“Yes, I’d just finished a shift and was heading back to campus that day.” Alessia didn’t borate, leaving it at that; for Ethan, it had been no trouble at all. Back then, all he’d thought was–if his own little sister had been in that situation, she’d have been terrified.


    The thought brought a flicker of disappointment to Ethan’s eyes.


    An awkward silence started to settle over the table, so Karen stepped in to steer the conversation elsewhere.


    “Lessie’s juste home–it’ll take her a while to get used to things. Dinner’s ready, so let’s eat. It’s not often we all sit down together. Afterward, I’ll help get your room set up, Lessie.”


    Karen stood up, putting on a bright smile, but the others still sat with their lips pressed tight. Sensing her husband wanted to say something, Karen quietly let the forced cheer slip from her face.


    Brendan reached over, patting Karen’s hand before turning to Alessia.


    “So, Lessie, is it? I’m sorry. For seventeen years, I haven’t been your father in any real way. Now, with everything falling apart, we’ve dragged you back just to share our mess. I can’t give you the life you deserve. If you don’t want to stay with us, I’d understand. I… I don’t have much to offer, but this is what I’ve managed to save up. Please, take it. After all, the Tate family…” His voice trailed off, the difference between her old life and this one hanging in the air.


    “No, thank you.” Alessia gently slid the bank card back across the table.


    Brendan looked startled, his hands wringing together awkwardly. “It’s not much, but it’s enough to rent a ce. I’ll send you money every month, too-”


    “That’s not what I mean. I think it’s nice here. If you don’t mind having me, I’d like to stay.”


    “You won’t get used to it,” Liam–the third brother–cut in, sure of himself.


    Alessia just arched an eyebrow, not rushing to defend her choice.


    She looked at them, her expression almost innocent. “So… are you trying to kick me out?”


    “No–of course not! That’s not what Dad meant at all!” Brendan reached over to rap Liam lightly on the head. Except for the youngest, who stared at hisp, everyone


    15:35


    shot Liam a reproachful look.


    Liam opened his mouth, but couldn’t find the words. In the end, he pressed his lips tight and looked away.


    After Alessia’sment, no one dared suggest she find somewhere else to stay. Karen and Brendan headed to the kitchen to whip up more food, since dinner had only been made for three. The living room was left to the kids.


    “I’ve got another gigter, so I’m heading out. Mom, Dad, don’t bother making me a te–my boss covers our meals.” Liam slung his guitar over his shoulder and made for the door.


    “All right,” Karen called from the kitchen.


    “Be careful. Don’t get into trouble,” Ethan, the eldest, reminded him.


    “Yeah, I know.” Liam nced over at Alessia. Sensing his look, Alessia met his gaze openly, as if waiting to see what he’d say next.


    Liam cleared his throat. “I didn’t mean it the way it sounded, earlier.”


    “I know.” Alessia smiled, a dimple appearing in her cheek, her eyes crinkling at the corners. Liam turned red at the ears, clearly embarrassed by his earlier outburst.


    “Good… that’s good.” He coughed awkwardly, rubbed his nose, and stood there for a moment before shuffling out the door.


    “He doesn’t mean any harm. He’s just terrible with words,” Ethan exined.


    Alessia tried to hold back augh and nodded.


    The Morton family really was something–five kids, five personalities. The eldest steady as a rock, the second gentle, the third prickly and proud, the youngest taciturn, and one… well, spoiled rotten.


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