathering is a big deal.” She looked out over the sea of people gathered on my father’s huge, park-like lawn.
So far, she’d only met the twins, Rosie and Sienna, and their older brother, Parker, plus Scot. She already knew Zoey and Gianni, but I figured I’d give her a break before introducing her to anybody else just yet. Sometimes, even I got overwhelmed, and I’d known most of these people for twenty years now.
“They can be intimidating,” I said softly.
“They’ve all been nice.” Tina offered a smile as she tucked her hair back. “It’s just….”
She waved a hand at the crowd. “There’sso many. How does your dad keep everybody straight? Birthdays? And…”