Dixon sighed, his earlier teasing giving way to a more thoughtful expression.
"I'm actually relieved."
Lina frowned.
"Relieved about what?"
"That you're still my aunt."
Lina blinked.
Dixon grinned.
"Your relationship with my uncle seems stable. Nothing has gone wrong, and you haven't suddenly decided to run away from him. So yes, I'm relieved."
"You make it sound like I'm responsible for keeping the family peace."
"You might be."
He laughed, but after a moment his expression became more serious.
"Jokes aside, Lina, my uncle isn't exactly experienced when it comes to relationships."
Lina's fingers paused around her glass.
Dixon continued before she could respond.
"But he's reliable. Very reliable. Once he decides that someone matters to him, he doesn't change his mind easily."
Lina lowered her gaze.
Dixon leaned back.
