Page 132

There are countless photos of Lexi performing throughout the year, along with high school and college graduation photos. I notice the sparkle in her eye and the happiness on her face, which is the same one I witness when she looks at me. Her brothers have just as many photos hung too. I can tell their parents are very proud.
“Come on. Let’s get this over with, please,” she urges, pulling me away.
When we enter the dining room, connected to the kitchen, her brothers put their forks down and stare at me. Then, they stand, and I realize they’re both an inch taller and stacked with muscles. I’m not sure why I expected anything else.
Lexi instantly smiles and gives them both tight hugs.
“You stink,” she tells one.
“What’re you doing here?” the other asks.
“Surprise! I wanted you to meet my boyfriend,” she says. “This is Easton Calloway.”
Immediately, her brothers grin. I slightly relax.
“Must be serious if you both came all this way. I’m Brett,” the one with dark hair says.
I take his hand, and we exchange an aggressive, firm handshake.
“I’m Chris,” the blond says, nearly crushing my hand next.
I give him the same pressure but with a straight face. I’m immune to intimidation; however, the message is heard.
They return to their seats and their plates.
Lexi’s mother tells us to sit. “Oh, and my name is Melissa, but everyone calls me Mom, especially the man my daughter will marry.”
Both of her brothers stop chewing and glance at each other.
“What the fuck?” Brett asks.
Lexi holds up her hands as she pulls out her chair. “Don’t.”
“Are you pregnant?” Chris asks.
“No. Now, stop. Seriously. I’m nearly thirty years old, and I don’t need this bullshit.”
“Can we watch our language?” Her mother’s voice is stern, but it softens. “Are you two hungry?”
“No thanks,” Lexi says as her brothers continue arguing.
An ear-piercing whistle fills the room and everyone stops.
“I am getting married to this man, eventually. So, for once, can you please be happy for me and not ruin this? It’s a moment I’ve been looking forward to since I was a little girl. I don’t care about your opinions because this is whatIwant. You should be thrilled I even came here to introduce you. If it wasn’t for Easton insisting we visit Valentine, you’d have gotten a FaceTime call.”
It’s silent for a few seconds.
I know how much truth is intertwined in her words.
“I miss Dad. He’s the only one who would understand,” she says, her voice cracking.
I grab her hand and squeeze it.
“We all miss your father.” Her mother clears her throat, then moves to the fridge. She grabs two glasses from the cabinet and fills them with tea. “I’m happy you’re here, sweetie. I knew this day would come, and I can tell you two care about each other.”
She sets the glasses before us and gives her sons a stern look. “Behave and remember your manners.”
I can feel the tension building in the room, but it doesn’t bother me.