“Nah, Oli hogs the water,” I joke, but in truth, I like to give them their own time too. “I really want to read through this so I have all the information before I have the walk through with the McCallister brothers tomorrow.” Hope stiffens at the mention of the construction crew, which reminds me that I need to get the information out of her about them. If it upsets her this much, maybe we shouldn't be using them. I’m not sure why she’d recommend them if it would be this hard for her to see them, but maybe she underestimated the impact it would have on her.
“Hope, I don't have to use them if it upsets you. I’m sure there are hundreds of other crews we could use.”
The house is quiet as we enter, and my voice echoes around the entry hall. Jaxon and Jacinta are quietly waiting to see what she says, but she shakes her head.
“No, that’s fine. It’s not like I’ll run into them all that much. Ask Holden to tell you the story. I don't really feel like repeating it today.” Her eyes are shadowed, and for the first time since I’ve known her, she looks tired and sad.
“Ah, there you all are!” Nana bustles down the corridor from the main living area. “I was hoping I would catch you before you all disappeared. “Hope dear, Forrest informed us that he has the adoption papers drawn up if you’re ready to become an official Summers.”
Hope’s eyes widen as her mouth drops open. “You guys were serious about that?” The shock in her voice is all too relatable. Iwasthat girl, probably still am to some extent. Not being wanted by a family… That leaves a lasting mark, where even after you find a family that’s worthy of you, you still feel a bit unwanted.
“Of course we were, dear. All those previous foster families were crazy. We can see what an amazing person you are and would love nothing better than to have you join our family.” Nana wraps her arm around Hope’s shoulders, and she bursts into tears as she pulls her into a hug and holds the sobbing girl. “We also think it would be better if you gave up that lonely apartment in town and moved out here permanently. While Harlow still has a stalker, we want to keep the family close. You can use one of our permanent rooms at the Neighpalm Hotel like we all do if you need to stay in town for business.”
Hope pulls away, her face blotchy from tears. “You have no idea what it feels like to be wanted for the first time in my life.” She nearly whispers the words, her voice catching by the end.
Jacinta smiles at her, and I’m almost floored. I’ve seen a lot of faces from her, but this is one of the first times I’ve seen her direct that gentle smile at anyone besides her brothers and her animals. “Actually, I think you’ll find we all do. Your family is just claiming you a little later than the rest of us. Welcome to the family, sis.”
“Holy shit, I have sisters!” A grin a mile wide blasts away the tiredness that had been on her face a minute ago.
“Yeah, you certainly got a better welcome than I did, but at least Jacinta has a great wardrobe to steal from. Sister jackpot there,” I joke, sticking my tongue out at her when she elbows me in the side. Where Jacinta and I are very similar in size, Hope is shorter than us both, which she compensates for with towering high heels. She’s also curvier, so there’s a good chance she can’t steal her clothes anyway.
“I already know we take the same size shoes, so watch out.” She points at Jacinta, and we all laugh.
“And don't forget six pushy brothers,” Jaxon reminds, and her forehead wrinkles in a frown as she steps away from Nana, trying to compose herself.
“Not sure that’s any kind of endorsement. I’ve lived with boys before, and that didn't turn out so great.”
“These ones are well trained, and their girlfriend keeps them in line,” I promise her, helping to ease some of her returning worry.
“Why don't you all wash up? Food is on a serve-yourself basis tonight. There’s a big bowl of rice and a couple takeout orders on the kitchen bench. I wasn’t sure when everyone would get here, so you can just heat it up when you need it.”
“Are Dad and Emma okay? The agents are coming over to see them when they finish up at the other place.”
“They are. They were taking a nap, but I think they’re up now. I’ll get them when the agents arrive.”
“Nana, what would we do without you?” Jaxon places a kiss on her cheek, taking that extra effort to make itsmoochloudly enough for us all to hear.
“I ask myself the same thing every day. Now shoo.”
Hope heads in the direction of the wing I stayed in when I first arrived. When she disappears, I turn to Nana. “If the McCallister brothers are going to be given rooms in this house, I suggest that Hope maybe take the spare room in our wing.”
A sly smile crosses Nana’s face, and my stomach lurches. “Nonsense, dear. Hope’s a big girl. I’m sure she can cope with living close to her foster brothers.”
“Nana,” Jaxon growls, but the woman just fluffs her hair sashays back down the hall to the living area.
“Don't you worry, Jaxon. I helped all of you boys out. It’s only right that I help my girls.” She disappears, and Jaxon turns to his sister.
“You know she’s got plans for you too.” She blushes a pretty pink, but I’m not about to argue. It’ll be kind of nice seeing it be someone else’s turn.
“Somehow, I don't think Jacinta is too upset about that at all.” I link my arm with hers and drag her toward our wing. “Come on, let’s clean up. I’m starving, and I have a date with a sexy islander and a hot tub that I don't want to miss.”
“Well, I know I’ll be avoiding the hot tub then.” Jacinta grimaces. “Anyway, I think I need a good night’s sleep. I also want to do some research and see which colleges specialize in business and fashion classes. We might be lucky enough to find someone who majored in both.”
“I have to look over the final negotiations for this cruise line.”
“Now, that’s exciting. I think we should actually go on a trial cruise first. Not seeing it before you buy it would just be irresponsible, Jax.” The man in question rolls his eyes when Jacinta and I turn our best pouty lips on him, but he must be immune to it from too many years of Oli pulling the same trick.
“How did I know you were going to suggest that? If youmustknow, I’m booked in for departure the day after the fundraiser gala. I actually tried to get out of it this year, but Harlow came into our lives, and there is no way I want to miss seeing her all decked out for the event.” He whirls me away from his sister and dips me, placing a kiss on my lips that leaves me breathless and lightheaded. “I can’t wait to spend the night dancing with you.”
