Without You

Part 36 "Family Feud"

*LUKE'S POV*

"Oh God, he's here," I bang my head on the granite counter top as Sam's truck pulls into grandma's long driveway.

"Who's here?" Aubrey asks curiously.

"My cousin."

"What's wrong with that?" she asks with a cute head tilt.

"Don't get me wrong, I love my cousin. He just can be...a little rough," I explain as the front door comes crashing open.

"Lucas!?!" The loud voice of one of my craziest family members, screams out. I keep quiet. I know he'll find me eventually but for now, I just want to bask in my last few moments of silence before everyone gets here.

"Oh my God! There you are, you dingbat!" he comes running at me. He throws himself at me and we both almost fall to the ground.

"You're as tall as me now, bro!" He laughs.

Samuel Taylor. He's twenty yet he still acts fifteen. He plays college football at Auburn at yes, now I'm as tall as him.

The last time he saw me, I was a sophomore in high school and I was just shy of 6'4. A lot has changed since then.

"Well, Jesus Christ in the mornin'! Who's this?" he slides right up next to where Aubrey is standing, giving her looks.

"She's 17," I smirk and he shoots back.

"I never looked at her! I never saw her!" he covers his eyes and Aubrey giggles.

"I'm Aubrey," she smiles at him once he uncovers his eyes.

"I'm Sam, Luke's best, most great, most...successful, cousin," he smiles.

"She's my girlfriend," I tell him and his mouth drops before a sly smile appears on his lips

"Oh wow! Everyone's been talking about you! Welcome to the family!" He hugs her small frame and I wince. I forgot to tell her my family is a bunch huggers.

"Where's grandma?" He pulls away, putting one arm around her shoulders and one arm around mine.

________________________

*AUBREY'S POV*

I wasn't expecting Sam. Mostly, I expected Luke's family to be kind of like him. Overall quiet and calm, but I was wrong.

Sam is very lively, he's also very loud, and he's kind. Almost opposite of Luke actually. Other than personality, you can tell Sam and Luke are related. They are both very handsome and Sam and Luke look to be the same height: really, really tall.

"She'll be back any minute," Luke shrugs and Sam starts walking around the kitchen.

"It smells so good in here," he smells the air.

"Aubrey's making her pecan pie," Luke's arm wraps itself around my shoulders.

"Aubrey, you will be so welcomed into the family, it makes me wonder if you have already met everyone," he says quite frankly and I laugh.

"Daxton's coming, did you hear?" Sam winces.

What's all the fuss about Daxton. Both Ella and Sam have talked about him.

"Yeah, I heard," Luke sighs.

"Apparently, he's bringing a new girl! This Thanksgiving is going to be quite a scene," Sam winces.

"Better start praying now."

"Damn right," Sam agrees.

We hear a car pull up and Sam looks outside.