The silence was beautiful.
Sarah’s mouth opened. Kate froze. Juliette blinked like her brain had just stopped loading.
“There’s a butcher about fifteen minutes down Riverview Road,” I continued cheerfully. “They’re open until six. The grill is ready, and there’s fresh charcoal in the storage bin.”
Juliette’s face tightened.
“But you invited us,” she said.
“Actually,” I replied calmly, “you invited yourselves.”
The children immediately began protesting.
“Where are the hot dogs?” Tyler demanded.
“I want hamburgers!” Madison cried.
Three-year-old Connor poked at his sandwich and said, “This tastes like plants.”
Juliette stood so fast her chair scraped across the deck.
“This is incredibly rude, Annie. We’re family.”
“Exactly,” I said. “And family helps family. We have hosted every holiday for four years. I thought it was time everyone pitched in.”
Sarah and Kate looked at each other like I had committed a crime.
Bryan, who had been standing quietly near the kitchen door, finally stepped forward.
“Morrison’s Meat Market has a great selection,” he said. “I can give you directions, or we can all go together.”
Juliette turned on him.
“I cannot believe you’re supporting this selfishness.”
Bryan’s voice stayed calm.
“I’m supporting my wife.”
