Swear (Landry Family 4)

“You’re way too excited about this,” I say, bumping him with my shoulder.

“Only because I’ve waited for this my entire life.”

I step in front of him and look him in the eyes. “I know what color I’d like to use, actually.”

“I’ll go buy it tomorrow.”

“I’d like it to look like a meadow with green grass and a sky the color of your eyes. Maybe a little lake in the corner over there that reminds me of the day we met, the moment that kicked off our story.” I look around the room and point to another corner. “And a rainbow over there.”

“You can have whatever you want,” he whispers. “As long as I have you.”

“You do.”

“Swear?”

“Pinky swear,” I wink. “Now come on. We have a celebration to atte

nd.”

“I cannot possibly eat another bite,” Danielle says. “That was amazing, Vivian.”

Ford’s mother looks at her daughter-in-law and beams. “Thank you, sweetheart. It was my pleasure to fix food for you all. This makes me happy.”

“Me too,” Harris says. “You don’t cook like this when it’s just me at home.”

“Oh, hush,” she says, lightly smacking him on the shoulder. “What about you, Ellie. Do you need anything?”

“I’m great, Mrs. Landry. Thank you.”

“It’s Vivian,” she insists with a kind smile. “Please, honey. Call me Vivian.”

“Hey, Ellie,” Alison calls from the far end of the table. “Dani needs a manicure bad.”

“It’s not that bad,” Danielle interjects.

“It’s bad,” Alison giggles. “Want to go with us tomorrow? Mallory opted out because of some yoga thing.”

“The other instructor called off so I have to go in,” she pouts.

“Anyway,” Alison continues, “want to go with us?”

“Um,” I say, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. “Sure.”

Ford rests his hand on my thigh. When I look at him, I melt.

He grins a smile that he only uses when he feels at ease. That isn’t often. He may feel relaxed a lot but I don’t often see him like this—completely untroubled.

The long table in the dining room of the Farm erupts in laughter. Glasses are refilled, silverware clinking against plates, as the entire brood talks and enjoys one another.

I’ve never seen anything like this in my entire life. The love and respect in this room is incredible.

“Hey, Dad!” Lincoln calls. “Want to go golfing in the morning?”

“No one wants to go golfing with you,” Graham says.

“Jealous, much?” Lincoln teases. “I can’t help I’m the born athlete of the family.”

“Hey, now,” Ford interjects. “I beat your ass the last time we played.”