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“So,” I hiss under ?”

“Uh …” Xander pauses, looking around at everybody, and I can finally sense his nervousness about this whole thing It’s nice to know I’ out “I think we should do it now Rip it off like a Band-Aid”

I try not laugh and fail “Did you just co off a Band-Aid?” I whisper so no one can hearthey haven’t even noticed us

“I’ive me a break,” he defends

I smile, pleased that his feathers have finally been ruffled by this whole thing He’s been so cal in stride while I’ve freaked out It’s nice to know he’s not as impenetrable as he always appears to be

“Hey, guys!” I finally call out

“Oh, hi!” Xander’s lad you guys cas me

“It hasn’t been too bad,” I say with a s within the first week We have sos to buy so the house isn’t so bare, but other than that it’s done”

“Well, that’s great news Your dad will be done grilling soon and then we’ll eat,” she says to Xander, and pulls hi “I’ve missed you” She stands on her tiptoes to kiss his cheek

“I’ve missed you, Mom”

“Come, come” She waves her hand “Get a drink and sit down”

“Oh,” I say, holding out one of the bags “Can we do gifts first?”

Sarah set ”

“This is for you and Cooper” She takes the bag from me

“And this is for you, Lauren” Xander holds the other bag out to my mom