I Never Let You Go (I Never 3)

“It seems that Lauren and Finn have been hanging out,” Kate says before shoving her mouth full of Mom’s chicken, bacon, ranch casserole. With her bite only halfway chewed, she adds, “Mom, this is so good.”

Ignoring my sister’s lack of manners, Mom turns to me. “Sweetheart, that’s wonderful. You could have brought Finn with you tonight.”

“No, Mom, you said you wanted just family. And it’s not what any of you think. We’re just friends.” There’s that word again—friends. I shove a bite of food in my mouth to keep from spitting out more lies. What I feel for Finn is complicated.

“Yeah, well, I’m friends with Zach, doesn’t mean I spend all day and night texting him.” She pauses. “Not that I would mind, but his wife might.” She smirks.

Dani spits her lemonade back in the glass and chokes, and Kyler quickly goes to her aid.

“Katherine Renee Lawson, behave and leave that poor boy alone. He’s married for God’s sake.”

All of our eyes turn to our mom. I don’t know whether I should laugh or high-five my mother.

“Can I ask a question without getting yelled at?” Ky says, returning to his seat.

I nod, and from the corner of my eye, I see that Mom does too. I have to hold back my laugh because the look on his face tells me his question is no laughing matter.

“How did he even get your number?” His brown eyes are laced with concern.

“I gave it to him.” All eyes are on me as I take another bite of food. Kyler knew I turned down Finn’s proposal, and now he knows the real reason why, but I never told

him what happened when I went to visit. I assume he thinks we had a fight that led to changing my number. That must have been a pretty big fight.

“You know what, it doesn’t matter if Lauren and Finn are dating or friends, it’s their business. All that I care about is that there is a smile on my baby’s face.” Mom reaches over and cups my chin. “You hear that? Keep smiling, baby.” She then turns toward my siblings. “That goes for all of you.”

“Yes, Mom.” I smile my cheesiest smile, and my sister leans over with her arms wrapped around my shoulders

“Wow.” Ky drags the word out while shaking his head. “Whoever ends up with you two are definitely going to be special men.” He follows it up with a playful eye roll.

Dani swats at her husband’s chest before lifting her lemonade glass in the air. “I say we propose a toast to Mama Liz. Happy Birthday!”

“To Mom, Happy Birthday,” we all say in unison, clinking our glasses.

My smile may be different to everyone, but nothing brings me more joy than the smile on my mother’s face having all of her kids around her.

Lauren: Hey, do you have plans for later?

Me: Well, hello to you too.

Me: And you tell me, do I have plans later?

Lauren: I’m serious.

Me: So am I?

Lauren: You know what, nevermind.

Me: I’m just kidding. No, I don’t have plans. Why what’s up?

Lauren: I wanted to take you somewhere.

Me: How about I pick you up around 7?

Lauren: Or you could swing by earlier, and we could pick up something to eat on the way.

Lauren: Or not. You’re probably busy working late or helping at home, 7 works.

Me: Lo, relax. I’ll see you at 6.