When everyone’s attention has drifted to Callie’s crush from school—which makes Dad’s eyes bulge out of his sockets—I lean toward Wren and whisper, “If you want to go, I really could go with you, you know.”

She frowns. “You’re already coming with me tomorrow. That’s enough.”

Right. Tomorrow. For her yearly appointment with her neurologist.

Last week, when she mentioned it, she tried to sound casual, but it was clear she was dreading it. Her voice even became shaky when I asked her what kind of appointment it was. So, I offered to drive her there. Obviously, she would fight me on this, so I told her I was just worried about her driving if ever it didn’t go well. If I’d told her I only wanted to be there for her, she would have freaked out. She normally would’ve freaked out only with the offer to drive her somewhere, but she didn’t, which gave me an even bigger indication that she needed me there with her.

“So?” I say, nudging her thigh with my knee under the table. “I don’t mind.”

“You don’t have to.”

“I know. But I want to. Big difference.” To be frank, I don’t care one bit about her cousin, but I never pass on an opportunity to spend time with Wren, especially if it’s for something that’s important to her.

Lips pinched, she watches me for a second before muttering, “We’ll see.”

I guess that was as good as I was going to get.

* * *

“Thank you for dinner, it was absolutely amazing,” Wren tells my mother before turning to my father. “And happy birthday again, Dennis.”

He opens his mouth as if to thank her, but the only word that comes out is, “Huh…”

She smiles at him and nods. Some things don’t need words to be conveyed.

With a wave, Dad leaves toward their bedroom, Ma in tow. Wren’s supposed to be sleeping in the cabin tonight because it’s too late for her to drive back to the city. The dogs are currently waiting there. Obviously, I’ll join them later, once everyone is asleep. Can’t say I’m a fan of sneaking out like a teenager, but I don’t have much of a choice.

When they’re finally out of earshot, I grab Wren’s hips and say, “Guess that leaves just the two of us.”

She lifts her brows. “Whatever will we do with ourselves?”

“Got a few ideas.” I kiss her softly. Tenderly. “How about a hot tub?”

“Hot tub? Since when do you have a hot tub?”

“Since forever. You just were never invited.”

She gasps, then pushes my chest. I laugh.

“Sorry to tell you, though, but I don’t have a bathing suit.” Her beautiful lips form a pout.

“Who said you had to wear one?”