After about 30 minutes, everyone in the house was ready and gathered downstairs.
Samantha, dressed in a navy-blue dress that fell just below her knees, displayed a quiet elegance. Her blonde hair was neatly styled, and she wore simple pearl earrings, her outfit fitting for church.
Amanda, in contrast, had opted for a more casual look—ripped jeans, a loose-fitting blouse, and sandals. Sumr, as usual, looked like she had thrown on whatever was closest—an oversized sweatshirt and leggings, paired with sneakers.
Don who put in so effort, wore a white button-down shirt and dark slacks, which settled sowhere between smart and casual, comfortable but still presentable.
Samantha smiled as she looked around at everyone. "It's so nice to be going to church as a family again. I can't rember the last ti we did this."
Sumr crossed her arms and sighed. "Let's not make it a habit."
Don grinned, leaning toward her. "I bet you'd go if the church had free buffets afterward."
Sumr furrowed her brow and swung her fist at Don's shoulder, but he sidestepped her easily, causing her to miss.
"No fighting, you two," Samantha warned with a gentle shake of her head.
As Samantha turned toward the kitchen, her gaze landed on Winter, who had remained downstairs cleaning. The food from breakfast couldn't be finished, so Samantha had decided to take the rest to church to give out.
She thought it would be a nice gesture, though Sumr had other opinions.
"What a waste," Sumr muttered under her breath, rolling her eyes.
Don smirked. "I think it's a good idea. In fact, if we stopped feeding Sumr, we'd be one step closer to stopping world hunger."
Sumr narrowed her eyes at him, glaring. "Laugh it off now, but Mom won't always be around."
Feigning a gasp, Don placed a hand over his heart. "You're plotting to kill Mom? For food, no less?"
Samantha sighed, clearly used to their bickering by now. "Don, stop teasing your sister." She shook her head slightly. "We have to go now, or we'll be late."
As they headed for the door, Winter saw them out. "Have a safe journey."
Samantha paused, looking at her curiously. "You're not coming with us?"
Winter's reply was matter-of-fact. "It is not my decision to make."
Everyone turned to look at Don, who quickly shook his head. "Probably not the best idea to show up to church with a busty maid. Maybe when we get you so different clothes."
Winter nodded in understanding. "That does sound like the more appropriate option."
Samantha thought for a mont before nodding as well. "You're right."
Winter then added, "I will ensure the house is clean and free of intruders. Not even an ant will enter without my knowledge."
Samantha, slightly taken aback by Winter's serious tone, smiled awkwardly. "Oh, uh, that's really fine. You can... rest."
Winter tilted her head, clearly confused. "Rest?"
Don stepped in, cutting off the conversation before it got too strange. "Just do whatever you feel is necessary, Winter. Within reason, of course."
"Affirmative," Winter replied, her tone unchanged.
As they walked toward the front door, Samantha shook her head with a small smile. "I just can't seem to understand technology like you kids."
Don grinned. "Don't worry, I'll teach you."
Samantha's smile widened as they approached her Range Rover parked in the driveway. Don jogged ahead, opening the driver's side door for her with a gentlemanly flourish. Samantha laughed softly, clearly pleased by the gesture, and slid into the driver's seat.
Amanda, standing by the passenger side, chuckled as Don opened the door for her next. "You raised quite the gentleman, Sam," Amanda said with amusent. "He's setting the bar high for what I expect from a man."
Samantha bead, laughing lightly. "He sure is."
After Don closed the door for Amanda, he turned to find Sumr standing right behind him, arms crossed and tapping one foot impatiently on the ground. She raised an eyebrow expectantly, clearly waiting for him to open the door for her as well.
Don sighed but complied, pulling the door open with a smirk. As Sumr climbed into the backseat, he reached out and pinched her ass, causing her to yelp and spin around.
"Hey!" she yelled, glaring at him.
But Don closed the door before she could retaliate, walking around to the other side and sliding into the seat beside her.
Samantha, unaware of the sibling shenanigans, smiled as she started the car. They were just about to pull out of the driveway when Samantha's expression shifted. She frowned, spotting soone in the rearview mirror.
It was Cassie, jogging down the street toward them, waving with far too much enthusiasm for soone who had just finished a workout.
"Heya, Sam! Good morning!" Cassie called out, her breathless voice still full of energy.
Samantha sighed, rolling down the window and forcing a polite smile. "Good morning, Cassie."
Cassie leaned against the window sill, her smile widening when her gaze landed on Don. "Good morning, Don," she said sweetly, only then adding, "Good morning, Amanda. And... uh... "
Sumr, clearly unimpressed, crossed her arms. "It's Sumr," she said flatly.
Cassie laughed, waving a hand dismissively. "Silly . I have a terrible mory." She tilted her head, before asking. "Where are you all off to so early?"
Samantha's smile tightened. "Church. And we're running late, so if you'll excuse us..."
Cassie nodded, still smiling. "I see. I might join you one of these days."
She then turned her gaze back to Don. "Oh, and Don, make sure to stop by soon. Donald's been wanting to see you."
Don nodded, offering a polite smile. "Yeah, I'll swing by. He and I need to chat about starting school together tomorrow."
Cassie's smile brightened even more. "Lovely! I— *ahem*Donald will be looking forward to having you over. Toodles!" She gave a little wave before jogging off toward her house.
As the car finally pulled away from the curb, Samantha's forced smile lted into a frown. "That woman can be so... so inappropriate sotis."
Sumr, ever blunt, added, "She just seems like a cougar who's set her eyes on Don."
Amanda laughed, shaking her head. "True."
Samantha shot them both a disapproving look. "Don't say that."
"But it's true," Sumr insisted.
"That's enough," Samantha said firmly, glancing at Don through the rearview mirror. "Donnie, just be careful around her, alright? And don't do anything I wouldn't want you doing."
Don flashed a quick grin. "No problem."
Sumr rolled her eyes, clearly not buying his innocent act, but remained silent as the car sped down the road.
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