“Well,” Indie says with an amused lilt to her voice, “Iappreciate you sacrificing yourself so that I could have a truly unbelievable weekend with the eldest Sterling brother.”
“You’re welcome.” I chuckle, blinking back tears and so damn grateful for the woman in front of me. “And thank you, for everything.”
“Always, babe. But next time,”—she points an accusing finger at me—“Ibetterbe your maid of honor.”
“I’ll make sure of it.”
12
LAKE
PEN: Are you sure you still want me to stay with you?
Istare at the message, wondering if she’s really asking or if Carter planted this doubt in her mind. I hate that she’d even question it.
Question us.
LAKE: Always, Pen
PEN: I could stay with Oma
LAKE: I want you here
PEN: Promise?
LAKE: Yes
PEN: What if you get sick of me?
LAKE: Then I’ll send you to Oma’s overnight
LAKE: But, Pen, I’m always gonna want you back
PEN: Tell me tomorrow
LAKE: I will.
LAKE: And every day after
“Is that Penelope?”my mother asks as she stirs the pot on the stove. There’s not a whole lot I wouldn’t do for her stick-to-your-ribs stew on a cold winter day.
“Yeah, she’s coming home tomorrow.”
“And she’s staying with you?” Her tone is light and full of faux innocence.
“Why are you asking?” I say with an equally sweet tone as I place my phone face down and rest my forearms on the granite bar top.
“She’s being nosy is all.” My father laughs as he plants a kiss on her cheek, making her huff and unable to hide her smile.
“I’m your mother; Iraised you,”she sniffs. “I’m allowed to be nosy.”
“Pen is staying with me.”
“Pen is what?” Wren asks as she bursts into the kitchen with a reusable grocery bag that she plops down next to me.
“Staying with your brother,” our mother says, earning a confused look from my sister.
“That’s not news,” Wren deadpans before pulling a loaf of bread from the bag, “unless they’re having sex.”
