" Yes , I'd just finished a shift and was heading back to campus that day ." Alessia didn't elaborate , leaving it at that ; for Ethan , it had been no trouble at all . Back then , all he'd thought was - if his own little sister had been in that situation , she'd have been terrified . The thought brought a flicker of disappointment to Ethan's eyes . An awkward silence started to settle over the table , so Karen stepped in to steer the conversation elsewhere . " Lessie's just come home - it'll take her a while to get used to things . Dinner's ready , so let's eat . It's not often we all sit down together . Afterward , I'll help get your room set up , Lessie . " Karen stood up , putting on a bright smile , but the others still sat with their lips pressed tight . Sensing her husband wanted to say something , Karen quietly let the forced cheer slip from her face . Brendan reached over , patting Karen's hand before turning to Alessia . " So , Lessie , is it ? I'm sorry . For seventeen years , I haven't been your father in any real way . Now , with everything falling apart , we've dragged you back just to share our mess . I can't give you the life you deserve . If you don't want to stay with us , I'd understand . I … I don't have much to offer , but this is what I've managed to save up . Please , take it . After all , the Tate family … " His voice trailed off , the difference between her old life and this one hanging in the air . " No , thank you . " Alessia gently slid the bank card back across the table . Brendan looked startled , his hands wringing together awkwardly . " It's not much , but it's enough to rent a place . I'll send you money every month , too- " " That's not what I mean . I think it's nice here . If you don't mind having me , I'd like to stay . " " You won't get used to it ," Liam - the third brother - cut in , sure of himself . Alessia just arched an eyebrow , not rushing to defend her choice . She looked at them , her expression almost innocent . " So … are you trying to kick me out ? " " No - of course not ! That's not what Dad meant at all ! " Brendan reached over to rap Liam lightly on the head . Except for the youngest , who stared at his lap , everyone 1/2 15:35 shot Liam a reproachful look . Liam opened his mouth , but couldn't find the words . In the end , he pressed his lips tight and looked away . After Alessia's comment , no one dared suggest she find somewhere else to stay . Karen and Brendan headed to the kitchen to whip up more food , since dinner had only been made for three . The living room was left to the kids . " I've got another gig later , so I'm heading out . Mom , Dad , don't bother making me a plate - my boss covers our meals . " Liam slung his guitar over his shoulder and made for the door . " All right , " Karen called from the kitchen . " Be careful . Don't get into trouble ," Ethan , the eldest , reminded him . " Yeah , I know ." Liam glanced over at Alessia . Sensing his look , Alessia met his gaze openly , as if waiting to see what he'd say next . Liam cleared his throat . " I didn't mean it the way it sounded , earlier . " " I know . " Alessia smiled , a dimple appearing in her cheek , her eyes crinkling at the corners . Liam turned red at the ears , clearly embarrassed by his earlier outburst . " Good … that's good . " He coughed awkwardly , rubbed his nose , and stood there for a moment before shuffling out the door . " He doesn't mean any harm . He's just terrible with words ," Ethan explained . Alessia tried to hold back a laugh and nodded . The Morton family really was something - five kids , five personalities . The eldest steady as a rock , the second gentle , the third prickly and proud , the youngest taciturn , and one … well , spoiled rotten . 15:35