Catching Up

Dad offered Dakota his hand. "Thanks for taking care of my girl for me." 

A broad smile spread across Dakota's face as he shook his hand. "No thanks are necessary. I'm happy to do it." Then Dakota pulled me to his side. "Besides, I think that she was looking out for me just as much."

Dad chuckled, sliding an arm around my mother. "Come on. Let's get a table."

"Would you like to sit with the pack?" I asked, noticing everyone sitting at the huge table, except for Michelle, Millie, and Micah. They sat at a separate table with Michelle and Millie's parents.

Dad shook his head, smiling. "No. I'd like to sit by ourselves and catch up, if you don't mind."

Dakota's smile faded. "Okay. I'll go sit with the pack to give you some privacy."

"No way!" I said. "You're sitting with us."

Dad burst out laughing and then leaned in conspiratorially. "You're included in the family now, whether you like it or not."