Page 51 of Free to Fall

“Excellent.” I press Send. The phone rings once, twice in my ear. When a sweet feminine voice answers, I immediately greet the other woman. “Hey, Aunt Jilly.”

“Laura! It’s wonderful to hear from you.”

“How are you?”

“We’re good, sweetheart. How are you?”

I want to answer, I’d be better without the stalker, thanks, but I don’t think my father intended on that as my response when he warned me to keep this to myself. I don’t relish the thirty or so people at our family dinners warming up to that thought any time soon. I ignore her question. “I have a favor to ask.”

“Anything for you.”

“Are you and Cia busy today?” I cross my fingers dramatically so Bailey begins to giggle.

“Actually, no. We were just discussing going to the pool. Why?”

“How would you like to go to the beach instead?” I notice Bailey is holding her breath. I rub her back to force her to release it.

“We’d love to,” she exclaims.

“Great. Would you mind bringing Cia’s extra beach wheelchair—the one she outgrew that you planned on donating?”

Jillian Stewart isn’t an adopted member of our extended clan for nothing. “You’re holding out on me, Laura Lockwood. Give it up.”

“Nothing but pure intentions, I swear.”

“Good. For a moment, I thought you were turning as devious as your Uncle Phil.”

“That’s blasphemy, Aunt Jilly and I’m going to tell Mama you said so.” Her peal of laughter tells me she takes the threat exactly how I meant it—as an empty one. “I’ll catch you up when you get here.”

“How about two hours? That will give me time to get Cia ready. Wait. Where’s here? Are you not at home?”

I rattle off Liam’s address. “That’s part of the surprise for both you and Cia.”

“Well, we can’t wait to see you and experience the surprise you have in store for us. Love you, Laura.”

“Love you too, Aunt Jilly.” I disconnect the call before turning a wide smile in Bailey’s direction. “So, where do you keep all your beach stuff?”

Bailey’s so excited, I’m certain she could levitate off her chair. “We’re going? We’re really going to the beach?”

“Yes. Actually, that reminds me ...” I send a text to Grace in our group chat.

Laura:

Can you bring over a bathing suit and cover-up for me? I’m taking Bailey to the beach.

Grace.

Absolutely.

Kalie:

So unfair you get to meet Bailey before me, Gracie.

Laura:

Well, if you were working from home today, you both could have come.

Kalie:

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