Page 66 of The Forbidden Note

“Why are you staring at me like that?” Marian asks, picking up a spatula. Suddenly, her smile falls. “Ya’ll aren’t the type that don’t eat breakfast, are you? Oh no. And I made so much food.”

“I’m hungry,” Finn says, taking a seat.

“Me too.”

Marian smiles and throws her arms around me again.

I stumble back, shocked. Our family isn’t the affectionate type. Growing up, we spent more time with nannies than with mom and dad, and there was always a certain distance kept by the help. Love isn’t something we express out in the open.

That’s not to say mom doesn’t love us.

She does.

In her own way.

But she doesn’t dole out hugs like coupons at the local supermarket.

“Sorry.” Marian eases back. “I’ve just… always wanted a full house. And when Jarod told me he had three sons, well, I instantly imagined us all living under one roof and being a big happy family.”

My eyes connect with Finn’s. Big, happy family is a phrase that could never describe the Cross dynamic.

“I’m so glad you guys decided to move in.”

“Thanks for having us,” I say since Finn is being moodily silent.

Marian glances past us to the door. “Is Dutch coming?”

“Not today.”

“Oh.” Her lips curl down in disappointment.

Dutch is bringing Cadey and Viola to live with him. To say he had to drag Cadey there is putting it lightly. She complained that the villa was too big for three people, but when Dutch pointed out that the three of us lived there without complaint, she gave in.

The last we saw of the newlyweds, they were scowling at each other and then, a minute later, Dutch was carting her off to his room, where we heard loud moans rattling the walls. I have no idea how those two find butting heads so appealing. Just watching them toss insults back and forth exhausts me.

At least, Viola seemed oblivious.

‘I can’t believe I get a bathroom to myself!’she shrieked as I brought her bags in from the car. She was setting up her makeup when we left, but there’s no guarantee she’ll always be that distracted.

I make a mental note to tell Dutch to either be quieter or soundproof his walls.

Seeing my twin with his family today made it all seem pretty freaking clear to me.

Dutch is moving on with his life.

He’s still here.

He’s still a part of us.

But things are different.

And I don’t know how I feel about that.

“Alright, that’s enough yapping from me.” Marian claps her hands. “Finn, what will you have? I didn’t know what ya’ll liked so I made a bit of everything.”

While Finn starts filling his plate, I point upstairs. “I’ll put these bags away.”

“Of course, of course.” Marian waves me up. “You can have your pick of the rooms. This house is too big anyway. I begged Gracie to move in with me, so it’ll be the four of us. And Jarod when he’s not on tour.”