Total pages in book: 81
Estimated words: 77827 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 389(@200wpm)___ 311(@250wpm)___ 259(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 77827 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 389(@200wpm)___ 311(@250wpm)___ 259(@300wpm)
I chuckle. “You did not.” Alice runs the inn’s kitchen, and just thinking about a meal from her has my mouth watering. She made all the snacks and the cake for the shower. It was so damn good.
“Oh, we absolutely did,” Leighton says. “She’s planning a welcome-back dinner. It’s aggressive.” She widens her eyes dramatically.
“Define aggressive.”
“There’s a ham involved,” Courtlynn says, knowing Alice’s ham is one of my favorites.
I laugh. Not just ha-ha, that’s funny, but really laugh this time, head tipping back, the sound spilling out of me before I can stop it. And just like that, it hits me again. A quiet certainty that I made the right choice. This is my home. With my sisters is where I’m supposed to be. Living here, sharing my life with them in person, not through a screen.
This is where I’m meant to be.
“Well, I guess we’d better start packing this stuff upstairs,” Leighton says, eyeing all the gifts littering the living room.
“Actually, I’m going to go through it. Some of it we won’t need right away. The house will be ready for us to move into before she needs some of this stuff. We were so spoiled today, and a lot of the clothes and toys she won’t need yet, so I’m going to store some of it down here, or at Mary’s place,” she says, talking about her mother-in-law.
“You know you and Copeland can move into Mom and Dad’s room here on the first floor, right? It’s a lot bigger than yours now,” Courtlynn says, her tone gentle.
“I can’t do that,” Ellison tells us.
“They’re gone, Ells. They would have wanted you and their granddaughter to have the space. It’s here. You should use it.”
“The room is empty,” Leighton adds.
Our grandparents helped us pack up their things. We each kept pieces we wanted, donated some, and the rest is in the attic. I don’t know what the future holds for me, Courtlynn, or Leighton. I’d like to think we’ll all find our happily ever afters and move out, finally. I don’t know what that means for this house. I guess we could rent it out along with the rooms at the inn, like an Airbnb kind of situation, but we’ll cross that bridge when we get to it. For now, my sister, her husband, and their soon-to-be-born baby girl need the space, and we have it.
“You should do it,” I tell Ellison.
“No… you are doing it,” Courtlynn says, pulling out her “I’m the baby of the family, and what I say goes” tone. “In fact, I’ve got this,” she says. She swipes at her phone screen, and ringing fills the room. Whoever she’s calling, she wants us all to hear it.
“Court? Is Ells okay?” Copeland asks.
My heart melts at the love this man has for my sister.
“She’s perfect. The sisters have spoken. You and Ellie are going to move to the first-floor main bedroom.” She clears her throat. “Our parents’ old room,” she clarifies.
“What? Where’s Ellison?” he asks, confused, with a hint of caution to his tone. He’d never agree if she wasn’t on board.
“Sitting right here. Ya’ll need the space. The room is empty, and my niece will be here, and she’s got lots of new things. So, I need you to rally the troops. I know you said you were having a beer with the guys. Can you all drive, or do I need to come pick up your drunk asses? We’ve got furniture to move.”
Copeland chuckles, obviously used to Courtlynn’s directness. “I didn’t drink. Just water. My baby girl is too close to being born for me to be inebriated.”
“You’re a good man, Copeland James,” I call out, making him laugh.
“What do you need from me, Court?”
“Come home. We’re having a moving party, and bring some muscle with you.”
“I’m on it. Need me to bring anything home with me?” he asks.
“Nope, we’ve got shower leftovers to tackle once the work is done,” she reminds him.
“All right, Court, tell my wife and daughter that I love them. I’m on my way with the guys.”
Courtlynn ends the call, and her smile is smug. “That’s how it’s done, ladies.” She pretends to brush dust off her shoulder. “And you heard that declaration of love, right?” Courtlynn asks Ellison.
She nods. “Are you all sure about this? That’s their space,” Ellison says softly.
“Ellie, that was their space. This entire house was their space, but it’s been years. They would want this. You, Cope, and the baby need the room. It’s not forever. You’re going to be moving to your forever home soon, but until then, use the bedroom, or if you need me to, I’ll move down here, and you and Copeland can make my room the baby’s room. Whatever you’re more comfortable with.”
“Honestly, it’s probably going to be easier on you to be on this floor,” Leighton speaks up. “Think about late-night feedings. We have the rocking recliner here in the living room, you’re close to the kitchen if you need anything, and you and Cope will have your own private bathroom.”