McKenzie Cousins Box Set 2

It takes a few minutes to pull myself together, which I do just in time as there’s a knock on my door, followed with my sisters voice, “Rachel, it’s me.”

I check my appearance in the full-length mirror, quietly close and lock the connecting door, and then let my sister into my room. As usual she bustles inside and within a minute she’s checked out the whole room.

She frowns at the bed, and I have no idea what she’s thinking. “You said in the car that you wanted to nap once you checked into your room.” She narrows her gaze on me. “So why is your bed still made?”

“I went for a walk to get some fresh air,” I reply, collecting my purse from the dressing table. “You ready to go downstairs?”

She opens her mouth and closes it just as quickly.

I glance at my phone and see two messages, one from Alexander and one from Dylan.

“Dylan says they’re in the bar.” I open the bedroom door and wait for my sister to follow.

“Something is going on with you,” she mutters, walking past me toward the elevators. “Something is different and I’m going to find out just what.”

I pause and watch her press the call button the elevator arriving within seconds. Inside, she leans against one of the walls and stares, so I stare back until I become amused.

“You’re being ridiculous.” I giggle.

“I don’t think so,” she sings slyly.

Luckily the elevator doors whoosh open, and then Derek, Charlotte’s future father-in-law, saves me from more of Paige’s questions. Derek smiles and greets us both kindly. Paige ends up in conversation with him, so I hover behind, glad she has a different focus. My sister can be annoying when she needs to know something that she’s sure you’re holding back from her.

Following Paige and Derek through the lobby area, I realize that Derek is a handsome man and when not in a business suit, he’s more at home in jeans and T-shirts. I know from Charlotte that he hasn’t dated much since he lost his wife many years ago, and I know it upsets Charlotte that he’s alone. Charlotte loves her father-in-law and wants him to be happy.

“Why so sad?”

Surprised, I blink and turn to face my dad, Ramon.

“I’m not sad,” I admit, “just thinking.”

He tugs my arm through his and I hold on. “Life isn’t always easy, Rachel. Noah and myself know this from experience. But everything comes to those who wait.”

I smile. “I’m sure you’ve said that to Paige and I so many times over the years.”

“Yes, we have.” He kisses my cheek. “You’re young and have your whole life ahead of you. I’m so proud of you and your sister, so is Noah.”

“Thank you.” I rest my head on his shoulder. “We couldn’t have asked for better parents.” I meet his gaze just before we join the rest of our family. “I love you, Dad.” I reach up and kiss his cheek.

“Do you have one of those for me?” Noah asks.

Smiling, I reach up and kiss his cheek. “I love you too, Dad.” I glance around. “I can’t see Sofia or Olivia yet, but I spot Madison.” I twirl and head over to my cousin—the only daughter of my Aunt Carla and Uncle Sebastian, and Dylan’s older sister.

Madison smiles and pulls me in for a hug when I reach her. “I love your dress,” she comments.

“Yours is gorgeous. The green really suits you, and,” I turn her around, “daring?” I raise a brow and she blushes.

“I wanted to get out of my shell, and figured I’d take a chance on this. It’s not as comfortable as jeans and a shirt, but it’s attracting attention.” She grins.

Laughing, I tell her, “I think there is a hockey team around here somewhere.” Wiggling my brows, I continue, “I’m sure you’ll attract some attention from them—all those men with delicious bodies wanting to relax before a big game.”

No sooner have the words left my mouth than Derek joins us. He glares at Madison and her blush deepens.

Interesting.

“Rachel you look lovely this evening, much better taste than your cousin,” he says, glancing at Madison.

I’m shocked at his rudeness. Madison blinks back tears and swiftly turns on her heel, quickly striding out of the bar.