Page 113 of Here & Now

“I haven’t contacted my boss yet, but I can write anywhere. I can submit articles from here or find another job.”

“You make it sound so easy,” Sam said.

Bree understood what he was trying to do, and she didn’t fault him for it. He was ensuring she’d thought this through, which she had ad nauseum. It was all she and Zane had talked about since she’d made her decision.

“She’ll figure it out, Dad,” Ivy said and patted his shoulder.

“You can always come home if it doesn’t work out,” Paula said.

“This is my home now, Mom,” Bree said gently.

“I think your grandparents would be happy to know their house is being kept in the family,” said Jack.

“Plus, we can visit there just like we always have,” Ivy added.

“The house is paid off, so that’s good,” Sam said.

Bree had given a lot of thought to that too. If the house had sold, the proceeds would have been divided between her mom and aunt, but now… “We’ll work something out about the money you would have made from the sale,” she said, broaching the topic.

Her mom flapped her hand. “The money doesn’t matter.”

“We don’t need it,” her dad added.

“What about Aunt Sue?” Bree said.

“I don’t think she’ll mind, either,” her mom said, “but I’ll call and talk to her about it.”

“I’ll call her,” Bree said. She didn’t want any rifts in the family because of her.

“Well, it sounds like you’ve thought of everything,” Sam said, seemingly coming around to the idea.

“There is something else,” Bree said, glancing at Zane again.

He rose and strolled over to join her at the patio table.

Her family gazed at her with anticipation, except for Ivy, who looked like she had a secret.

“Everybody, there’s someone I want you to meet.”

“Is it your next-door neighbor?” Ivy said excitedly.

Bree nodded, and then Zane popped his head into view.

“Hey, everyone. I’m Zane.”

“Zane? Zane who?” Sam demanded.

Paula swatted him on the arm. “Her neighbor.”

“He’s not just my neighbor,” Bree corrected. “He’s my—”

“Boyfriend,” Ivy finished for her. Then she shrugged and said, “Sorry, sis.”

Zane chuckled and lowered himself into the chair beside her. “I’m sorry I can’t meet you all in person, but we’ll rectify that when you come down to visit.”

“It’s nice to meet you,” Jack said, smiling at Zane.

Bree’s parents snapped out of their shock and repeated the sentiment.