Kellan tries to hide his smirk.
"Who's Old Red?"
"The family dog," they answer in unison.
Because...why wouldn't they have a family dog?
All of a sudden the door we entered through opens again and Kristopher strolls in.
Damn they look like twins! Seriously! The only major difference I see right now aside from his slightly bigger forehead is his choice in clothing. He's wearing dark jeans and a polo. Getting Kellan to put on jeans or anything that didn't just stroll off a runaway is like trying to have your wisdom teeth removed without being numbed first.
"States finally kicked you out I see," his brother teases with a chuckle at the same time he embraces him.
Kellan gives him a hard pat on the back and steps away. "More like I got wind that your sanity was almost fully intact again. We both know I can't have that."
"You are the reason I'm graying so early."
"You mean balding."
Horror appears on his brother's face and I instantly nudge Kellan sharply in the ribs. "Be nice."
Kris lowers his attention my direction. "You must be the lovely woman responsible for my brother's leash." When I giggle he takes my hand and plants a kiss on the back of it. "It is quite an honor to meet you in person."
"You as well," I barely coo before Kellan is removing my hand.
"That's enough," he defensively snaps. "Stop slobbering on my girlfriend. Did you forget your wife is watching?"
Soph shoots me a look and shrugs. "Take him. I'll get more sleep at night in the bed alone."
Kristopher's jaw drops again while Kellan lets out a hearty laugh.
"You deserve a medal for putting up with him," Kris whispers at me.
My boyfriend swiftly changes the subject, "How did the meeting go?"
Kris' response is cut off by the door opening once more.
This time an older man approximately their same height and build with similar striking blonde features enters. Like Kellan he is dressed in an expensive suit except he's wearing a red tie and a blinding diamond studded watch.
Uh.....What am I supposed to say?! Is hi, hello I'm the woman dating your son really enough? Should I bow or shake his hand or kiss his ring or something?
The man gives a curt nod. "Kellan."
He reciprocates the action. "Father."
His attention turns to me and I see an unmistakable flash of consternation in his eyes. "And you must be Brie Sanders, the woman my son attended the Malskiean Fundraiser with a couple of months ago."
In a meek tone, I reply, "Yes, sir."
"Don't call him sir," Kellan grumbles under his breath.
"She was being respectful," the man corrects and gives his son a stern look. "Something you've forgotten how to be." Afterward, he lifts my hand to place a gentle kiss on the back of it. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Brie Sanders. My name is Kenneth. You may call me that."
Okay so the hand kissing, not a flirty thing, but a way they introduce themselves. Sweet in a throw your jacket over the puddle so I can cross it kinda way.
I try to stay in a steady voice, "It's an honor to meet you Kenneth."
He gives me a small smile and ushers his hand at the table. "Shall we all sit? I'm sure Elliot is ready to serve us his favorite dish to make."
"Elliot?" Kellan questions as he leads me to a seat at the middle of the table. "What happened to Andrew?"
"His wife had her baby a couple of weeks ago," Soph swoons, though she quickly attempts to hide it. "There were a few complications, so they had to stay at the hospital longer than expected. They should be home in the next day or two."
Once he's pushed me in, he sits down beside me, while his brother and his wife sit in the seats across from us. However, Kenneth positions himself at the head of the table closest to the windows. The evening light from them adds an unnecessary boost to his aura of nobility.