I peered up at Jesse, watching us with tears in his eyes as his throat worked.
“She readallthe time. With me every day, and she kept a pile of books on her nightstand.”
“I must have just missed her reading days when I…when I last saw her.” It was hard to form words as a lump in the back of my throat stunted the air coming out of my lungs. “I’m glad she grew up to be a reader.”
“That is so cool. Your name is printed in a book.”
Jesse grinned at me. “It’s very cool. Emily was always a big deal.”
I smiled back, so many emotions running through me, I had no idea which one to go with.
“I’m going to look if your name is mentioned again.”
I swiped the book from her hands as she started to skim.
“I’m in the acknowledgments, but that’s it. This is an adult book, so let’s keep to Ramona and The Baby-Sitter’s Club for now.”
I cringed at Jesse and set the book back into the box.
“I’m a really good reader. My teacher says that I read almost two grade levels ahead, so it’s okay for me to read an adult book.”
“No, it’s not.” Jesse kissed the top of her head. “Go upstairs and get changed while I order us dinner.”
Her shoulders slumped as she stood from the couch.
“Emily is here until tomorrow, and you can read anything else you want.”
She nodded and trudged toward the staircase.
“Wow,” I breathed out, reaching back into the box for the book.
“Wow is right,” Jesse breathed out. “I can’t believe she never said anything and figured out that was you.” He jutted his chin toward the book in my lap.
“Not that hard to figure out.” I chuckled, lifting a brow at Jesse. “She could have seen my name and did a search or maybe stumbled upon me on social media. All my pages say that I’m a freelance editor. At least someone in your family may’ve cared to snoop a little bit.”
I drew a smile out of him.
“I’d like to have this, if that’s okay.” I flipped the pages and spotted a ton of blue and yellow highlights. “I’ve been thinking about your sister a lot. I wish I could have known her as an adult.” I held up the book. “This makes me feel like I kind of did. At least, I hope she was mostly an adult when she made all these highlights.”
Jesse didn’t laugh or react as I peered up at him.
“If you want to keep it, it’s fine?—”
“No, of course you can have it. It’s just—” he raked a hand through his hair and shook his head “—I can’t believe my sister is still busting my chops when it comes to you.” A sad laugh tumbled from his lips. “I’m honestly not surprised.”
I didn’t know what to say when he flashed me a weak smile. It was a sucker punch to the gut for me too, yet a comfort at the same time.
“I’ll order us dinner. I should just get a whole cake for the two of you.”
“Okay. Here’s two books.”
Maddie plopped two books on my lap as my gaze lingered on Jesse, heading to the dining room as he scrolled his phone.
“I know Uncle Jesse said we could read after dinner, but if we silent-read like my teacher lets us do, I won’t get into trouble.”
She pressed her finger to her lips.
“That works for me. Pick any book you want.”
