Page 35 of Sinned

Thomas sighed and then leaned forward towards the table. “I wasn’t sure when I was going to say this, but I think I met someone.”

“Do you have to blow her up or does she come with a pump?” Josie asked.

“No, this one is real,” Thomas said as he grinned. “I’m being serious for once. I think she’s the real deal. I’m in love.”

“Then why haven’t you brought her to Sunday dinner?” Charlie asked.

“Because I thought it might be a little awkward,” Thomas said.

“Why?” Charlie asked.

“It’s someone you dated,” Thomas said.

“Oh my God, seriously?” Josie said as she bounced in her seat. “Who is it? Wait, let me guess. No, just tell me!”

“Mina Kirkland,” Thomas said.

“Mina?” Josie said. “Really?”

“I ran into her after church one day and she was still hot. I won’t deny it, I remember what you said about her and the priest here,” Thomas said as he nodded his head towards Charlie.

“Wait, you need to catch me up,” I said then I turned to Charlie. “You didn’t tell me there were others.”

“They weren’t worth mentioning, but you knew you weren’t the first. I dated Mina back in high school.”

“So are you okay with me dating her?” Thomas asked, looking sincere.

“Of course,” Charlie said. “She was a nice girl. You should bring her to dinner some time. I’m sure Momma would love her.”

“I will, but since you’re alright with it, there’s more.” Thomas lowered his voice as he looked towards the kitchen. “I’m going to ask her to marry me and I really want you to be my best man.”

“I’d be honored,” Charlie said.

“What? Marriage? And I haven’t met her yet?” Momma bounced out of the kitchen. “You call her up right now and tell her to come over. You can’t ask anyone to marry you until I meet her.”

“You didn’t meet Ava before the priest here asked her to marry him,” Thomas said.

“Will you stop calling me that?” Charlie said.

“I didn’t have to, she had already given me a grandson. She gets a pass,” Momma said.

“That’s ridiculous,” Thomas said. “He gets away with everything.”

“Grow up, douchebag,” I said.

Thomas blinked at me then laughed. “He really did tell you everything, didn’t he?”

Charlie put his arm around my shoulders and leaned towards me and kissed my cheek.

“Hearing you call my brother a douchebag was hot. Want to see my old bedroom?” he whispered.

“No! Momma hears everything, remember?” I giggled as he frowned.

“You know Mina is a teacher too, Charles,” Thomas said. “She works at the public school. She could probably put in a good word for you. St. Peter’s can’t possibly pay you much.”

Charlie turned to look at me and squeezed me closer. “I’m perfectly happy where I’m at. I get to teach religion at the school the three of us went to and it’s the same school my son goes to. I don’t need anything more than that.”

“Alright, but if you ever change your mind,” Thomas said.