Page 112 of Finding Redemption

“Reese, it’s so good to see you.” Ava pulls her into a hug. “Hey, brother.”

“Why, hello gorgeous.” Riley saunters up, smiling at Reese.

“Hey, handsome.” I wink at him, making the girls laugh.

“Fuck you. You’re late. I ate all of the shrimp.” Riley elbows me, leaning down to kiss Reese. “You look fucking killer.” She blushes, and my chest grows three sizes.

“Riley, Ava, may I introduce Danielle, Reese’s mother?” They greet her with handshakes. “And you remember Alden, her best friend.” They shake his hand. “Riley is my baby brother. Ava has agreed to marry him, although we’ll never know why. Andi is their daughter.”

“She’s such a pretty girl. I must say, the gene pool in this family is stunning,” Danielle says.

“Right? I said that.” Alden laughs. “Do y’all have a cousin?”

Before I can answer, my parents make their way over. Mom hugs her. “Reese. Gorgeous as always.”

“Thank you. I love your red dress,” Reese says.

“There’s my girl.” Dad pulls her in for a hug, turning to her mom after. “Hello, I’m Ian.”

“I’m Cynthia. Welcome to our home.” Mom offers her hand.

“You have a beautiful home. Thank you for having me,” Danielle says to our surprise.

“She can put on a show,” Reese whispers to me.

“You said it. I didn’t.” She giggles, making me chuckle. “Stop.”

“I can’t.” She starts laughing in earnest, making me full on burst.

“How much have you had already?” Riley asks.

“Not enough. Where’s the bar?” He points to the kitchen, which I knew. I’m looking for an excuse to leave. “Would you ladies like a punch?”

“Please,” Danielle answers. Reese smiles sweetly.

“I’ll be right back.” I glance over my shoulder as we walk toward the kitchen. “Her mom is on a fine line with me.”

“Damn, already having trouble with the in-laws?” Riley smirks.

“She talks to Reese again like she did earlier, and hell, yes we’re gonna have issues.”

He winces. “That bad?”

“I can’t explain without getting heated.” I turn, watching the living room. “Are we ready?”

“You kidding me? We’ve got you.” He punches me in the chest. “So, whatcha think?”

“About?”

“I haven’t had a chance to ask. How are y’all doin’?” He leans against the counter.

I join him, taking a moment to try to calm my nerves. “She told she loves me last night. I love her. I’m scared but damn, if she’s not everything.”

Riley breaks into a smile. “Be good to her, asshole.”

“I’m gonna do my best. I never knew love like this existed. But I do know now. I’ve never been in love before her. I just thought I was, but this is different.”

“Yeah, your ass is fuckin’ whooped.” He punches my leg.