Back to Me without you (Sibling Love Book 1) Read Online Free PDF

man.”
    “Please do sit down.” Justin’s father motioned to a nearby table.
    “It’s so sweet to put a face to your name,” Justin’s mother said. She embraced her soon-to-be daughter-in-law like she was already welcoming her into their family. “Our son has told us so much about you. It’s nice to finally meet you,” she drew out in her American accent.
    “I think so too, Mrs Collins,” Jessica returned. She allowed her future mother-in-law to take her by the hand. She led her to a chair, across from Abby’s. Steven also sat down at the table.
    “You don’t need to call me by my last name. It sounds so formal. While I do dress for style instead of comfort, Mrs Collins is my mother-in-law,” Mrs Collins asserted. She ran her fingers through her bob of blonde hair. “Call me Andrea.” Jessica shared a laugh with Andrea.
    Abby watched as Steven exchanged small talk with Justin and Jessica struck up a conversation with her future in-laws. Abby finally picked up a menu from the table and studied it, searching for something to keep her occupied since she didn’t want to look like a fool sitting there without saying a word. She wasn’t the conversationalist Jessica was. She didn’t know what to say to people she had just met other than “hello.”
    “Where’s your brother?” Abby heard Jessica ask Justin as he sat down next to her and wrapped an arm around her shoulders.
    “He’s here,” Andrea cut in and explained. “He’s just sending an urgent e-mail to his work.” She played with the many rings displayed on her fingers. “He should be back soon and then we can order some lunch. So my son tells me you’re studying to be a teacher, Jessica?”
    Jessica nodded. She brushed her almost-black hair over one shoulder. “I am. It’s something I’ve always been passionate about. It’s kind of like the way my sister Abby is about writing and Steven is about being a firefighter.”
    “Your parents must be so proud of you,” Justin’s father Gordon stated.
    “Um, Dad. I thought Mom would have told you. Jessica’s parents passed away,” Justin explained while his arm tightened reassuringly around Jessica.
    The colour drained from Gordon’s face. “I’m sorry. I had no idea. I hope what I said didn’t hit a raw nerve with you.”
    Andrea placed one hand on her husband’s arm. “I should have told you, honey, but I didn’t want to feel like I was talking about our future daughter-in-law behind her back before we even met her.” Andrea aimed her words at Jessica and was able to show her a small smile.
    “It’s okay,” Steven spoke up for his sisters. He was protective of both Abby and Jessica even though they were more than able to look out for themselves. “We understand. Our parents died five years ago and it does get easier as time goes on. I think it will always be hard because they are not here anymore.”
    “Family is a huge part of my life, so getting married without my siblings by my side just wasn’t going to happen for me. I think that’s why I put so much pressure on myself to meet you today, too,” Jessica added.
    “Did you think we wouldn’t like you?” Andrea asked.
    Abby watched her sister’s eyes dart from the ground to Justin, and then to Andrea. “I don’t know what I thought, but part of me was worried that maybe you wouldn’t think I was good enough to be with your son.”
    “That’s absurd!” Gordon stated. “When we heard from Justin that he was getting married in a month, we did have our reservations about how well you both know each other. We wondered what your intentions for marrying were.”
    “We’re are just concerned that you’re rushing into marriage before getting to know each other. I think that’s what my husband is trying to say. He tends to come across the wrong way sometimes. I’m sure Abby and Steven are feeling the same way,” Andrea added. “There’s no rush to get married.”
    Abby placed the menu in her lap. “I agree with