But Jules is on a melodramatic roll now, enjoying our mom’s discomfort. “I shouldn’t have to see, much lesshold, my brother-in-law’s eggplant facsimile more than once in my life!”
“Juliana Minelli, that’s enough.” My mom lets out a watery laugh. “But also, same.”
I give her a rueful smile. “Hey, maybe let this be a warning that you shouldn’t use your key uninvited.”
She gasps, and then we’re all laughing so hard our sides hurt.
The last box to get opened is a small one for the kitchen. It literally saysKitchen: Last Box to Openon it, and Garrett has it in his hands when the last of our excited guests leave. We wave goodbye from the porch, then he hands the box to me and ushers me back inside.
“Want to do the honours?”
I carry it back to the kitchen. A stack of flattened cardboard boxes is on the table, but it actually looks like a home already.
“I can’t believe we’re basically fully moved in,” I say as I slice the tape open. “What’s left?”
“The most important part.” Garrett wraps his arms around me from behind, nuzzling my neck.
Inside the box is the partridge timer, sitting on top of Garrett’s green flannel shirt.
“Oh, of course,” I whisper. “It needs to go in a place of honour, doesn’t it?”
“I was thinking…” He takes it from the box and moves around me, twisting it to start a ninety minute countdown before setting it on an open shelf. “Right in the heart of our home.”
“Nice.” I lean against the counter. “What do you want to talk about?”
His eyes crinkle. “Anything you want. How was your drive?”
I laugh. “Yeah, pretty good. Had a fun convoy partner. Yours?”
“Easy. Spent the whole time thinking about this.”
“Unpacking?”
He grins. “The whole thing. Unpacking. Watching you snuggle a little baby, and then turn all pink when I caught you sniffing the top of her head. Hearing the inevitable Minelli shrieks of laughter.”
“They found the dildo again.”
That makes him groan. “Oh, God.”
“Yeah. But on the upside, I don’t think my mom will be letting herself into the house. I suggested she might find us using it right here on the counter.”
His eyes light up.
“Not exactly,” I hasten to add.
“But we should.” He draws me close and kisses me hungrily. “We will.”
I wrap my arms around his neck, eager for more. But then I remember. “Hey, you re-packed my eye drops and lip balm!”
“I told you I was going to.” He kisses the corner of my mouth. “I think what you mean to say is,you were right, Garrett.”
“Doubtful,” I mutter.
“I want to hear it.” He’s laughing.
“I had to put it on my pillow because the bedside tables weren’t upstairs yet.”
“The horror,” he mocks.
