Page 58 of Trusting Her Bear

“What?” She walks down the hallway and into the kitchen. “This is amazing. I’m so excited for you.” She skips through the doorway to the front. “You must be happy.”

“I am.” I can’t help but smile at her carefree attitude. “Can we talk about why you are here and how long you will stay?”

“Let’s not,” she says, her eyes snapping to Quinn as he puts her bag on the counter.

“Gabby.” I lean by her bag.

“Sis, do you know what it’s like to have so many men watching my every move, and not in a fun way? In the ‘My family is super protective’ way?”

“I may know something about that,” I say dryly. I lean back on Quinn, who steps behind me.

“It sucks. Do you know the last time I went on a date?” she asks.

“No.”

“I don’t either; that’s how long it’s been. I miss kissing. The last guy I kissed, the uncles caught us, and I had to stop them from beating him up.” She plops down in a chair.

“So why don’t you move out?” Quinn asks.

“I—” she starts but turns desperate eyes toward me.

“Our mom depends on her,” I start, not knowing how to describe the dynamic between them. I definitely don’t know how to describe the relationship between my mom and me. “Gabby doesn’t want to leave her yet.”

“Yes, that’s it,” she says brightly.

Luckily, the door swings open, and Sally and Breeane walk in. Sally is licking an ice cream cone, and Breeane is eating a sundae.

“Hey, pretty girl,” Sally says to Gabby.

“A rabbit,” Gabby squeals. “You are gorgeous.” She stands and walks to Sally slowly.

“Thanks.” Sally grins.

“This is my sister, Gabby,” I tell Sally. “Sis, this is Sally, and you know Breeane.”

“Gabby, what are you doing here?” Breeane asks, giving her a one-armed hug.

“Just wanted to check on my big Sis. I heard all about your yummy mates,” Gabby says slightly.

“They are yummy,” Sally says.

“Are you happy?” Gabby asks, her face dreamy.

“I am,” Breeane assures her.

“Good.” My sister has the biggest heart and wants everyone to be happy.

“How long are you staying?” Sally asks.

“Well.” She turns to me. “I was thinking of moving here.”

“What?” I never thought she would leave home.

“That would be amazing,” Breeane says.

“We would love to have you,” Sally agrees.

“Did you talk to Mom and Dad about this?” I ask. Quinn feels my body tense and puts his hand on my hip.

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