SEASIDE ROMANCE 01: Special Delivery by Gayle Roper

Author:Gayle Roper [Roper, Gayle]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: contemporary romance
Publisher: Redbud Press
Published: 2015-10-18T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nine

Kelli tried to swallow her nerves as Dane drove her to his parents' house.

"There will be lots of noise and lots of talking, but don't let it overwhelm you. Even if Tom and Derwin get into their Army-Navy pre-game discussion, they like each other in real life."

"What's the Army-Navy thing? Were they in the two branches of the service?"

"They graduated from the two academies. Tom is a West Point grad and Derwin went to Annapolis. Tom's out of the Army now, but Derwin's career. Right now he's stationed in Washington, so they can get home for holidays, much to Amy's delight."

"Amy's his wife?"

"She's his daughter. She gets upset when she can't get together with the cousins. His wife is Hannah, my oldest sister."

Kelli was certain her fear showed in her eyes. "I have one sister and three nephews. That's it."

"Just stick by me. If all the brothers-in-law can manage the family, so can you."

"But there were fewer people when they started."

"True." He grinned at her.

"You love your family." How wonderful was that!

"Sure. Doesn't everyone? You love your family, problems and all. You wouldn't care so much if you didn't."

"Right. I should have said you like your family."

"I do. I prefer Derwin in short bursts, but for a day, he's fine." He saw her questioning look. "He tends to forget we're not sailors under his command."

Dane pulled up to a curb littered with cars just as Kelli's phone played its Nance tune. Kelli's stomach pitched. Not now. Not today.

The red front door to the house flew open, and two young women stepped out. One had a baby in her arms.

Kelli studied them. One was slim and sleek, the other, comfortably round. Both wore jeans and sweaters. "Your sisters?"

Dane nodded. "Two of the four. Jo and Peg."

Her phone continued to ring. She pulled it from her pocket, ready to hit ignore.

"Go ahead." Dane gave an encouraging smile. "Answer. Maybe it's James."

"It's my sister." Kelli took a deep breath and hoped there was no catastrophic reason for Nance's call. "Hi, sis. Happy Thanksgiving."

"Kelli! We've got the turkey all ready!" Nance was bubbling at full boil. "And you should see the container J.D. got for frying it. It's huge! You're missing all the fun!"

While Nance bubbled, Dane got out of the car, walked around, and leaned against the rear passenger door, waiting for her to finish.

Kelli opened the passenger door a few inches, preparing to get out. Dane grabbed it and opened it all the way.

Kelli held up a finger in the just-a-minute sign. "Sounds good, Nance. Make sure the bird's nice and dry."

"You think I'm dumb? Of course I dried it. Used a whole roll of paper towels drying it."

"Come on, Dane. Get in here! It's cold!" Dane's sister cuddled the baby closer.

"Tom and Derwin need a referee," called the other.

Dane laughed and waved. "So what else is new? Don't they know the game's not until Saturday?"

"They won't see each other on Saturday. They have to bait each other today."

He stuck out his hand in a stop gesture.

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