immediately greeted by every

she pulled Erica into a tight embrace, planting a kiss on both of

armth was undeniable, and for a moment, she forgot about the weight of their fake marria

sparkling with genuine affection. "We hope your softness can soften him a little bit." Sh

ention of his "softness." He wasn't the type to show vulnerabi

her own. "You know, being the only girl in the family has been such a pain. They always look down on me, especially since I'm th

a chuckled softly and returned the hug, her hands patting Alice's back in a comforting gesture. She cou

twinkling with mischief. "We can work together to get back at him.

r got revenge. Your tricks won't fool me anymore," he said, thou

evident in the way she teased him. "You just

in mock exasperation. "Sorry, Erica! They just can't go one day

g sometimes got out of hand. "Don't apologize, Mr. Binder," she said kindly. "You've raised wonderful childre

l smile. "Well, I was definitely a failure as a father, then," he

d slightly. "I didn't

er voice a little more serious now. "You married our son, so we

any other circumstance, it would be easy to slip into the role of a daughter-in-law.

moment slip by, however. "Th

aration. She wasn't sure how to respond. The titl

ure of how to handle the situati

tent. He gave her a pointed look, a silent warning that she knew all t

anaged to send a small jolt of emotion through her. She looked at him for a moment, her mind racing. He was so effortless in

led brightly at Barbara, and then turned to Andrew and Martha. "Thank you for making me feel so welcome. I've always been an only child, so it's nice to

mating him," she teased. But Erica could tell Alice wasn't truly worried. There was a camarade

ok on his face. "You're going to need more than confidenc

nough chatter! You two head upstairs and get some rest. I'll call you

gentle hand. "No, no! You've had a long day. Alice will help me in the kitchen. Righ

ht of her mother's disapproving glare and sighed dramatically. "Fine, fine," she muttered. "I'll

hand as they headed toward the stairs. "Thanks, Alice," she c

isappeared upstairs, leaving the rest of t

unconventional and filled with playful bickering, was warm and welcoming. It made