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Dinner turned out to be far louder than anyone had expected. The rain had started again outside, tapping gently against the apartment windows, but inside, the dining room was filled with laughter, teasing, and the kind of conversation that wandered from one subject to another without anyone noticing. Ethan had somehow managed to convince himself that mashed potatoes absolutely belonged in the center of the plate because "that's where the king sits," while Jackson insisted that the meat deserved the middle because it was "the main event." Sue declared that they were both ridiculous, and Melissa, trying to remain impartial, suggested that perhaps the peas should rule the plate instead. "The peas?" Jackson asked, staring at her in mock disbelief. Melissa nodded with complete seriousness.
- Writer
