According to Miranda, the upheaval of the last week had caused Kacey to sleep poorly. My guess was they had a bad night and were sleeping in a bit. It was only our second morning back in Nashville. Hopefully, the little guy would settle into a routine soon. The ceremony and wedding stuff made our schedule crazy yesterday, and he missed his nap. I suggested resting and waiting a day or two before tying the knot, but no, Miranda wanted to get our two months started as quickly as possible. She was determined not to waste a single day.
I stifled a deep breath and drew a too-hot sip of mycoffee. Burnt my tongue, which was a decent distraction. Two months would evaporate before our eyes. I didn’t want to think about it.
Things had been awkward between us, as I imagined, but not as bad as they could’ve been. My hope was that Miranda would let her guard down. Maybe she’d relax here, sleep more, and look a little healthier. Maybe I could cook some things she used to like and coax her to eat?—
My thoughts shattered as a familiar Altima pulled down the street. Panic coursed through my veins.
Jules.
I wanted to kick myself. Should’ve known ignoring her calls and most of her text messages would backfire.
I was not prepared to talk to Jules about all that had transpired. She’d have a million questions and would probably lecture me about how insane and stupid I was. Which, come to think of it, Iwasstupid. Because I knew my twin well enough to figure she would pull a stunt like this. She had sent me a few butt-hurt messages last night, like, “Jack, I heard you’re suffering from amnesia. I’m your sister, Jules.”
I should’ve dealt with it right then and there.
Avoidance nipping me in the behind once again.
She was sour because of the silent treatment. Who could blame her? Last time she saw me, I was storming out of the meeting after my ex-wife. I blew out a tense breath and rubbed the back of my head. Took a few long sips of coffee to amp myself up for the surprise visit.
Why hadn’t I just called her and told her everything over the phone?
An even worse reality dawned in my mind. Poor Miranda would have no idea Jules was coming. What if she came downstairs while Jules was here? I didn’t have my phone to warnher. I considered bolting for the bottom of the stairs and yelling at Miranda to stay put until Jules left, but they were already pulling in. At least Miranda’s car was in the garage now.
I stood and leaned on the porch railing as they parked the car. Pat and Jules got out, leaving the car idling. Jules approached me with a scowl.
“Hey sis.” I said. Tried to keep my voice light. “What are you guys doing out this early?”
She cocked an eyebrow as she climbed the porch steps. “I wanted to make sure you were alive.”
“You didn’t have to make a special trip.”
She held out her arms, and I pulled her into a hug.
“We didn’t make a special trip. The twins have a doctor’s appointment in Nashville, and I wanted to swing by and force you to talk to me. You didn’t tell me any of your thoughts after the meeting, and I’ve been worried sick.”
“I’m sorry I haven’t been in touch. It’s been”—I shook my head—“more hectic than you would imagine.”
Pat stepped up behind her.
“Well, we aren’t staying long. The girls are sleeping in the car.” Jules plopped onto a porch chair and Pat settled in next to her, wrapping his arm around the back of her shoulders. “I’m willing to overlook the fact you have refused to talk to me if you start explaining right now.”
Suddenly, the front door swung open, and Kacey barged out onto the porch. The door slammed behind him. Jules’ brows knit in confusion. Kacey took one look at everyone and turned to go back inside. He struggled with the door handle for a second or two, whimpering, “Mommy!”
“Hey, come here.” I called to him, hoping to side-step the impending meltdown. But as I did, the door gave, and he rushed back inside.
Jules turned to me, mouth agape. “Mommy? Did you hook up with someone last night?”
“No, it’s not what it looks like?—”
The door opened again. This time, Miranda strode out onto the porch with a cup of coffee, Kacey clinging to her leg. Her hair was pulled into a low ponytail, and the bruise on her clean face was in full view, now yellowing and greenish from the passing of time. The sweatshirt swallowed her. We’d been playing this fun game where she’d wear it during the day then leave it on the couch. I took it to bed with me every night and placed it back on the couch before she rose in the mornings.
Well,Iwas playing that game.
She gave a soft gasp and moved like she was going to tuck her tail and run back inside. She quietly apologized.
I stopped her. “Miranda, you’re fine. You can stay.”
Jules’ mouth hung open as she watched Miranda take a porch seat close to me and pull Kacey into her lap. She held up a hand. “No, Jack, no.” Jules shook her head back and forth.
