“Alone?” Jonah asked.
“It’s a brick house way up in Crestview. Not near the water, no trees close to the house. I’ll be fine.”
He looked at her like she was out of her mind. “And I’ll be with you. With Atlas.”
She inched back, a flicker of surprise and maybe a little glow of color on her face. “Are you sure?”
“You’re not staying alone in a storm,” he said. “Anyway, Atlas is always happiest with you.”
“Only Atlas?” Vivien mouthed, turning to Tessa.
“Seriously,” Tessa whispered, then, louder, she asked, “Does that mean you have room in Rock Hill for Dusty, Olive, and me?”
“Absolutely,” Eli assured her.
“Expect the three of us,” Dusty said, looking at Tessa with a smile that said he knew what she wanted and would move mountains to give it to her. She winked her love back in return.
“Then everyone is accounted for,” Eli announced. “Now, let’s go over how we’re all driving because there will be no vehicles here. And no exposed windows—that is, if I can scare up someone, anyone, to help me hang plywood tomorrow.”
“I’m here, Dad,” Jonah said.
“Same,” Connor said. “Although…” He held up his broken wrist. “I might be more moral support than hammer handling.”
“You and Meredith should spend tomorrow at Lakeside,” Eli said, referring to the major architectural project that kept them all busy. “And we’ll figure it out,” he added, with a little less confidence than Tessa was used to hearing from him.
“‘Figure it out’ means the two of them will be hanging plywood until the first storm band hits,” Vivien murmured, obviously noticing her brother’s tension, too.
Well, he was worried about the house he designed and built with his brain and sheer willpower, a few families, his satellite business, and a smattering of beach houses owned by people he loved.
Just as Tessa was about to say that to Kate, her sister rounded the island, arms out toward Eli. She saw the stress, too, of course, and hugged him because he needed it.
Next to her, Vivien watched it unfold.
“You know what this is?” Vivien said softly to Tessa.
“A mix between a nightmare and an impromptu party?” Tessa guessed.
“The beauty of the Summer House,” she replied. “Look at us, rallying and uniting. Giving support and love and respect and…whatever is needed.”
Tessa almost cracked a joke, but Vivien’s eyes were shimmering and far too serious.
“Yes,” she said on a sigh. “That’s the definition of found family.”
“Right?” Vivien hugged her impulsively, pressing her mouth to Tessa’s ear. “There’s love in the most unexpected places, too. C’mere, Kate.”
Kate joined the group hug, laughing softly. “What are we secretly whispering about now?” she asked into their private circle.
“Us,” Vivien said. “How strong we are.”
“Oh, please,” Tessa snorted. “We all want to know where the heck Crawfordville is and why our mothers are bugging out.”
“With motorcycle riders.”
Vivien choked. Tessa snorted. And they drew back and looked at Kate who, holy cow, was not kidding.
“Hey, babe.” Dusty broke into the circle, reaching for Tessa. “My buddy dropped off more sandbags. Let’s get home and put them out. Maybe I can finish the rest of the windows early tomorrow and come to help Eli.”
“Absolutely.” She smiled at Vivien and Kate. “More on that during our hurricane party in Rock Hill.” She blew them a kiss and left with Dusty, flinging goodbyes on her way out.
