Page 20 of Autumn Falls
“So we will be getting married. That’s good news, my boy.” A massive grin spread across his face, reminding me a bit of Autumn. She definitely got her spite from him. Not that I blamed either of them because the town could be a bit much.
“Fellas, it’s time to eat,” Noelle calls out from the hall.
“So is there anything going on between you and the little nurse?”
“No, Jacqueline is just a good woman who is helping me by doing her job.” Was he intentionally lying to me or did he not see the tension between them?
I shook my head and opened the door, holding it for him to lead the way to the dining room. Tonight Jacqueline would be joining us because her family didn’t live in Illinois and she really didn’t have anyone to spend it with. It was Autumn’s idea to add her to this growing party of ours. Frankly, I’m loving it.
“It smells amazing,” I say, taking in all the delicious food.
“Thank you,” Autumn says. “We worked really hard.”
“You did most of the work,” Noelle adds.
“It doesn’t matter.” The more I learn, the more I realize how incredibly kind she is. That’s the thing that hurts her most. She’s done nothing to garner the animosity that she got from Caroline, but I reminded her that some people are just miserable, and they love other people’s pain, especially good people.
We’re midway through dinner when the doorbell rings. “Are you expecting anyone?” I asked, hoping it wasn’t someone unwelcome.
“No.” Noelle stood up and hurried to the door. I walked behind her just to be safe. Frankly, I didn’t trust Caroline.
“Talk about a lot to be grateful for,” a voice I recognize says from the doorway.
“Excuse me, but you must be lost,” Noelle retorts with her typical attitude.
“I thought I was, but I suppose I’m not.”
“Uncle Nick,” I say, stepping up beside her. “Come in.” I look to the side of him and realize the weather has shifted and we have heavy rain and wind.
“Thanks.”
“This is Uncle Nick?” My uncle could pass for an older brother.
“Yes.”
Her expression turns soft, but I don’t buy it, and she says, “Well, we’re sitting down to Thanksgiving dinner. You’re more than welcome to join us.”
“Absolutely.”
“Watch it, she’s a tough one.”
“She’s not the one you’re losing it over, is she?”
“What’s going on?” Autumn says.
“Hey, beautiful.” I lean in and kiss Autumn’s cheek. “Everyone, I’d like to introduce you to my Uncle Nick. He apparently is stalking me and ended up here earlier than expected.”
“Yeah, I decided to ditch the family, thinking you could use some family, but I guess you have it covered.” He winks at me.
“Excuse me,” Autumn utters before leaving the dining room. A moment later she’s back with another place setting. “Please, take a seat and make yourself at home.”
“Thank you, sweet thing.” A frown forms on Noelle’s face. “Don’t be upset, gorgeous. I’m just giving my future niece a compliment.” This family dynamic just got a little too weird for me and I can’t wait for dinner to be over.
As soon as it is, my woman gives me a brief tour of her bedroom. We kept our hands to ourselves, but I just needed amoment alone. “Autumn, yesterday, I asked you to marry me, but…”
“You changed your mind?”
“Babe, relax. You need to calm down. I just didn’t have this. Autumn, will you do me the great pleasure of making a life together and marrying me?”