The problem is, the past few months have given me some perspective of my own. Too bad that it took my best friend dying for me to finally see reason.
“Exactly. So, like I said, stay close. I’d hate to have to go looking for you again.”
“And what if I don’t?” I challenge, peering up at him.
His dark brown eyes bore into mine. “Just know that I’ll always find you, Vienna. You’re mine and always will be.”
Chapter 12
Rhonan
Spaghetti Confessions & Rock Painting
“I’ve gotta say, Laney…you’ve downright perfected your mother’s spaghetti recipe.” My dad wipes his chin with his napkin before leaning back in his chair, patting his stomach.
Fletcher lifts his water glass toward his mouth before taking a sip. “I agree, George. Every time she makes it, I feel like a teenager all over again.”
Ellis pulls on my shirt sleeve. “When will I be a teenager?”
“Not for a very long time,” I reply.
My dad chuckles. “It will happen before you know it, son. Trust me. You and your sister grew up way too fast for my liking.” He glances over at my sister. “And now my baby girl is getting married.”
Laney tilts her head at him. “Oh, Dad. Don’t start getting emotional already.”
Our father clears his throat. “I just wish your mother was here to see this. She’d be so happy for you and Fletcher.”
Fletcher kisses my sister’s temple. “That means a lot, George. And I know Elizabeth will be there the day of.”
“But Nana is an angel,” Ellis chimes in.
Laney leans closer to her from her chair. “She is, just like your mom. Angels can go anywhere, though. That’s how we know they’re always with us.”
Ellis furrows her brow. “Does that mean my mom can go to school with me?”
I decide to shut down this conversation before I get calls from the school, or better yet, Vienna has to talk to me about another incident in Ellis’s class. “No, baby. Angels just show up for the important stuff, like birthdays, holidays, and weddings.”
Ellis’s shoulders drop. “Oh. Okay. Can I go play now?”
I glance around the table and notice that we’ve all finished eating, so I give her permission to leave. “Sure.” Ellis races toward the living room as I meet my sister’s gaze. “Let’s cool it with the angel talk, shall we?”
“What? Do you not want Ellis to believe that her mom is always with her? She’s way more perceptive than you think.”
“She’s five, Laney. She’s not old enough to understand the complexity of what you’re telling her.”
My sister props her chin in her hand. “Maybe, but sheisold enough to notice that you smile when your neighbor is around.”
Her words make my pulse spike. “What?”
She lifts her wine glass to her mouth now, taking a sip. “Yeah. While she was helping me make dinner, she told me all about Vienna and how she makes you smile.”
Fletcher chuckles, his arm still wrapped around my sister’s waist from his seat. “That little girl is aware of more than you think and doesn’t forget things easily.”
I glare in his direction. “Trust me, she still tells me she wants to be a stripper when she grows up. Thanks again for that.”
My father hums. “What are you talking about? A stripper?”
Fletcher pushes a hand through his hair. “It’s a long story.”
