Page 62 of Stay

“Yes, ma’am.” I swipe the tears from my eyes.

“He treating you like a gentleman should?”

My smile goes a mile wide. “Yes, ma’am.”

“Guess what?” She turns to him. “You’re the last ones in.”

Cole looks up at the ceiling. “Damnit.” He must read my mind because he looks over and explains, “Last ones in have to help with dishes.”

Miss Ellie hooks her arm with mine and starts walking. “Come on. I need help in the kitchen, and I bet you could use a break from my son. He talks too much.”

“What? No, I don’t.”

“See what I mean?” Ellie laughs.

“Now I know you’re done cooking,” Cole argues while we walk away from him. “What’s she gotta help you with?”

“My wine won’t drink itself,” she calls out.

We enter her kitchen, where there’s enough food to feed the entire state. My gaze lands on a platter. “Are those—”

“My deep-fried stuffing balls? Yes.” She grabs a little plate that’s next to the large tray piled high with them. “I made extra just for you, because I know how much you loved them last time you were here.”

And just like that, I’m home.

•••

Dinner is a blast. Crowded around this massive table that stretches from the kitchen to the living room, half of us sit in folded chairs, while the rest get wooden ones. My plate is full. And my heart is too.

I can’t believe they welcomed me back into their family so easily. Then again, this is how I think Cole’s family is. Everyone is family. Everyone is welcome.

As Cole’s dad, Bryan, carves a massive turkey, giving his wife props for cooking such an amazing feast, the front door squeaks open, and the dogs immediately go running.

Ellie stands up, her eyes warm even with the look of shock on her face as her youngest comes into the house. “Reid!”

“Ayyyy.” Trey leans back in his chair. “Glad you made it.”

Reid pets the dogs and tries to push past them to join us at the table. “Move, dogs.” They don’t. Tails wagging, they both fight to get head pats from him. “Come on, give me space.”

“Good to have you home, son.” Bryan glances at Ellie for a moment and they share a look. I have no clue if it’s relief or concern.

“Sorry I’m late. Traffic was terrible.”

Ellie gives him an enormous hug. “Cole, go get another chair from the basement for your brother.”

Cole hops ups and does what he’s told. My heart does a weird flip floppy thing as I watch the family interact—picking on each other, passing food, laughing, while Reid makes his way around the table to say hi to everyone. I have a feeling Reid doesn’t come home nearly as often as the others do. I wonder why?

“Here ya go.” Cole pops the creaky metal folding chair open and puts it next to me. “You get the honors of sitting by my girl.”

Reid takes a seat. “I’m Reid.” He holds his hand out for me to shake.

Guess he doesn’t remember me. Not that I expected him to. “Haley.”

His eyes widen. “Wait. Haley, Haley?”

“Yeah. Haley, Haley.” Cole gives him a look.

Reid’s exhaustion shows even when he tosses me a big smile. “It’s been a while.”

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