Chapter 71: Family time with the Woods
When Kellen finally stepped downstairs, Hill, Gunther, Brent and his Mom were seated around the island while his Dad was bumbling around in the kitchen. Kellen glanced around, trying to find Gwen, Casper and the Captain, but didn’t say anything as he couldn’t find them. He grabbed his apron from it’s hook near the fridge and his Dad smiled at the sight of him.
"Anything in particular you want to make?" He asked, and Kellen shrugged, tying the strings behind his back.
"Nope. I’ve made them beer snacks before, so we can do practically anything." His Dad nodded, before the two of them stood in front of the open fridge and discussed. While they were doing that, a knock sounded at the door and his Mom got up to answer it before anyone else could. In came Casper, Gwen and the Captain. The Captain and Gwen were carrying more stools, and it looked rather precarious, while Casper had his arms full with bags.
"We’re back!" Gwen called. "We grabbed as many chairs as we could, and Captain Thatcher piled up Lieutenant Casper’s arms with liquor. It’s the weekend!" Her grin was infectious, and Hill laughed. Hill got to her feet, heading over to help the two unpack their chairs, while Casper placed his bags on the island.
"Ah, I think I like this side of recruit Woods." She reached out and ruffled Gwen’s hair on the top of her head, and Kellen watched as Gwen’s eyes went wide. "When we’re just hanging out, you can drop the formalities, Gwen." Hill told her with a grin as she helped her by taking one of the extra stools. Kellen’s Mom did the same for the Captain. Kellen kept an eye on them as him and his Dad continued to discuss the dinner plans.. Gwen tilted her head to the side in thought, before nodding.
"Understood, Ms. Hill." Hill groaned, putting her head in her hands.
"What the hell is up with you siblings? Seriously? Kellen, did you tell her?" Gwen seemed baffled by the turn of events while Kellen laughed.
"I didn’t say a thing, Ms. Hill." She growled.
"I worked so hard for you to call me Hill. Gwen!" Gwen straightened up at hearing her name called by one of her instructors. "Do not call me Ms. Hill! I am not your teacher right now, I am a friend of your brother. Just Hill is fine." She declared and Gwen giggled. What a freaking cutie Kellen had as a little sister. Too bad her mouth was foul. But Kellen could also tell that some of the other members of the group noticed how cute Gwen was as well. He frowned.