Your Forever Love (The Bennett Family 3)

“I missed you too,” I confess.

We remain entwined like this for a while before he puts me down.

“Do I smell risotto?” he asks, sniffing the air.

“Yep. I asked Julie what your favorite food is,” I say proudly. “You didn’t bring any chocolate cake, like you said you would.”

“I brought myself.” Eric shoots me a conceited look. “Not enough?”

“I’m still deciding. Let’s eat.”

When he lets go of me, my skin feels cold in the places he touched me before. I can’t bear thinking how I will feel when he lets go of me for good.

Chapter Eighteen

Eric

The Bennett house has three levels and a bright red roof on top. The garden is full when we arrive. There must be at least fifty people here, and I spot at least six kids, some of Julie’s age. Most of them stand at the edge of a makeshift soccer field, yelling and cheering for those playing. I recognize Alice, Summer, Sebastian, and Logan on the field. Another group is gathered around what I assume is the grill, judging by the smoke coming out.

Mr. Bennett is sitting under the shadow of an oak tree further away from the field, watching the game. I can’t make out if he’s happy or grumpy, but at least he’s healthy.

“Are all these people your family?” Julie asks Pippa, looking around as though she can’t believe her eyes as we near the soccer field.

“Sort of. Many are cousins, but some are friends—adopted Bennetts.”

“What’s that?” Julie asks, suddenly curious.

“Friends who are very close to us.”

“Can Dad and I become adopted Bennetts?” Julie asks hopefully. “Your family is awesome. Look, Dad, they’re cheering.”

Pippa raises her eyebrows at me, but I know exactly what Julie means.

“Family gatherings in the Callahan family are a different beast,” I inform Pippa. “Mom’s idea of an afternoon in the family resembles a high-class ball where everyone dresses elegantly, and catering of the most expensive kind is consumed while playing cards. It’s highly boring for both Julie and me, and we try to skip those events as often as we can.”

“Doesn’t that upset your Mom?” Pippa inquires.

“No, I’m subtle when I serve her an excuse.”

Pippa chuckles. “I bet she’s pretending. Moms pick up on these kind of things, and subtlety is not your strong suit.”

“That’s not true.” I rub my stomach while watching the smoke rising from the grill. “I’m starving.”

“Hey, Pippa,” a red-faced Summer calls, leaving the field. “Do you want to replace me? I’m so done.”

Pippa doesn’t hesitate. “Sure.”

“I’m on Logan’s team,” Summer says. “Alice and Sebastian are kicking our ass. Here, take my sneakers.” Sitting on the grass, she takes off her shoes and hands them to Pippa, who immediately puts them on.

“See you in a bit.” Pippa winks at Julie and me before hopping onto the field. Summer lies sprawling on her back, barefoot.

“I can’t even feel my legs,” she tells Julie, as Mrs. Bennett arrives with plates filled to the brim with meat and bread. At the sight, Summer pushes herself in a sitting position. She grabs one of the plates without any words and digs in. I can tell what Julie is thinking. At Casa Callahan, lying barefoot on the grass is akin to a deadly sin. It would earn her a scolding, not a plate of food. The chaos here is unbelievable, but I have to admit I love it. It has a family feel to it.

“Eric, Julie, I’m so glad you could make it,” Mrs. Bennett greets, holding out the other plate she was carrying. “Here, I hope you’re hungry.”

“We are,” I answer. Taking the plate, I immediately start gulping down food, and Julie follows my lead.

“Julie,” Mrs. Bennett says, “I can introduce you to some of my nieces and nephews. I think you’d love them.”