Dylan's Daddy Dilemma (The Colorado Fosters Book 04) by Tracy Madison

they stayed that way, looking at each other in weighted silence, for what seemed like hours upon hours but was likely only a matter of seconds, before Haley and Gavin came into the room. And wow, was Chelsea grateful.
    “Okay, I have Henry all set with some cookies and milk and, for when he’s done, a coloring book and crayons,” Haley was saying. “He should be content for long enough to have this conversation. After that, we’ll see where we’re at.”
    “Thank you,” Chelsea murmured, her encounter with Dylan leaving her dazed. “I’m, um, flabbergasted he didn’t wheedle you into giving him soda with the cookies.”
    “Oh, he tried.” Gavin sat in the other chair and motioned to Haley, who plopped onto his lap as if it were the most natural thing in the world. “But I gave him his choices as cookies and milk, or he could have the soda, but then he’d get carrot sticks to balance the sugar.”
    “Not a shocker he went with the cookies and milk,” she said. “Though, if you’d given him ranch dressing for the carrot sticks, he probably would’ve thought that was a fair deal.”
    Again, a sense of familiarity stole in, as if sitting here with these people had happened many times in the past. As if it would again in the future. Rather than increasing her comfort, however, the realization felt almost threatening. Because it wasn’t true.
    “I hope this doesn’t come off as rude,” she said, “but what is it you want to talk about?”
    “Before we can fully explain, I need to drag a promise from my brother,” Haley said. “Well, you, too, but it’s Dylan I’m most concerned with, since it involves keeping a secret.”
    “Since when am I a blabbermouth?” Dylan asked, sounding somewhat insulted. “I’ve kept plenty of secrets for you in the past, Haley. More than our brothers, I’m sure.”
    “You’re not a blabbermouth,” Haley confirmed. “But this is really important, and there can’t be any gray areas. None. So that means you can’t tell anyone what you’re about to hear, even if you disagree with our reasons. And I need you to promise.”
    “Depends,” Dylan said, his voice holding notes of concern. “Is this a good thing?”
    “Now, it shouldn’t matter one way or the other,” Gavin said. “Because you should know we wouldn’t ask you to stay hush on something that could hurt anyone. But for the record, we think it’s rather good. And we hope you’ll feel the same.”
    “Well, that’s an easy enough promise to make, then,” Dylan said. “So, yeah, I promise.”
    “Thank you!” Haley grinned. “Chelsea?”
    “Um. Sure, I promise not to tell anyone.” Really, though, who
would
she tell?
    “That’s what we needed to hear, so I think we’re all set.” Haley reached for Gavin’s hand and inhaled a deep breath. “Gavin and I have decided to throw a surprise wedding. Next month. Here, outside if the weather cooperates, and it will be small. We’ll invite everyone for a barbecue and then when they’re here, we’ll announce that we’re getting married instead.”
    Dylan’s jaw dropped open. “A surprise wedding? Oh...wait a minute. This is what you were all secretive about last night, isn’t it? That thing you said I wouldn’t find exciting? Because my sister getting married? Kind of exciting.”
    “Yes. And sorry about that, but you have this annoying way of getting into people’s heads.” Haley grinned at her brother. “Now that you know, what do you think?”
    “I’m happy for you two, without a doubt.”
    “But?” Haley said. “I know you have a
but
hidden there somewhere.”
    “
However
, I think the surprise factor could potentially hurt our parents’ feelings,” Dylan said. “You’re their only daughter, Haley. Mom will want to shop for the dress with you, help with whatever plans need to be made. Dad will want to help foot the cost, if not the whole shebang. Why not have a wedding everyone can be a part of from the get-go?”
    “I’m