Total pages in book: 58
Estimated words: 56256 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 281(@200wpm)___ 225(@250wpm)___ 188(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 56256 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 281(@200wpm)___ 225(@250wpm)___ 188(@300wpm)
Unfortunately, she left and I’ve been lying in bed reliving the last few days, with a smile on my face.
My phone disrupts my thoughts and I sigh, grabbing it off the nightstand.
Paxton: Sunday dinner at Mom and Dad’s. Everyone must be there.
Brock: Aren’t we always there?
Paxton: Check the text, dipshit. There are others included.
I never turn down an invite to an Atwood Sunday dinner.
Tripp: Who else is included? I don’t have the numbers saved.
Paxton: That means you don’t need to have them saved.
Anya: Why are my friends invited?
My heart races as she replies. Her friends? I know we’re keeping this a secret but damn that word friend hurts.
Paxton: Lake is my friend who happens to be dating your friend.
I shake my head, feeling like a fool. Of course she’s not talking about me. I’m Callum’s friend, not hers.
Shepherd: Obviously I’ll be there.
Lake: Willow has told me about these dinners and I’m excited and nervous to be there. Thanks for the invite, I think.
Paxton: You haven’t lived until you’ve experienced an Atwood Sunday dinner.
Brock: Millie, are you coming?
Hartford: Maybe you should’ve texted that to her in private, haha.
Tripp: Millie? From the bookstore? Why?
Paxton: Tripp, don't be an asshole. Millie and Hartford are friends and Brock is dating her. You’d know this stuff if you were around a little more.
Anya: He was just asking, no need to get upset. Seems like everyone will be there, sounds like a fun day.
Callum: Do Mom and Dad know you’ve invited a house full?
Paxton: No, I thought we’d surprise them and not have enough food for everyone.
Hartford: Paxton, stop. Yes, of course they know.
Shepherd: I’m bringing extra beer.
Do you want me to make anything?
Callum: Do you want to piss off my mom?
Anya: Why are all my brothers such assholes all the time? A simple, no thanks, would’ve been great.
I chuckle, loving how Anya comes to my defense.
I leave that group message and pull up Anya’s name.
It’s hot seeing you get defensive.
Anya: LOL they just need to chill out.
This is going to be the first time we’re around everyone. You gonna be able to keep your hands off me?
Anya: You might want to worry about that because I’m not going to be wearing panties.
I will fuck you in the bathroom with no regrets. Don’t tease me.
Anya: I guess you won’t know if I’m teasing or not. See you later ;)
This is going to be a long night.
Chapter 19
Anya
I wake up bright and early on Sunday morning to help my mother prepare all of the food for dinner. The sun is just starting to rise, casting a warm, golden glow through the kitchen windows. Last night, my mother and I stayed up super late making chocolates just for today. The kitchen still carries the sweet, lingering aroma of melted chocolate, and there are trays of beautifully crafted truffles and bonbons arranged on the counter.
As we chop vegetables and season the roast, the room fills with the comforting sounds of sizzling pans and the rhythmic chop of knives. I ask my mother why we are going all out, but she just smiles, her eyes twinkling with a hint of mischief, and says, "No reason." Her cryptic response only piques my curiosity further.
Tripp stumbles into the kitchen a while later, and gives our mother a peck on the cheek. “Smells good,” he mumbles, and it’s apparent he’s had a rough night.
“Tripp, be a dear and help your father get the sleeve for the table. We’ve got a full house tonight,” my mother says.
“I still don’t know why we’ve invited so many people,” Tripp says, heading out of the kitchen most likely in search of our father to help him set up the dining room.
“Our home is always open,” she hollers after him.
I smile as I continue to chop the carrots. “Does he seem a lot more angry lately?”
My mother opens the oven to check on the roast. “He’s dealing with something.” She shuts the oven. “I just wish he’d tell somebody what that thing is.”
I nod. “Griffin agreed to talk to him.”
My mother beams. “Griffin is such a good man.”
I try not to look too affected by her words. Like we haven’t seen each other naked. “Sure,” I say, absentmindedly. “He’s nice.”
My mother’s obviously not buying it, but she doesn’t press the matter for which I’m thankful for. “Hartford and Paxton should be here soon.” My mother appears almost giddy at the idea of them showing up.
I park a hand on my hip. “What’s really going on?”
My mother can’t contain her excitement. “I’m not telling you much, all I know is Hartford and Paxton have an announcement.”
My heart picks up in my chest. “You think Paxton proposed?”
My mother swats me with a towel. “I don’t know. Hopefully it’s that and not him telling us he knocked her up.”
I laugh lightly. “It’s not like Hartford is some one-night stand. He loves her. They obviously belong together.” I’m so happy for my brother.