"You look like you've lost weight."
I immediately snapped my head towards her as Lucas did the same.
"I'm not a diabetic, Dad before you say anything. I'm just watching what I eat. A girl has to look good."
Summer had lost a lot of weight in a short space of time and had been diagnosed a diabetic, the type that meant she had to depend on insulin. It was a rough time as a family, but we were strong enough to pull through it. Her husband, Gabe, was her rock, and I would be eternally grateful to him for the way he cared for her.
"Anyway, speaking of food, I'm starving. Where's Mom?" she declared, standing to go and see her mother in the kitchen.
"How is business, Lucas?" I asked, unable to resist the temptation. I missed that part of my life sometimes, yet I knew how dangerous it could be. Lucas seemed to be relaxing with it lately, possibly due to the fact he was getting older.
"The same as always, Leo. Never dull."
"Alice still hasn't said yes?"
"Funnily enough, she took the ring pretty damn quickly." Lucas smirked, his green eyes dancing with amusement. "I think the problem is, she doesn't want kids."
I stilled then, knowing that having kids was important to Lucas. I had a big family, so I shared the same thoughts as him here. But Alice... she just wasn't maternal at all. I did worry for them that it would be a deal-breaker.
"She doesn't," said Zane softly, as Lucas cast his eyes to the floor.
Layla glanced at me as I sighed, trying to smile reassuringly.
"Compromise, I guess. Maybe when Zane and Layla pop one out—”
"Dad,Christ." Zane interrupted as Layla giggled.
"She might get broody. Who knows."
Lucas didn't respond, instead nodding thoughtfully.
"So you will get to meet Summer and Gabe soon enough," I declared cheerfully, determined to change the subject.
As if on cue, the front door opened, and I heard her sweet voice.
"Did you miss me?!"
"About fucking time," I growled, standing up to greet Summer.
She looked radiant, her skin was deeply tanned, and her hair a beautiful golden color. She smelt beautiful, of foreign places mixed with spices and vanilla. Behind her was Gabe, who grinned as he dragged their cases in.
"You ought to try lugging her shit around Europe.” Gabe laughed as Gretchen raced from the kitchen, grabbing Summer and Gabe into a bear hug. Her eyes filled with tears as I stroked her back, pleased that most of the family were back together again.
"So, where is Zane and his bride?!" Summer squealed as Gretchen gasped with excitement.
"Through here. Oh, and Lucas is here too! Lucas, Layla, meet Summer and Gabe!"
My eyes met Alice's as she narrowed them slightly.
"He only has eyes for you, baby girl."
"Until he sees Summer. Every guy falls in love with her.” Alice snapped, and I noticed she hadn't even greeted Summer.
"Why didn't you say hello?" I demanded as Alice shrugged with disinterest.
"Just because she's my sister doesn't mean I like her."
She had always been jealous of Summer, but I'd hoped it would be less of a problem as they grew up. Summer was so lovely and kind, whereas Alice was sometimes cold and hard. When she was younger, she'd had a crush on Gabe and had been driven crazy with jealousy when Summer got with him. She had been younger then, but I suppose you can't change some things.
