Total pages in book: 98
Estimated words: 94687 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 473(@200wpm)___ 379(@250wpm)___ 316(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 94687 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 473(@200wpm)___ 379(@250wpm)___ 316(@300wpm)
The second porch step creaks noisily under my weight, as it always does, and a wave of nostalgia hits me. I may not live here anymore, but it’ll always be home.
The scent of oregano and roasted tomatoes hits me the moment we push through the front door. I inhale deeply. “Lasagna?” I haven’t had my aunt’s famed dish in too long.
Aunt May rounds the corner wearing an apron. “You and that nose of yours! I can never surprise you. Come here!”
I set the floral arrangement down on the front table just in time to catch her as she pulls me into her in a tight hug. “Congratulations, sweetheart. I’m so happy for you!”
I sink into her slender yet curvy body, wishing for the thousandth time that Mama was more like her younger sister. “Thank you.”
She turns to Henry. “And you. I know you love my niece, but are you sure you want to join this family?”
“Don’t scare him off,” I scoff.
“If he hasn’t been yet, I think you’re safe,” she throws back in a mock whisper.
Henry offers a charming smile in return. “It’s good to see you again, May.”
“Here, let me help you with some of that.” She sweeps the larger gift bag out of his arms, her eyes flittering over his ensemble, which he let me choose—a casual but delicious sable crewneck and tailored jeans—ever so quickly before winking at me. It reminds me that Aunt May is only four years older than Henry and no more immune to his looks than anyone else.
She’s also the only true ally I have in this house when it comes to Mama. “Listen, before we go in there, I need to talk to you about—”
“There she is, my baby girl!” Mama appears, her hands rubbing at a tea towel. “It’s been too long.”
“A few weeks, at least.” I step into her outstretched arms and she envelops me in a warm, tight embrace. Her hugs are what I remember most growing up. No one can say she doesn’t like to give them. “Is that a new dress?” I know without asking that it is. She’s worn the same outfits for years.
“Got it yesterday.” She smooths the material over her hips. “Nothing fits me anymore.”
After that stunt with the caffeine pills to keep Henry and me apart, Mama and Daddy had a long, serious talk about her health—from the countless cups of coffee she was drinking every day to her poor diet and sedentary habits, to the fact that her mother died of a heart attack at a young age. I don’t know what else he said to her, but since then, she’s put in a real effort, cutting out caffeine, taking daily walks, and cooking healthier. “You look good.”
“I feel good. I can walk all the way to the Enderbeys’ place without needing a break.” She swings her focus to Henry.
I hold my breath.
“How is my favorite future son-in-law?” She charges forward to throw her arms around him.
Henry’s eyebrows twitch as he stoops to return her hug, the only sign that he’s shocked by her pleasant greeting. “Hello, Bernadette.”
“Oh, call me Mama if you want. Would ya look at that.” She scowls at the scab on his forehead, like a mother tending to her little boy’s injury.
“It’s nothing. Just a scratch.” His gaze flickers to me.
My mouth is gaping. Who is this woman?
“Thank the good lord you made it out of there with only that. Roger! They’re here!” Mama hollers.
“I’m aware of that.” I hear Daddy a moment before I see him, hobbling out of the kitchen, his leg still trapped by a walking cast. “I’m a little slower than everyone else, in case you forgot.” His eyes fall on me, and his face splits into a smile that Jed insists is reserved for his daughter and his daughter only.
I dive into his chest, squeezing him tight, inhaling his familiar scent: a mixture of hay and Old Spice, with a hint of tobacco from the occasional cigar.
“What is this?” Mama lifts the floral arrangement to inspect its copper vase.
“Henry picked those out for you.” No need to bring Miles into this conversation. It’s the thought that counts.
She tsks. “Well, we already knew he had impeccable taste, given his choice of future wife. This’ll make a fine centerpiece for our celebratory dinner. Thank you, Henry.” She whisks the flowers away.
I shoot a bewildered look at Henry before whispering to my father, “What have you done with Mama?”
Daddy snickers. “I guess she realized this was a battle she wasn’t gonna win and decided to make the best of things. She’s been like this all week long. Why? Would you prefer the other version?”
“No.” I shake my head in emphasis.
“Didn’t think so.” He limps the few steps to close the distance to Henry and holds out his hand. “Good to see you again.”