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"Uet a picture of you with Jay and Roni, then we’ll go"

I was relieved when Jay and Veronica left to join their faot in our cars The twins followed us to the apartment

I took the stairs two at a tiasped and stood there in shock a , "Patti, it’s awesome!"

She had decorated with old strea, and balloons were everywhere I heard her and the twins co I was about to hug Patti, when a h the dangling balloon ribbons I cursed my stupid body whose first reaction was to scream

Midshriek, I realized it was my dad, but my startled system couldn’t stop its initial reaction A chain reaction started as Patti, then both the twins screamed, too

Dad parted the balloons and slunk forward, chuckling We all shut up and caught our breaths

"Do you give all your guests such a elcome?"

Patti’s hand was on her heart "Geez, John! A little warning next tiiven htening grin He stared at her long enough to make her face redden and her aura sputter

She rolled her eyes and went past hirill," she said without looking up from the food prep "You’re welcoht gray annoyance

"Can’t stay long Just wanted to seeat the twins and they slunk back against the two barstools at the counter

My heart rate was still rapid when he ca," I whispered into his black T-shirt I breathed in his clean, zesty scent and didn’t want to let hiift"

I looked up at him with expectancy

"But not yet," he said

I made a face

Patti came toward the door with a platter of chicken in her hands, a bottle of BBQ sauce and grilling utensils under her arm, and a pack of matches between her teeth

Dad and I bothfrom her at the saot it" He took the platter and she removed the rinned as I opened the door for them "Yeah," he said over his shoulder "I know you can" And together they left for the commons area to be domesticated Weird

The twins and I stood there in silence They were like er slared at h the balloons The twins followed me and sat down

"We’re just not used to it," Marna whispered

"I know, but he’s on our side We can talk," I assured theht attendants?"