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Just as well That meant we could coa My sister, Meredith, didn’t co to save up any vacation days she’d have to use for the Cup finals

I hurry over to the sink, starting to reach for the cloth, but Do the counter It’s spotless”

“What do you expecton the other side of the kitchen island, watching me be the picture of domesticity while he sips on a bottle of water

He seems so casual and relaxed despite the fact he’s waywith jeans and a blouse while he has on a pair of dress pants and a short-sleeved polo

He reaches across the counter—a silent demand he wants my hand

To hold

To reassure me

I sainst his, and his fingers curl around my hand ever so briefly

“Jesus,” he exclai his hand on his pant leg “Your hand is soaking ith sweat”

With a sheepish grin, I wipe my palms on the backside of my jeans “Sorry… they shen I’m nervous”

“That’s a rumbles “And it just occurred to me that I haven’t ever been around you when you’re nervous When I’ve held your hand at playoff games, they’ve always been cool and dry”

“What can I say?” I quip as I pick up ot a strong constitution”

“Regardless,” he replies dryly, giving me a very pointed look “Why are you so nervous? This is your family I should be the nervous one”

I tilt my head curiously “Are you?”

“Of course I am I’ve never met another wo ourselves as a couple”