Page 55 of Fate In Fiction

“I’ll put our bags in the room.” I walk down the hall, hoping Josie doesn’t follow and get spooked at seeing the one double bed. No room for a pillow wall tonight. Mentally, my eyes scan a place on the floor I’ll use as a bed. Walking back out, I hear light laughter.

“We should get going, Mom.” I clear my throat. “The hot air balloons in Napa Valley aren’t going to wait for us.”

“Right!” She claps her hands and grabs her purse off the entryway table. “We’d love for you both to join us after the event for a wine tasting.” Side-eyeing Josie, I can sense her nerves with her age.

“Actually, we are spending the afternoon with Adam and Lauren.” My brother and his fiancée moved out of the hotel and into their own piece of paradise not too long ago.

“Well, we can go out to eat for dinner,” my father suggests. “I can call around for reservations.

“Oh, don’t go through the trouble.” Josie’s sweet smile softens her eyes. “Emmett goes on about how he misses home-cooked meals. His childhood baking stories warm my heart.”

“I have quite a few photos to show you later!” my mother gloats as my father and I lead the way to the elevator.

“No need, Mom.”

“I think it would be fun to stay in and whip up something up together.” Josie looks up at my mother and, in that moment, I see a young girl looking for any type of affection from a motherly figure.

“Josie makes a delicious chicken dish. I’m sure you and dad would love it.” Hyping Josie up to see her smile has now officially become one of my favorite things.

“I think that’s a wonderful idea.” My mother rests her hand on Josie’s shoulder with eyes full of adoration. “We can chat and cook.” We head back down and follow behind my parents for the drive.

Rolling hills of grape vines surround us as the clear blue sky opens up. I scout the crowd, observing and taking photos as the large balloons float above. Reaching down, my fingers lace with Josie’s as we maneuver through the sea of people.

“That’s your brother and Lauren, right?” Josie leans in closer as my lookalike and his tall blonde arm candy approach.

“See? You’re nailing this family thing.” I encourage. My eight-year-old niece bolts toward me a moment later, and I brace myself for the impact.

“Uncle Emmett!” Mallory’s brown curls bounce as she wraps me in a tight hug. “I didn’t know you were coming!” Josie drops my hand and steps back.

“I hear you’re a big sister again.” She nods her head at rapid speed.

“She also helped me order the balloons and smoke,” Lauren chimes in.

“Mom and Max are up there right now.” Mallory points to the air and lands her gaze on Josie. “You’re really pretty.” Mallory giving compliments before sarcasm is extremely rare.

“Well, aren’t you the sweetest.” Josie smiles and tucks a strand of hair behind her ear. “I’m Josie, your uncle’s girlfriend.”

“Another new aunt!” Mallory squeals. “This year just keeps getting better.” Mallory holds out her hand. “I’m Mallory, the best child you’ll ever meet.” Josie shakes her hand with a small giggle.

“Well, by default, my little sister comes first, but I have no doubt that you are the second.”

“Easy on the aunt thing, Mal,” I cut in. “Josie and I haven’t talked marriage yet.” I feel everyone’s eyes on me. “It would be nice, but good things take time.” I recycle the same excuse I gave to the mayor.

“Was it love at first sight?” Mallory ignores me completely, taking both of Josie’s hands in hers.

“Not exactly.” Josie answers with truth in her voice. “I had a judgmental outside view of him at first.” Adam snickers, knowing my past. “But sometimes, all it takes is uncovering the false persona they share with the world to fall for who they really are.” Josie glances up at me and I avoid my heart believing what she said.

“Oh, brother.” Mallory rolls her eyes. “That is not what I needed to hear.”

Adam, Lauren, and I share a look, well aware of the can of worms Josie is about to set free.

“Not everyone is what they seem.” She bends down to my niece’s level. “Everyone deserves a chance to show their true selves.”

“Look, pretty girl, I don’t want to take the time to figure out a boy’s issues he has with the world.” Mallory’s arms cross as she begins her rant about her lifelong feud with a classmate. “My time is better spent proving how I will be more successful than him.”

“Success can also be measured by the size of your heart. I’m not saying to go and love the guy, but maybe there is a reason he acts a certain way.” Josie pinches Mallory’s nose the same way I do to hers.

Huh, beauty and brains are sexier than I thought.