Before I knew it, it was almost five, and Will and Ivy were due to arrive. A knock at the door came a few minutes later, and Meredith darted to answer it. I think she loved being the greeter.
“Hello, Will. And who do we have here?” Meredith asked in an exaggeratedly sweet voice.
“I’m Ivy,” she said confidently. “Bebe’s best friend. How do you do?”
Meredith laughed. “Well, well, I’m Meredith, Bebe’s best aunt.”
“I’ve heard of you,” Ivy said matter-of-factly. “Bebe told me how cool and pretty you are.”
“Did she?” Meredith replied, shooting me a sly look. “What a sweetie that Bebe is.”
Ivy beamed as she skipped over to Bebe, carrying balloons and a small gift bag. Bebe’s eyes lit up as Ivy handed her the items.
“These are for you,” Ivy said proudly. “Is your scar like the red-haired girl in Madeline?”
“I don’t know. I can’t see it—it’s covered with a bandage,” Bebe replied, giggling.
Bebe opened the gift, revealing new pajamas, a Squishmallow, and a BFF necklace. Her face lit up as she hugged Ivy tentatively.
I turned my attention to Will, who was watching the girls with a smile.
“That was really thoughtful of you,” I said, stepping closer to him.
He shrugged modestly. “Ivy picked everything out. She’s very particular when it comes to her best friend.”
“Very generous,” I said softly, catching his gaze. “Their friendship is so pure. Do you think it’ll stay that way?”
Will’s hand brushed mine, sending chills up my spine. “I think they’d love to be sisters,” he said quietly.
The depth of his words caught me off guard, but I didn’t let myself overthink it. For now, I focused on the warmth of the moment.
The girls decided to watch “Spirit,” and Will and I excused ourselves to the kitchen, where Meredith was setting out the sushi Will had brought.
“Okay, lovebirds, dinner is ready,” Meredith teased, arranging the rolls on a platter.
I rolled my eyes. “Don’t start, Mer.”
Will grinned. “I don’t mind. I’ve been called worse.”
Meredith gave him a sly look. “Oh, I’m just getting warmed up.”
We all sat down at the island, the soft hum of the movie playing in the background. Meredith poured us glasses of wine, her playful energy filling the room as she leaned into teasing me.
“So, Will,” she said, leaning forward on her elbows. “How’s life in the Parker household?”
Will chuckled, taking a sip of his wine. “Between Madison’s high school drama, Ivy’s very specific tastes in everything, andCarter and Chase turning everything into a sports or Nintendo competition, it’s never dull,” Will said with a grin.
Sounds like you’ve got your hands full,” Meredith said, raising her glass. “Cheers to surviving it all.”
Will clinked his glass to hers. “Cheers to that.”
I couldn’t help but smile as I watched them banter. Will’s ease with Meredith felt like a glimpse of what life could be—blended, comfortable, and light.
After a while, Meredith excused herself to check on the girls. As she left the room, I got up to warm some soup for Bebe, just in case she wanted to eat later.
Will followed me to the stove, leaning against the counter as I stirred the pot. “This is nice,” he said softly.
“What is?” I asked, glancing over my shoulder at him.
