Page 23 of Love at First Write

“I don’t know about that. I’m more the destruction guy,” Ethan says.

“Hush, unless you want baby brother here to stay.”

“Uh, don’t call me that,” Payton says, and I half expect him to kick his boot against the floor.

“I’ll send a text to the family too so you’re off the hook. Go back to school.” Then I look at Ethan. “Payton goes to college in Houston. That’s why he was the closest.”

Payton nods. “Yeah, well nice to meet you, man. I might need to pretend this didn’t happen so maybe we can meet again when you’re not naked in the bed with my sister.”

Ethan laughs. “Fair enough.”

My brother leaves, and I immediately go grab my phone. Sure enough, my family has blown it up with the family chat but also personal texts. I ignore the personal and go straight to the family.

PAYTON: She’s fine.

PAYTON: Safe or whatever.

PAYTON: Not alone tho. She’s here with some jacked up, tatted dude.

ADDISON: You shut your face right now!

MOM: I need more information, please.

HENRY: Evidently Payton found Kels with a guy.

DAD: She is a legal adult.

OLIVER: Can we just not with the family chat. It’s too early in the morning for this.

ADDISON: Pictures!!! Must have!

Ethan wraps his arms around me from behind, putting his head on my shoulder. “You smell good,” he says.

I turn in his arms to look up at his handsome face. “I might as well rip off the band-aid now rather than later,” I say. “My family is bat shit crazy. You want me, you get them too.”

He swallows hard. “I’ve never had a family,” he says, his voice catching. “I mean other than my SEAL brothers.”

I don’t say anything, just listen and wait for him to say what he needs to say.

“Always wanted one though. A big one. I used to love watching those old television shows like The Waltons and The Brady Bunch because they had these big families.”

I ignore the tears wetting my cheeks, but I do allow myself to wrap my arms around him a little tighter.

“You would be enough for me, Kelsie. But to be able to share your family.” His voice catches again. “I don’t even know how to say thank you for that. I hope they like me.”

“They’re going to love you. Just like I do.”

He takes my phone, then holds it out in front of us. “Smile, beautiful.”

He snaps a picture, then sends it to the group chat.

ME: Hi, I’m Ethan. I’m in love with your daughter/sister.

ADDISON: OMG!

ADDISON: He is pure fire. Girl! Where did you find him?

ADDISON: Seriously. You’ve been holding out on me. We’re sisters, Kels.