Total pages in book: 79
Estimated words: 75775 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 379(@200wpm)___ 303(@250wpm)___ 253(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 75775 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 379(@200wpm)___ 303(@250wpm)___ 253(@300wpm)
“Where are we going?” Mom asks.
I look at Chloe, and we reply together, “Pizza Town.”
Mom shakes her head, but her smile lights up her face. “Let’s get out of these beautiful gowns and go get some cheesy breadsticks.”
Chloe winks at me, and I nod. We both know Pizza Town is our mom's favorite. If she’s going to buy lunch, it might as well be her favorite. Besides, who doesn’t love pizza?
“If you all don’t have plans tonight, you should come over. I’ll have your dad build us a fire and we can make s’mores,” Mom suggests. “This momma is feeling a little lost knowing her babies are grown women now. Today really put it into perspective for me. I love seeing you both happy, but I miss you both so much.”
I slide my arm around her shoulders, giving her a hug. When I release her, Chloe steps up and does the same.
Chloe’s eyes find mine, and I nod. “I’ll be there,” I answer.
“Us too,” Chloe says, talking about Rodney.
“Your father’s going to be so excited. We were just saying how we hate not getting to see you as often now that you’re both grown and out of the house.”
“Mom, I’ve been living out of the house for years now.”
“It’s been a couple for me too,” Chloe reminds her.
“Hush, you two.” Mom turns to me. “What about Merrick?”
“I’m not sure what he’s got going on tonight. He mentioned going fishing with his brothers, but I’m not sure if that’s still the plan. If not, I’m sure he’ll be there.” He mentioned that he and his brothers talked about going fishing later this evening, but I don’t know if any solid plans were made. Either way, it gives him an out if he needs it.
“I hope he can make it. I’d love to get to know the man who has put the light in your eyes a little better.” She hugs us both before she leaves to go to her car.
“She’s right, you know. There is a light in your eyes that I don’t think I’ve ever seen before.”
“It’s there because everyone has stopped hounding me to find a man to settle down with.” That’s only a very small piece, and I know that. I also know they’re right. Merrick has changed me. I try not to think about what’s going to happen when I have to walk away from him. My heart is going to be crushed. Again, I don’t know if this is love, but I do know there is a piece of that man that I’ll always carry with me. His influence on my life has been impactful, and I have him to thank for helping me come out of my shell and giving me the confidence to grow into the woman that I was meant to be.
“Possibly, but somehow, I don’t think so. That might be some of it, but I don’t think that’s all of it.”
“Hush.” I laugh. “Go home to your fiancé. Tease him with how beautiful your dress is. Better yet, I think I’ll text him later and tell him just that.”
My baby sister grins, and she pulls me into a fierce hug. “I love you, big sister. Thank you for being with me every step of the way.” She pulls back and shifts her purse up higher on her shoulder. “I want this for you, Court. I want you to know what it’s like to be this in love.”
“I’m not some old spinster. There’s still time. I’m not going to be a single cat lady yet,” I tease.
“Stop.” She chuckles. “Be safe. I’ll see you later at Mom and Dad’s.”
“You too. Love you.”
“Love you!” she calls out, moving toward her car.
I do the same and rush to roll down the windows and blast the air conditioning. I should have started the car to let it cool down while we were chatting. Once the cool air starts to circulate, I roll up my windows and call Merrick via my Bluetooth as I pull out of the lot.
“Hey,” he answers. “How was the dress fitting?”
“She’s beautiful.” My baby sister is going to be a beautiful bride.
“If she’s anything like her older sister, she is. Are you done?”
His words wrap themselves around my heart and tug at the strings. Does he even realize how sweet he is? How do his words make me feel as though I’m precious to him? I’m sure he doesn’t, which is why I need to keep reminding myself this is all for show, and Merrick is just one of those guys who can easily dish out compliments. It’s part of his charisma. “We are. We just had lunch.”
“I just got back too. I went over to Rushton’s. He got Caden a Power Wheels truck, and I had to be there to see him drive it. That kid is a trip. He’s fearless. We had to stop him from hitting several trees and the swing set.” He snickers. “Crosby made burgers on the grill.”