Page 181 of His Reckoning

“You’ve been standing there, staring at me for a full minute.”

I rub the back of my neck. “Family dinner.”

Her hands pause over the keyboard. “Oh.”

The reaction is subtle, but I catch it.

“You wanna come again?” I ask.

She raises an eyebrow. “Won’t that invite questions?”

“I can handle questions.”

Her lips curve slowly. “You like me.”

I don’t answer because the answer is far more complicated than I’m ready to admit.

“I’m not going to beg.”

She laughs. “Fine. I’d love to come. I’ll go get changed.”

* * *

An hour later, we’re walking into my parents’ house. The smell of cheese and homemade pasta hits immediately.

Voices echo through the kitchen. Someone is laughing at the same time others are arguing about something.

Typical Sunday.

Brooklyn spots us. “Well, look who decided to show up.”

Kayla laughs. “Well, last time, I ate the best food I’ve ever had.”

“That’s the right motivation,” Brooklyn says, already pulling her toward the table.

Within minutes, Kayla is sitting between Hudson and Livia, like she’s always been part of the chaos.

Cole starts telling a story about a disaster in the restaurant kitchen earlier that week. Hudson interrupts halfway through.Brooklyn argues with both of them. Kayla jumps into the conversation easily, laughing and asking questions. Teasing Hudson about his terrible storytelling.

I lean back in my chair and watch. Something strange happens.

I notice that she fits completely.

My mom slides another plate toward her, like she’s feeding a daughter instead of a guest.

Brooklyn has already turned her chair sideways so they can talk easier.

Even my dad is smiling at something Kayla says about restaurant customers.

No awkwardness or distance. It’s like she belongs here. The realization sits heavy in my chest.

Cole notices where I’m looking. His gaze follows mine across the table.

Then he grins. “Oh, he’s screwed.”

I glance at him. “What?”

Hudson laughs. “You like her.”