“I—well—it’s—” Matt doesn’t really wait for a response. He holds my newborn nephew out, and it’s either grab him or let him drop. The unfamiliar weight of a miniature human settles in my arms. I clutch Matthew closer to my chest, terrified I’m going to drop him. He appears unconcerned about that outcome, blinking up at me innocently as he waves his little hands about. I gaze down at him. I should probably say Wow, he looks just like you! but to be honest, I can’t distinguish any familial features in his smooth skin. He yawns, and then brown eyes shutter shut. “Um, he seems tired?” I say.

“Wow, he hardly ever falls asleep while he’s being held,” Hallie comments, coming up beside me. “You must be losing your touch, Saylor.”

“Hilarious,” I respond. “I’ll inform all the other infants I hold.”

Matt takes Matthew and transfers him to a small cradle tucked in a corner of the room. Matt’s parents and brother have risen from the table to greet me, and I try not to yank my hand away when his brother’s handshake lasts twice as long as his parents’ did.

“I’ll get the couch made up for you as soon as I get these groceries put away,” Hallie tells me, unloading the paper sacks.

“Oh, Saylor should take the guest bedroom,” Matt’s mother says.

“No, it’s fine,” I say, because what else can I say? Actually yes, I’d love to have four walls enclosing my sleeping space that aren’t part of a communal area. Hallie would kill me. “I’m going to go for a run.”

Hallie eyes me. “I thought you went for one this morning.”

“I did, but I’m missing practice today,” I reply.

“Mind if I join you?” Jackson asks, rising from the table and shooting me a grin. “I need to get in shape for lacrosse.”

“I’m not sure if that’s the best idea,” Hallie says.

“How come?” Jackson asks.

“Don’t you run far?” Hallie asks me.

I shrug. Truthfully, I know what she’s getting at. Jackson has a skinny, lithe frame, but it’s absent of muscle. I’d be shocked if he’s in shape enough to jog more than a couple miles. I can’t recall the last time I ran less than five, but I’ve been inside this house for about ten minutes, and he’s spent eight of them leering at my legs. Shredding male egos is my favorite hobby. If it keeps him from bothering me the rest of the weekend, that’s just a cherry on top.

Hallie sighs. “Have fun.”

I’m already wearing my standard athletic apparel and sneakers. “Ready?” I ask Jackson, pulling my hair up in a bun.

“Yeah, sure,” he replies with overdone casualness.