Jaden
I paced the kitchen as I checked the timer for the third time in five minutes. I had a lamb roast in the oven, and I was worried it wouldn’t be done on time. Molly stood by the stove and the smell of garlic and sautéing vegetables wafted through the air. Today was the big day. Today was the family dinner. I had been looking forward to this since Kathy and I had come up with the idea, but now that it was here, I was a tangled mess of excitement, anxiety, and nerves. Would everyone get along? Would Molly feel comfortable? Would the kids be ok? I could feel the pressure mounting.
“Carrie! Sammy! Is the living room clean yet?” I called out. My voice echoed through the house slightly louder than I had intended.
“Almost done, Dad!” Carrie shouted back, and I heard the thud of a cushio
