Cynthia cut the tension by taking a seat on the couch. Amber flopped into an armchair, and Lisa pulled up a kitchen chair. Willow sat by her mom while I stood in the kitchen like I was watching zoo animals who weren’t supposed to be put in the same enclosure.
“So,” Lisa said. “Are you two . . . official and staying together?”
Willow blushed. “I’m woman enough to admit I may have been wrong about Ryan.”
“Can I get that in writing?” I teased.
Cynthia and Lisa cracked smiles.
“We have a nice long drive over the next few days to hammer out the details,” I said.
“And if we can’t agree on something, I’ll just leave him at a rest stop somewhere in Kentucky,” Willow quipped.
“What route are you taking?” Lisa asked. “Are you going back through that little town in Virginia? Send me pictures if you do. It sounded gorgeous.”
“How can a townsoundgorgeous?” Amber snipped.
A vein popped out across Lisa’s forehead, but she kept her composure. “Autumn and Ryan were telling me about it when we got together. The way theydescribedit made the town sound lovely.”
“What town?” Cynthia asked, looking a little hurt.
“What was it called again?” Willow asked me.
I chuckled. “Honestly, I just remember the diner.”
She nodded. “That food was so good.”
“So that settles it,” I said. “The Virginia route?”
Willow laughed. “We’re adding hours to the trip just to get breakfast?”
“I’ve done sketchier things for breakfast food,” I joked.
Lisa beamed. “You two make a good match.”
To my surprise, Cynthia nodded in agreement.
Of course, Amber had to roll her eyes.
Okay. Maybe no one would say anything. Maybe we could make it through this weird family reunion without someone making a comment to Willow about Shep being her dad. I’d tell her when everyone left and it would be just fine. It would give her closure.
I don’t know why I was so surprised Cynthia, Amber, and Lisa were keeping their mouths shut about Shep. They had been doing it for decades.
Willow was telling the ladies about her plans for the days she would spend in New York City when there was a knock at the door.
“I’ll get it,” I said as I eased off of my spot against the kitchen counter.
Bev was on the other side of the door and met me with a smile. “Hey, sugar. I’m glad I caught you two. Is Autumn here with you?”
“Yes, ma’am. Come on in.”
“I just wanted to pop by and see you two before you headed out. I’m not rushing you. I know you’re not leaving until tomorrow. I just wanted to say goodbye to Autumn. She’s my favorite renter.”
I chuckled. “Of course.”
“Bev!” Willow said as she jumped off the couch and came over to give her a hug. “I’m so glad you stopped by.”
“I wouldn’t miss saying goodbye to you,” Bev said as she squeezed her tight. “Hopefully, the next time you come to town I’ll have the other bedroom finished instead of having to use it for storage.”
