Step Brother

six

"Ok, Rob, you stand here, Kyle, next to your father, Jessica, next to Kyle, and I will stand next to you," my mother was barking out orders as she set up the camera.

Everyone got into their designated spots and waited for my mother to press the button.

"Ok ok! Everyone smile!" she sang out as she ran towards her spot.

About 400 pictures later, we were finally set down at the table.

"Why don't we go around the table and say some things we're grateful for?" my mother chided in.

"That's a wonderful idea, honey. I'll go first," Robert responded. "I'm thankful for this wonderful meal you girls made for us. I'm thankful for my son, he tries my patience everyday but I love that boy with all of my heart. I'm thankful for you, Caroline, and you, Jasmine. I'm thankful for the love and support of this family."

Kyle cleared his throat. "I guess I'll go next. Ok, firstly, I'm thankful that you guys have invited us over for this amazing dinner. I'm thankful that I've gotten to meet you, Caroline, and I'm grateful to have a soon to be stepsister. Hopefully we can get close. I'm thankful for my old man. I'm thankful that I'm still here breathing, and I'm thankful that you have invited me to stay the night, Caroline."

My eyes widened. He was going to be sleeping over? I.E. KYLE IN THE SAME HOUSE AS ME THROUGH THE NIGHT.

Lord help me now.

"Well? Jasmine?" my mother kicked my foot under the table.

"Oh, right," I said with a small smile. "I'm thankful for my job and my friends. I'm thankful that my mother has found someone to make her happy. I'm thankful for this family, along with you, Kyle, my new stepbrother. Rob...enough said," everyone laughed as I continued on. "I'm thankful for the little things I have, and I'm thankful for this meal."

My mother smiled as she cleared her throat. "Well, after a year of so much loss and this sickness going around the world, I'm grateful that I'm able to sit at this table with my three favorite people in the world. I'm greatful for my daughter. You have been there for me in my time of despair when it should have been the other way around. And I will forever love you. I'm grateful but meeting Robert. You have kickstarted this old heart and gave it a purpose to beat again. I look forward to spending the rest of our lives together. I'm grateful for meeting you, Kyle. My wish is for you and Jessica to become good friends as well as siblings and be there for each other when it's needed. I'm grateful to be loved by you guys and I pray that we all continue to be safe and sound."

The reminder of the conversation around the table consisted of talk of the wedding and us learning that Robert and my mother were going to be leaving tonight and go to the city for three days. Kyle was to stay here and "protect" me.

Two hours later, we waved them good bye and shut the door.

"So," I sighed. "What you want to do?"

He smiled as he plopped down on the couch and yanked my arm, causing me to stumble into his lap.

He put his hands on either side of my face and leaned down to kiss me.

The second our lips connected, I was hungry again, but not for food. I wanted to eat this boy for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

The butterflies in my stomach were multiplied as I heard him breath out a low, breathless groan.

His hands explored my body as his tongue explored my mouth.

I felt myself grow eager as his fingertips trailed lower down my spine.