I loved him. Unequivocally loved him. I loved the way he understood what happened with Polly’s date and didn’t make it awkward or demand any more information than the cryptic stuff I’d given last night. I loved the way he ribbed his brother and doted on all of us as if we each meant the world to him. I loved the way he fed us with flair and compassion and even cooked a stack of extra sausages for the dogs all lined up on the lawn. I loved the way he made me welcome on his lap once we’d eaten our fill and done serious damage to the cooler full of alcohol. I could go on and on but my point was clear. My heart was made up. My future set in stone. If he loves me back, of course. I loved him. I wanted him. And the awesome afternoon of joking, hanging, and generally just relaxing as a foursome had shown me just how special family could be when they were welcoming and non-judgemental.
