Penny pulled out her earbud and nudged her gently.
“Oh, and heads-up—my family doesn’t ease into things. You’re basically being adopted the second we walk through the door.”
Arden exhaled, somewhere between disbelief and a laugh. “That intense?”
“But in the best way.” Penny slung her bag over her shoulder, gathering momentum.
Arden shook her head, a low chuckle slipping out.
“You’ll feel right at home,” Penny said, no hesitation.
She wasn’t trying to convince her.
It wasn’t a pitch.
It was truth, plain and simple.
“You’re going to leave wondering how you survived this long without cinnamon rolls, unsolicited opinions, and way too many group hugs.”
The laugh caught in Arden’s throat, almost staying there.
Because Penny made it sound easy.
Effortless.
As if a place was already set at the table with her name on it.
No expectations.
No performance.
Just welcome.
Arden turned toward the window, her voice barely audible.
“You said your family collects people?”
Penny’s tone softened. “It’s kind of our thing. Why?”
Arden paused, fingers dragging a slow line across her jeans.
Then, a quiet, tentative smile.
“I think… I might need that today.”
CHAPTER 43
The Warmth of Family
The door opened before they could knock.
“There you are!”
Lillian Haverford’s voice spilled out like a welcome mat, her presence filling the doorway before they even crossed the threshold. Her arms were open, silver strands had slipped free from the knot at the back of her head, like the day had tugged free every last pin. She smelled faintly of cinnamon and pleasantly floral, warm and comforting, yet unplaceable. Arden breathed it in, caught off guard by how much it reminded her of a memory she couldn’t place. A warmth she might’ve missed without even knowing.
This must be what love looks like.
Before she could speak, Lillian wrapped her in a hug, solid and certain, like she’d decided Arden belonged. It wasn’t formal. It wasn’t cautious. It was natural. Unfiltered.
